SemperFlightMedic
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2019
- Messages
- 212
New to saddle hunting this year. Have used climbing stands in the past. Started out this season with the intent of learning about Saddle Hunting and got myself hooked up with Tethrd gear. Very happy with it! Finding climbing methods has been an adventure. I started out with sticks, and while they worked great and were easy to use, I wanted something more packable, lighter and lower profile. Was fortunate enough to chat with another Saddle Hunter here, who helped me out with some spurs, and also set me up with some rope for DRT/SRT- having a great time with that! Today, a set of Wild Edge SteppLadders arrived, and after getting some chores done in the garage, I headed out in the yard to a tree. After about 10 minutes or so I got the hang of "the knot", and then spent some time testing out the stability of the steps. I'm sure some geometry whiz can explain why (I can't), but I couldn't be more impressed with how stable the steps are once they're cammed over and locked in place.
I experimented with a few methods for tying the knot, but came back to the WE recommended method. I spent a bit of time working this in to muscle memory to the point I can do it with my eyes closed and with hands crossed over. I will admit, I was frustrated for the first few minutes, but once I got the "feel" for how to tension the rope and snug it down at the same time, I knew I had found a great tool for my "climbing toolbox".
If there is anyone on the fence about which way to go for climbing, there are several great ways that I have found recently. In terms of economy of finance and effort, stealth, minimalism, and adaptability, the Wild Edge SteppLadder would be the first thing I would recommend. While I understand that each climbing method has its best application, it is my current opinion that the SteppLadder has a wider range of applications and relevance. I bought a 5-step set with a bag. I picked up a 5 step Etreier, and a fifi hook. I have about $140 invested in this climbing method and barring a large diameter tree, I feel confident that I can get in to any tree I choose, in an efficient manner, and can get ~30 feet (on rolling terrain, sometimes that's necessary depend on the shooting lane your looking for). For me, getting a throw line over a 40 foot branch, well, that's something I'll continue to work on. In the mean time, thanks to the SteppLadder, I have a great way to 30'ish feet up if I so choose.
Great product. Light weight, stealthy, economical, adaptable.
I experimented with a few methods for tying the knot, but came back to the WE recommended method. I spent a bit of time working this in to muscle memory to the point I can do it with my eyes closed and with hands crossed over. I will admit, I was frustrated for the first few minutes, but once I got the "feel" for how to tension the rope and snug it down at the same time, I knew I had found a great tool for my "climbing toolbox".
If there is anyone on the fence about which way to go for climbing, there are several great ways that I have found recently. In terms of economy of finance and effort, stealth, minimalism, and adaptability, the Wild Edge SteppLadder would be the first thing I would recommend. While I understand that each climbing method has its best application, it is my current opinion that the SteppLadder has a wider range of applications and relevance. I bought a 5-step set with a bag. I picked up a 5 step Etreier, and a fifi hook. I have about $140 invested in this climbing method and barring a large diameter tree, I feel confident that I can get in to any tree I choose, in an efficient manner, and can get ~30 feet (on rolling terrain, sometimes that's necessary depend on the shooting lane your looking for). For me, getting a throw line over a 40 foot branch, well, that's something I'll continue to work on. In the mean time, thanks to the SteppLadder, I have a great way to 30'ish feet up if I so choose.
Great product. Light weight, stealthy, economical, adaptable.
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