Whats up with the 'Sladder Climbing system"?

[RRohn]

Just trying to bump this thread one more time in case anyone who has a sladder has had more time to try it out. The sale they have going on ends this Friday and I'm trying to decide if I will pull the trigger or not.

I've had it for a couple of weeks now and absolutely love it. I use a tether to climb instead of just a lineman's belt. It takes a few seconds more, but just something I prefer for safety's sake.

It is key to get place your foot in deep enough on the first step so that you continue to have enough room between the rungs and the tree as you work your way up. It helps a lot if you get your foot in as far as possible with each step and pull the rung from the tree. The distance closes slightly with each step. I did not find this to be a big deal, just one of those learning curves that you have no matter what new toy you buy.

The only learning curve I've found is getting my size 13 boot in the last step before stepping up into the stirrups. I know grayskwerel slants his foot upward and then using the grip of the boot, moves the rung away from the tree, but for me, I found that sliding my foot in the side and then putting my toe to the tree worked better - again size 13 boot - haaa.

It is such an easy method for climbing and very stable due to the design, and no swaying back and forth. It is very quiet, no metal clanging, compact and fits in the side pouch of my saddle, light weight, and more importantly, I can get max vertical feet with each movement. I am 6' and get about 7' each time. I'm at hunting height within 3 movements (climbs).

For those short sits, I don't have to take in a platform and instead use the stirrups. Once I reach hunting height, I tighten the top attachment - not ideal if having to move around the tree for 360 deg shots, but if only trying to cover 1 or 2 directions and minimal movement, it is definitely doable.

A couple peeps have asked about climbing down... that is difficult. The Sladder rests against the tree and trying to get your foot onto the first rung and pull the Sladder away from the tree to be able to plant your foot firmly on the rung is very challenging, in addition to being time consuming. In addition, once you climbed down one movement, you would have to sit back in your saddle to attach the bottom of the Sladder to the tree, then move back up the Sladder to disconnect the top. I'm sure if you played with it long enough, one might find a way to do it, but for me, it will be rappelling down... besides, it's more fun to rappel - haaaa

 

[HunterBob]

I've had it for a couple of weeks now and absolutely love it. I use a tether to climb instead of just a lineman's belt. It takes a few seconds more, but just something I prefer for safety's sake.

It is key to get place your foot in deep enough on the first step so that you continue to have enough room between the rungs and the tree as you work your way up. It helps a lot if you get your foot in as far as possible with each step and pull the rung from the tree. The distance closes slightly with each step. I did not find this to be a big deal, just one of those learning curves that you have no matter what new toy you buy.

The only learning curve I've found is getting my size 13 boot in the last step before stepping up into the stirrups. I know grayskwerel slants his foot upward and then using the grip of the boot, moves the rung away from the tree, but for me, I found that sliding my foot in the side and then putting my toe to the tree worked better - again size 13 boot - haaa.

It is such an easy method for climbing and very stable due to the design, and no swaying back and forth. It is very quiet, no metal clanging, compact and fits in the side pouch of my saddle, light weight, and more importantly, I can get max vertical feet with each movement. I am 6' and get about 7' each time. I'm at hunting height within 3 movements (climbs).

For those short sits, I don't have to take in a platform and instead use the stirrups. Once I reach hunting height, I tighten the top attachment - not ideal if having to move around the tree for 360 deg shots, but if only trying to cover 1 or 2 directions and minimal movement, it is definitely doable.

A couple peeps have asked about climbing down... that is difficult. The Sladder rests against the tree and trying to get your foot onto the first rung and pull the Sladder away from the tree to be able to plant your foot firmly on the rung is very challenging, in addition to being time consuming. In addition, once you climbed down one movement, you would have to sit back in your saddle to attach the bottom of the Sladder to the tree, then move back up the Sladder to disconnect the top. I'm sure if you played with it long enough, one might find a way to do it, but for me, it will be rappelling down... besides, it's more fun to rappel - haaaa

Awesome, thanks for the review! I appreciate it and may end up getting one myself.

 

[woodsdog2]

I've had it for a couple of weeks now and absolutely love it. I use a tether to climb instead of just a lineman's belt. It takes a few seconds more, but just something I prefer for safety's sake.

It is key to get place your foot in deep enough on the first step so that you continue to have enough room between the rungs and the tree as you work your way up. It helps a lot if you get your foot in as far as possible with each step and pull the rung from the tree. The distance closes slightly with each step. I did not find this to be a big deal, just one of those learning curves that you have no matter what new toy you buy.

