The Best Public-Legal Climbing Method

[JSEXTON23]

Anyone using squirrel steps with 7ft OCB for climbing what are you doing with the tag end of 7 ft straps in the wind sent nutterbuster a PM but haven't heard back??? Thanks

Yes, I climb with SS exclusively now. If the tree is smaller I wrap the tag end around as much as it will allow, then tuck it under one of the wraps. If the tree is larger I tuck the tag end either under the step itself, between the back of the step and the tree, or if it cannot reach completely around the tree I tuck it under the portion of strap that is connected to the tree then tighten the strap down and cam over the ocb.

 

[KYhunter66]

Yes, I climb with SS exclusively now. If the tree is smaller I wrap the tag end around as much as it will allow, then tuck it under one of the wraps. If the tree is larger I tuck the tag end either under the step itself, between the back of the step and the tree, or if it cannot reach completely around the tree I tuck it under the portion of strap that is connected to the tree then tighten the strap down and cam over the ocb.

Thanks

 

[JSEXTON23]

Thanks

You bet! I usually climb smaller trees but tucking under the step itself after I’ve set the step works well. You’ll have to use some effort to get the heel of the step off the tree, but once you get the strap under there it’s secure

 

[Earlybird31]

I have 10 SS but have not committed to them exclusively since this is my first year saddle hunting. They've been easy for you so far? I'm using 4 heliums for now, but look forward to getting comfortable with them.

 

[JSEXTON23]

I have 10 SS but have not committed to them exclusively since this is my first year saddle hunting. They've been easy for you so far? I'm using 4 heliums for now, but look forward to getting comfortable with them.

For me, yes, they have been easier and quieter than sticks. I have 10 and can easily get 20-22ft with them. They ride in my fanny pack, so the packability is superior in my opinion.

It did take me a couple of climbs to get smooth and to also realize I didn’t have to get the strap so tight that I couldn’t cam over the buckle. Once it clicked I sold my sticks.

 

[philsanchez76]

Anyone using squirrel steps with 7ft OCB for climbing what are you doing with the tag end of 7 ft straps in the wind sent nutterbuster a PM but haven't heard back??? Thanks

Wrap the extra around the tree again and then pull the last few inches under the last wrap. You can kind of see it in this pic. If it’s real windy I will take my time and get them nice and tight and secure. If it’s not that windy I do it faster cuz the tags won’t be blowing around as much.

 

[BCHunter]

I've picked up a bunch of Ameristeps off of FB marketplace for stupid cheap. I'm loving these things, they are so compact, not as much as cranfords, but the cam buckle keeps everything tight and they are easy to use.

 

[Dylan9862003]

I would like to see the comparison between SS and the LWHC method or a combination of the two. Seems like the tree in the video and most of the trees I see people posting up pics of don't have limbs to contend with. I have to think the LWHC would be faster then the SS or the cranfords and if going in blind carrying in a few SS and the LWHC would basically make tree selection a non issue. Just brainstorming but I'm gonna end up ordering SS too now...………….. Does it ever end..LOL

 

[mattsteg]

People make videos of trees that are easy to make videos of. They may hunt from other trees. Also if you dislike bulk, the lwhc isn't small. Depending on your overall system and preferences this may matter or not.

 

[Dylan9862003]

People make videos of trees that are easy to make videos of. They may hunt from other trees. Also if you dislike bulk, the lwhc isn't small. Depending

A climbing method shoot out would be interesting.
I just meant for comparison sake between the methods. I firmly believe they each have their strengths and weaknesses and some are not for everybody. My LWHC fits in my backpack and is narrower then my shoulders so the bulk aspect is not that big of a deal. Definitely notable as compared to the packability of the SS. Drill and bolts where legal probably being the king as far as packability is concerned but take some time climbing. They each have their trade offs.

 

[Labonte.r]

Imo the ss is more compact than the hand climber And I know when I bring my squirrels with me I can climb any tree I want. These alone negate the benefits of a hand climber for me. I got away from my climber due to the fact I couldn’t always get in the tree I preferred. I got 10 squirrels in two Dan O dump pouches that weight 5-6 lbs. once at tree I put pouches on my pack belt and start climbing. I run cam buckles for my climbing steps as little easier and quicker for me. Ros is 5 squirrels on a sewn ocb from DanO. I’ve tried both his configurations with ocb and to me the sewn ocb is easier than ocb with hook. I was having issues where the hooks would slip from ocb buckle while adjusting my ros and be a pain. With the sewn ocb it takes two seconds to thread strap through the buckle And straps not going to fall off. I don’t see the hand climber being any quicker once you find a rhythm with the steps

 

[Dkiss103]

Anyone using squirrel steps with 7ft OCB for climbing what are you doing with the tag end of 7 ft straps in the wind sent nutterbuster a PM but haven't heard back??? Thanks

I’ve been wondering the same. Have a few ideas I’m gonna try this weekend.

 

[Dkiss103]

Imo the ss is more compact than the hand climber And I know when I bring my squirrels with me I can climb any tree I want. These alone negate the benefits of a hand climber for me. I got away from my climber due to the fact I couldn’t always get in the tree I preferred. I got 10 squirrels in two Dan O dump pouches that weight 5-6 lbs. once at tree I put pouches on my pack belt and start climbing. I run cam buckles for my climbing steps as little easier and quicker for me. Ros is 5 squirrels on a sewn ocb from DanO. I’ve tried both his configurations with ocb and to me the sewn ocb is easier than ocb with hook. I was having issues where the hooks would slip from ocb buckle while adjusting my ros and be a pain. With the sewn ocb it takes two seconds to thread strap through the buckle And straps not going to fall off. I don’t see the hand climber being any quicker once you find a rhythm with the steps

I’ve also noticed that problem with the hook style ocb. Gonna order some sewn on and try it out. Thanks

 

[kyler1945]

90*+ heat
Mosquitos
Gnats
Chiggers
Ticks
Value of time
Work
Family

A few reasons why people aren’t excited to make videos of climbing trees with branches. Maybe I’m weird, but I’m not making a video to convince someone to do something. I’m just trying to share information. If the viewer can’t do some critical thinking to see how what they’re watching relates to them, not my problem.

