Mobile climbing methods public land

[kidneystones_3000]

Let me give you some back ground information first. I plan on buying a Tree saddle sometime this spring after that I plan on practicing using it like 3 Sunday mornings for 3 hours each. I have been using a climbing tree stands forever (I would bear hug a tree or use my seat as climbing aid to climb up 20lbs). I hunt 100% public land. I live in Wisconsin near Milwaukee. I am only interested in mobile climbing methods. I did my research from watching YouTube videos and listing to podcasts mostly from G2 Outdoors and DIY Sportsman. I watch a lot of different mobile climbing methods and I learned there are only 2 good options they are wild edge steps and the one stick climbing method. I plan on using both for deferent hunting situations. From research I learned that the one stick method ( the DIY sportsmen said he actually 3 but I plan using 2 lone wolf sticks) is faster than wild edge steps. I also learned that climbing sticks are better when you have put more layering of clothes on in winter. You should choose Wild edge steps for hunts that require a more compact system, regardless of distance. For leaning trees I heard that climbing sticks are better. For a plat form I plan on using wild edge steps and plan buying a total of 8 I am 5”9’.

My question is this when climbing tree that has branches on it which climbing method is better? Please share your opinions of the pros and cons of both of these methods.. As a final not I am undecided on which tree saddle I should buy a Mantis Saddle or a Aero Hunter Tree Saddles. If you have any experiences with these saddles or no some who has let me know please thanks. IF you work these 2 companies or get sponsor ships from any companies don’t reply I like unbiased opinions. IF you disagree with anything written in this letter let me know I am just a novice thanks.

 

[EricS]

Wild edge stepps are the most versatile climbing system I have used. You may have difficulty tying the knot in extreme cold because of mittens but the steps can be put as close as you want or as far as you can reach to tie one on. People are climbing using wild edge stepps in so many different ways that it is a subject in itself.
Climbing sticks are the same way. Single steps both stationary and folding. Double steps both stationary and folding. Polymer sticks. Factory sticks, modded sticks, or full custom sticks. Sticks with 16 inch spacing or beast sticks with 22” spacing the latter of which may prove difficult with heavy clothing depending on your stride.
We haven’t even talked about using aiders with each system.
Going around limbs is simple but can be annoying. If you are standing in an aider it’s aggravating but if you are standing on top of a wild edge stepp or a two step climbing stick it’s about the same either way. I pull out my tether to use as a limesmans and put it above the limb and hooked in. Tighten it and remove your lower rope and keep climbing. Always stay hooked in.

 

[CRC]

There's definitely a learnig curve to Wild Edge Steps and they are compact, The Lone Wolf sticks are a lot faster and easier to master, they are also longer. They are either too high or too low when attached to your backpack. For a lighter more compact system...IMO Wild Edge steps are awesome. As a first time saddle hunter I'm keyed in on safety, luckily I have a lot of tree's in my backyard and I practice all the time. It's a New System and only through practice do we gain the confidence in our system to Trust it. And we are a lot safer, because we are always tied to the tree... Lineman's Belt or Tether. NOTE; watching you Tube video's VS Real Life Experience are 2 different things. Be sure to test all your equipment that your Life depends on close to the ground first... so only your Pride is hurt! Be safe and have fun.