The only learning curve I've found is getting my size 13 boot in the last step before stepping up into the stirrups. I know grayskwerel slants his foot upward and then using the grip of the boot, moves the rung away from the tree, but for me, I found that sliding my foot in the side and then putting my toe to the tree worked better - again size 13 boot - haaa.

It is such an easy method for climbing and very stable due to the design, and no swaying back and forth. It is very quiet, no metal clanging, compact and fits in the side pouch of my saddle, light weight, and more importantly, I can get max vertical feet with each movement. I am 6' and get about 7' each time. I'm at hunting height within 3 movements (climbs).

For those short sits, I don't have to take in a platform and instead use the stirrups. Once I reach hunting height, I tighten the top attachment - not ideal if having to move around the tree for 360 deg shots, but if only trying to cover 1 or 2 directions and minimal movement, it is definitely doable.

A couple peeps have asked about climbing down... that is difficult. The Sladder rests against the tree and trying to get your foot onto the first rung and pull the Sladder away from the tree to be able to plant your foot firmly on the rung is very challenging, in addition to being time consuming. In addition, once you climbed down one movement, you would have to sit back in your saddle to attach the bottom of the Sladder to the tree, then move back up the Sladder to disconnect the top. I'm sure if you played with it long enough, one might find a way to do it, but for me, it will be rappelling down... besides, it's more fun to rappel - haaaa

This is great. Thanks for the review and information. I can tell for certain you’ve been working with it a a lot and this review brings up those subtle points for everyone to know about. Overall, do you recommend it?

 

[Allegheny Tom]

I guess this is more of a statement about me and less of a statement about the Sladder.
It's just not for me. Maybe it's the couple of trees that I tried (size, bark, etc), maybe it's my small feet, or short legs.
Maybe I'm just getting old but I've always been pretty agile and a pretty good climber, very comfortable in trees and no fear of heights.
All my life I hunted pre-sets and used either screw-in steps or bolts. I have sticks but rarely use them because I hate carrying them. I so much wanted the Sladder to solve that issue because I will most likely be hunting on property next season that the landowner doesn't want anything screwed into his trees.
Looks like I will post this on the classifieds as soon as I re-up my subscription.
FYI, I was one of those who asked about using it to climb back down. The problem with that is trying to get your foot into the top step on the way down. But there are so many creative genius' on this site and I assume someone will come up with a mod or technique for descending on it.
And I now have the guilts and I hate to accept defeat.

 

[woodsdog2]

I guess this is more of a statement about me and less of a statement about the Sladder.
It's just not for me. Maybe it's the couple of trees that I tried (size, bark, etc), maybe it's my small feet, or short legs.
Maybe I'm just getting old but I've always been pretty agile and a pretty good climber, very comfortable in trees and no fear of heights.
All my life I hunted pre-sets and used either screw-in steps or bolts. I have sticks but rarely use them because I hate carrying them. I so much wanted the Sladder to solve that issue because I will most likely be hunting on property next season that the landowner doesn't want anything screwed into his trees.
Looks like I will post this on the classifieds as soon as I re-up my subscription.
FYI, I was one of those who asked about using it to climb back down. The problem with that is trying to get your foot into the top step on the way down. But there are so many creative genius' on this site and I assume someone will come up with a mod or technique for descending on it.
And I now have the guilts and I hate to accept defeat.

So you have it and have used it ~ tried it? I have mine but am in hunt mode and haven't tried it out yet. Looking forward to it though for sure!

 

[RRohn]

This is great. Thanks for the review and information. I can tell for certain you’ve been working with it a a lot and this review brings up those subtle points for everyone to know about. Overall, do you recommend it?

I've tried a couple different climbing options and definitely like this one the best - highly recommended!!
Everyone is going to have their own requirements for a solution... mine was for max vertical feet with each movement, compact, followed by lightweight. This solved all of those for me.

In addition, the effort seems less to me, which also keeps me from getting too sweaty climbing trees in early season.