Anyone being anything but gracious that someone would take time out of their schedule to demo equipment is beyond me. How quickly the world owes people something.

In other news, if you’re wanting to compare all climbing methods, then you need to take into consideration all aspects of your physical condition, hunting location and style of hunting. Which will inevitably be different than the person doing a comparison. The time spent climbing is just one part of the viability of a climbing method. Preparing it for a hunt, packing it for a hunt, carrying it for a hunt, unpacking it for a climb, climbing up, climbing down, packing it up, carrying it out, storing it.

When you take all that into consideration, you see why you get an ‘apples to apples’ comparison of climbing methods on straight trees.

Pay 15.00 to access the classifieds, and catch and release every climbing method with little to no cost. Use them all and figure out what works best for you.

I only use three after taking all of this stuff into consideration- one stick, bolts, and SS’s. But I’m not you. Or anyone else. All you can do is try it yourself, or think about how what you see on the internet applies to you.

If being limited to only trees without branches with the hand climber is acceptable to you, rock on. If bringing a handful of steps with you in case there’s a branch is your answer, rock on.

 

[Labonte.r]

I’ve also noticed that problem with the hook style ocb. Gonna order some sewn on and try it out. Thanks

Imo way easier. You give up couple seconds threading buckle but than I don’t have to worry about that dam hook and my steps falling off tree and sounding like wind chimes

 

[mattsteg]

I guess I just figure that a handclimber is probably quicker, but won't work in enough trees that I don't consider it a viable go-to. If you want a "shootout" look at lwhc videos, estimate any time distances, then think about the trees you hunt and how consistently it would be usable. And consider whether having a platform vs. ROS matters to you.

At the end of the day - you gotta do you. Whether that means finding something good enough and sticking with it, trying everything under the sun, or something in between.

 

[Nutterbuster]

Cool to see this thread come back up.

I havent been posting or youtubing as much now that hunting season is here. We're also into the fall semester at work, so I've been busy on all fronts. Sorry to leave people hanging.

I bought a cheapo pack of elastic strap keepers that I use to manage my dangling straps. Weighs nothing, no bulk, works well.

As far as climbing trees with limbs, redsquirrel would fuss at me if I posted a video of me unhooking my linemans belt and tossing it around and over limbs.

 

[Dylan9862003]

90*+ heat
Mosquitos
Gnats
Chiggers
Ticks
Value of time
Work
Family

A few reasons why people aren’t excited to make videos of climbing trees with branches. Maybe I’m weird, but I’m not making a video to convince someone to do something. I’m just trying to share information. If the viewer can’t do some critical thinking to see how what they’re watching relates to them, not my problem.

Anyone being anything but gracious that someone would take time out of their schedule to demo equipment is beyond me. How quickly the world owes people something.

In other news, if you’re wanting to compare all climbing methods, then you need to take into consideration all aspects of your physical condition, hunting location and style of hunting. Which will inevitably be different than the person doing a comparison. The time spent climbing is just one part of the viability of a climbing method. Preparing it for a hunt, packing it for a hunt, carrying it for a hunt, unpacking it for a climb, climbing up, climbing down, packing it up, carrying it out, storing it.

When you take all that into consideration, you see why you get an ‘apples to apples’ comparison of climbing methods on straight trees.

Pay 15.00 to access the classifieds, and catch and release every climbing method with little to no cost. Use them all and figure out what works best for you.

I only use three after taking all of this stuff into consideration- one stick, bolts, and SS’s. But I’m not you. Or anyone else. All you can do is try it yourself, or think about how what you see on the internet applies to you.

If being limited to only trees without branches with the hand climber is acceptable to you, rock on. If bringing a handful of steps with you in case there’s a branch is your answer, rock on.

Wow that completely went the wrong direction.
My comment/question was not intended in anyway to be derogatory about the video or the fact that you took time out to test and share the findings from said test. If anything I learned a good bit from it and even noted that I would now end up ordering some based on the video If my question offended you in some way I apologize. I was only asking for a second opinion from the people whos opinions carry some weight. It was merely meant to be a talking point not nit picking or naysaying.

 

[kyler1945]

Wow that completely went the wrong direction.
My comment/question was not intended in anyway to be derogatory about the video or the fact that you took time out to test and share the findings from said test. If anything I learned a good bit from it and even noted that I would now end up ordering some based on the video If my question offended you in some way I apologize. I was only asking for a second opinion from the people whos opinions carry some weight. It was merely meant to be a talking point not nit picking or naysaying.

It’s not offensive, just get a lot of posts complaining or trying to prove a point that using a method isn’t that easy because there’s no branches. Really annoying.

Sorry if I jumped the gun. It’s the first real cold front we’ve had down here and I am working. To say I’m a bit crabby is an understatement. Carry on.

 

[Dylan9862003]

It’s not offensive, just get a lot of posts complaining or trying to prove a point that using a method isn’t that easy because there’s no branches. Really annoying.

Sorry if I jumped the gun. It’s the first real cold front we’ve had down here and I am working. To say I’m a bit crabby is an understatement. Carry on.

No problem
I'm local to you and we know quite a few of the same people. I'm daydreaming of thickets and elevated hunting positions as well but stuck at work until lunch tomorrow.