 

[gcr0003]

I guess this is more of a statement about me and less of a statement about the Sladder.
It's just not for me. Maybe it's the couple of trees that I tried (size, bark, etc), maybe it's my small feet, or short legs.
Maybe I'm just getting old but I've always been pretty agile and a pretty good climber, very comfortable in trees and no fear of heights.
All my life I hunted pre-sets and used either screw-in steps or bolts. I have sticks but rarely use them because I hate carrying them. I so much wanted the Sladder to solve that issue because I will most likely be hunting on property next season that the landowner doesn't want anything screwed into his trees.
Looks like I will post this on the classifieds as soon as I re-up my subscription.
FYI, I was one of those who asked about using it to climb back down. The problem with that is trying to get your foot into the top step on the way down. But there are so many creative genius' on this site and I assume someone will come up with a mod or technique for descending on it.
And I now have the guilts and I hate to accept defeat.

How many times did you practice with it? I’m curious if you have any prior one-stick or 2TC experience? If I recall you don’t have experience rappelling either, though that would make it a viable option for you?

If you have experience one sticking or 2TC this may be helpful. If not, disregard. My thoughts would be when descending you should treat it as one stick climbing, or 2TC (which ever is easier to imagine for you). You would be hanging from your saddle, disconnecting the sladder, moving it down and reattaching. You don’t need to climb the first step going down, so attach it slightly higher such that your foot goes into the 2nd or 3rd rung or whichever step that has enough room. Stand on the bottom step or close to that and then move your tether down to right above the sladder. Rinse and repeat.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

So you have it and have used it ~ tried it? I have mine but am in hunt mode and haven't tried it out yet. Looking forward to it though for sure!

I did try it but very short term in the yard. Still haven't decided 100% on it but my initial impressions weren't positive...FOR ME. This is no statement on the Sladder. Workmanship seems excellent and the concept is very interesting.
I was 50/50 on it until I had difficulty getting it to release. That kind of left a bad taste.
Like I said, I hate to admit defeat. I really should give it more of an honest try.
Seems like a lot of experienced tree climbers on here really like it, so it's probably an issue with me not the Sladder.
Judge for yourself.

 

[gcr0003]

I've tried a couple different climbing options and definitely like this one the best - highly recommended!!
Everyone is going to have their own requirements for a solution... mine was for max vertical feet with each movement, compact, followed by lightweight. This solved all of those for me.

In addition, the effort seems less to me, which also keeps me from getting too sweaty climbing trees in early season.

I know going up you can stand on the top stirrup, reach down and disconnect the bottom stirrup, then pull it up through your legs and reconnect. Going down do you think if the top is connected and you step down to the hanging bottom stirrups would be able to connect the bottom stirrups? Alternatively do you think that if you move the tether to right above the sladder and we’re hanging that you would be able to connect the bottom stirrups? If you were hanging and able to connect the bottom stirrup then you could stand in the stirrup and disconnect the top and drop it down between the legs? Sounds like this may be what you already been trying?

 

[woodsdog2]

I know going up you can stand on the top stirrup, reach down and disconnect the bottom stirrup, then pull it up through your legs and reconnect. Going down do you think if the top is connected and you step down to the hanging bottom stirrups would be able to connect the bottom stirrups? Alternatively do you think that if you move the tether to right above the sladder and we’re hanging that you would be able to connect the bottom stirrups? If you were hanging and able to connect the bottom stirrup then you could stand in the stirrup and disconnect the top and drop it down between the legs? Sounds like this may be what you already been trying?

I agree, simply a reverse of going up. If it would stop raining around here, I would be trying it out.

 

[Plebe]

Can anyone comment on using the sladder with different boot styles? In the video @grayskwerel wears hiking boots with a relatively high flex, which seems to help with the climb.

I most often hunt in low flex, rigid soled mountain boots but sometimes I use rubber boots.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

How many times did you practice with it? I’m curious if you have any prior one-stick or 2TC experience? If I recall you don’t have experience rappelling either, though that would make it a viable option for you?

If you have experience one sticking or 2TC this may be helpful. If not, disregard. My thoughts would be when descending you should treat it as one stick climbing, or 2TC (which ever is easier to imagine for you). You would be hanging from your saddle, disconnecting the sladder, moving it down and reattaching. You don’t need to climb the first step going down, so attach it slightly higher such that your foot goes into the 2nd or 3rd rung or whichever step that has enough room. Stand on the bottom step or close to that and then move your tether down to right above the sladder. Rinse and repeat.

Half a dozen times on 2 trees in the yard. Shagbark hickory with minor shag to the bark but enough to snag the daisy chain and was most likely the reason I had issues getting it to release. I believe the type of bark would have an effect on how well it would work for me.
I do not have one-sick experience, but I did try 2TC and was not crazy about it. I bought a used kit from SH classifieds and I struggled with it a little bit.
I have (or had) full intensions on getting rappel gear from EWO but I thought I needed to check out the Sladder 1st. If I keep it then rappel gear it is. If I don't keep it then I can use the money for other gear (that you guys repeatedly force me to buy!
One of the trees that I tried was my practice tree in the yard. It has bolts in it so descending wasn't really something that I was analyzing. I was mainly looking at the actual climbing.
Another thing that may be an issue is I was climbing with my LB and not my tether. Maybe that would make a world of difference??

 

[Weldabeast]

I don't have this product but my diy climbing method is pretty much the same thing but I have 2 separate standing stirrups and 1 long aider. I rappel but sometimes when not too high or have to untie the friction hitch to retrieve the rope I'll climb down and this is the process. It would work with this product to I bet.........standing in the top stirrup that is attached to the tree climb down till at the bottom of aider using linesman belt. Attach tether and sit. Attach second stirrup. Reach up and disconnect aider and then reattach at the lower stirrup. Reach up and disconnect upper stirrup. Disconnect tether and climb down to the bottom of the aider. I'm sure u could do the same if u prefer to climb using a tether vs linesman. You guys just need practice. Former 1 stick experience would be helpful but not needed. It's obviously much slower than rappelling and more noisy

I never held this thing so I'm unsure of the hooks....I just tie a knot with rope on my stirrups

 

[RRohn]

I did try it but very short term in the yard. Still haven't decided 100% on it but my initial impressions weren't positive...FOR ME. This is no statement on the Sladder. Workmanship seems excellent and the concept is very interesting.
I was 50/50 on it until I had difficulty getting it to release. That kind of left a bad taste.
Like I said, I hate to admit defeat. I really should give it more of an honest try.
Seems like a lot of experienced tree climbers on here really like it, so it's probably an issue with me not the Sladder.
Judge for yourself.

Something that may help with the release... I found that if you tighten the Sladder as tight as you can, the release is very difficult, but, as grayskwerel mentioned in one of his videos, you need it to be a little loose. I find the loop that is tightest, then back it off one loop and with a quick pull up and release of the Sladder, maybe 2, it comes loose right away. In order for the bottom to come loose, it has to be loose enough for it to flip upside down when you pull up and enough slack for it to fall back down. The attachment actually releases when you drop it back down after pulling up.

Again, the trick is not attaching the Sladder too tight, which initially goes against everything in my head. I'm thinking it needs to be as tight as possible so it doesn't slip down the tree, but I found that backing it off one loop still does not allow it to slide down the tree once you 'set' the Sladder in place and additionally allows for an easier release from the top.

Hope this helps

 

[RRohn]

I know going up you can stand on the top stirrup, reach down and disconnect the bottom stirrup, then pull it up through your legs and reconnect. Going down do you think if the top is connected and you step down to the hanging bottom stirrups would be able to connect the bottom stirrups? Alternatively do you think that if you move the tether to right above the sladder and we’re hanging that you would be able to connect the bottom stirrups? If you were hanging and able to connect the bottom stirrup then you could stand in the stirrup and disconnect the top and drop it down between the legs? Sounds like this may be what you already been trying?

I don't think that would work because all your weight is on the Sladder and the bottom attachment would have to be rolled under in order to attach. The only way I see that working is if you climb down, hang from a tether in the saddle taking all weight off of the Sladder, roll the bottom attachment under and connect, then put your put your feet in the stirrups to reach up and disconnect the top. I haven't tried that yet as I rappel down, but that's what I'm thinking after using it a bit. With a little effort, you could probably come down, but it will take some time.

Because the Sladder is an end over end climbing solution, the two ends are opposite (front vs back) for connecting to the tree... if that makes sense.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Can anyone comment on using the sladder with different boot styles? In the video @grayskwerel wears hiking boots with a relatively high flex, which seems to help with the climb.

I most often hunt in low flex, rigid soled mountain boots but sometimes I use rubber boots.

Haha, I was wearing old hiking boots that are on the verge of self destructing. They've been ready for the trash can for a while now. The left one pretty much delaminated during my test. Might be too far gone for shoe goo this time!

 

[bowhunthard88]

I have a Sladder and I'm pretty impressed overall! I do agree, depending on location, and average size of trees, that the daisy-chain might be a bit short (I probably would need 5' typically). I have not had time to climb with it yet; between work, family, and hunting... I have high hopes for this system from an efficiency/packability standpoint. I also do plan to rappel, but on the other hand, I already have all of that stuff. I doubt that I'll use this as my platform at height, but we'll see what my impressions are once I actually put it into use.

 

[Jtaylor]

After climbing with sticks the other night and having them clang together hanging off my saddle, I have to give this a chance. I had my doubts but after watching the videos it seems pretty viable. I like there's 2 attachment points for crooked trees and added stability.
I also like the idea you can stuff everything in a dump pouch on the hip belt on my pack, walk up to a tree and go rather than unloading and unstrapping stuff off my pack. Having a built in gear hanger is nice too.
I hunt a lot of crooked janky trees full of limbs so it might be a challenge but rarely do I need be more than 12-15ft off the ground to see above CRP or crops so a move or 2 will probably be enough.
I hope to get it within a week or so to practice before my time off over rut.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Just a bit of an update...
I was determined to not throw in the towel so I went out and climbed a few more trees. It got better each time for the most part.
I think possibly my biggest issue was (is) I don't yet have repelling gear so, in order to get back to earth, I was climbing trees that I had bolts or climbing sticks and even an extension ladder. My main goal was to see how well I could climb and make subsequent moves. I mistakenly wasn't too concerned about the repelling aspect because I assumed I would climb back down with the alternative stuff like the climbing sticks, etc. Obviously not the technique for the real world hunting situations but maybe good enough for a few experiments??

The problem with that approach was there was always something in my way. I was fighting sticks or ladders while I was trying to advance the Sladder. I can see if I had rappel gear, that those "issues" would vanish. My early mindset was that I didn't want to spend a couple hundred on rappel gear until I had the Sladder in hand long enough to give it a test drive. That was the wrong approach. I'd advise anyone that wants to try one to have access the ALL the gear you'll need to climb up and then SAFELY get back down. I'm not fully equipped yet, so I guess I need to contact Dano and send him some money for rappel stuff.

As for descending with the Sladder, it was a major challenge with trying to come down with the Sladder while using a lineman. Too soon to tell for certain but if using it to climb down, I assume you might need to use a tether instead of a lineman. I do have an idea how to make it a little easier to Sladder down but I have not tried it yet, it's just something rattling around in my skull.
My compliments to Sladder. Not sure if I'm at liberty to divulge his name but he reached out to me after my earlier post and we had a very productive and enjoyable conversation.

 

[Weldabeast]

Just a bit of an update...
I was determined to not throw in the towel so I went out and climbed a few more trees. It got better each time for the most part.
I think possibly my biggest issue was (is) I don't yet have repelling gear so, in order to get back to earth, I was climbing trees that I had bolts or climbing sticks and even an extension ladder. My main goal was to see how well I could climb and make subsequent moves. I mistakenly wasn't too concerned about the repelling aspect because I assumed I would climb back down with the alternative stuff like the climbing sticks, etc. Obviously not the technique for the real world hunting situations but maybe good enough for a few experiments??

The problem with that approach was there was always something in my way. I was fighting sticks or ladders while I was trying to advance the Sladder. I can see if I had rappel gear, that those "issues" would vanish. My early mindset was that I didn't want to spend a couple hundred on rappel gear until I had the Sladder in hand long enough to give it a test drive. That was the wrong approach. I'd advise anyone that wants to try one to have access the ALL the gear you'll need to climb up and then SAFELY get back down. I'm not fully equipped yet, so I guess I need to contact Dano and send him some money for rappel stuff.

As for descending with the Sladder, it was a major challenge with trying to come down with the Sladder while using a lineman. Too soon to tell for certain but if using it to climb down, I assume you might need to use a tether instead of a lineman. I do have an idea how to make it a little easier to Sladder down but I have not tried it yet, it's just something rattling around in my skull.
My compliments to Sladder. Not sure if I'm at liberty to divulge his name but he reached out to me after my earlier post and we had a very productive and enjoyable conversation.

Everybody overthinks and over spends on the rappel gear. U need 1 length of rope long as u see fit, 1 appropriately sized hitch cord and a biner...... That's it.....sound crazy but it's true. Just as effective and imo more safe than trusting a doohicky


Edit:..... and u also need a little know how