Wild Edge Stepps ordered

[Cajunyankee]

When I tried really large step spacing the sketchy thing for me was that there was a moment in time where I'd have one foot in an aider loop and two hands on the tree. So if it kicked out I'd be likely to lose my grip and slide down to the step below. Whereas spacing them closer allows for two hands on the step above until you're at the point where you also have two feet on the step below. Very solid.

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I have had the same issue and been limited to 6.5ft per every 2 steps. My goal is to get a setup that would allow me 5 ft per step. Did you try your double step web aider with the WE steps?

 

[BassBoysLLP]

When I tried really large step spacing the sketchy thing for me was that there was a moment in time where I'd have one foot in an aider loop and two hands on the tree. So if it kicked out I'd be likely to lose my grip and slide down to the step below. Whereas spacing them closer allows for two hands on the step above until you're at the point where you also have two feet on the step below. Very solid.

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I assume you weren't using a linemans belt? Only a riggers belt? You don't need to take big steps with a multi step aider.

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[bowhunter15]

I assume you weren't using a linemans belt? Only a riggers belt? You don't need to take big steps with a multi step aider.

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I used a lineman's belt. But even a linemans belt with both feet in aiders makes me feel a little nervous. I'll try practicing again. Maybe it's something I'd utilize for the first couple steps then switch to closer spacing.

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[Peterk1234]

I used a lineman's belt. But even a linemans belt with both feet in aiders makes me feel a little nervous. I'll try practicing again. Maybe it's something I'd utilize for the first couple steps then switch to closer spacing.

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I was having the same issue as you. I realized I was stepping straight up, therefore letting the rope go loose. Rope slides down, and I was stuck. Now, I first swing the belt as high as I can on the tree, then lean back against it. This does three things for me. First, the rope will not move. Second, it actually makes it easier to step up because some of my weight is transferred to the rope (and helps jam the toe into tree). Finally, it creates a ton more stability when initially loading the aider. I do have to take one hand and move the rope up once on the aider, so I can comfortably get on the step. However, at that point it is easy. Then just lean back and step up to the step.

 

[BassBoysLLP]

I used a lineman's belt. But even a linemans belt with both feet in aiders makes me feel a little nervous. I'll try practicing again. Maybe it's something I'd utilize for the first couple steps then switch to closer spacing.

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It's a confidence thing for sure. Reminiscent of starting to climb with spurs.

I would recommend experimenting with the kick out at near ground level. The kick out radius is only large at the beginning of the aider climb when both hands are on the step. The radius is much smaller when you make the transition.

Another option to enhance comfort is utilizing a tree hugger on your linemans belt or even crossing your linemans belt (aka @flinginairos flingin-X)

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[d_rek]

Going to pull the trigger on some steps today. Only question is how many?

I'm thinking 10 should be enough for me. 8 steps to climb + 2 for platform, or I can use my XOP platform. I will likely run 1 or 2 singel step aiders off the bottom two steps. Not crazy about aiders when I get higher in the tree than a few feet. Only trying to get 20~ ft off the ground. With 4 lone wolf sticks and a single step aider I can get 20+.

 

[d_rek]

I just ordered a set of 10 w/ the 6ft rope. I don't think i'll need a longer rope. 9/10 times I find myself hunting relatively narrow trees (less than 24" circumfrence).

 

[realtown12]

I've been reading up on these steps, I think I'm going to go in this direction vs. Sticks and a platform. I do have one question: how do get to the top step using the Cain method? Is your last step at waist height until you tether to the tree?

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[swampsnyper]

I've been reading up on these steps, I think I'm going to go in this direction vs. Sticks and a platform. I do have one question: how do get to the top step using the Cain method? Is your last step at waist height until you tether to the tree?

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I put my tree tether around the tree. I have a petzl Williams carabiner on my tether. It’s big and is a good hand hold. I pull myself up with it to the top step.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I've been reading up on these steps, I think I'm going to go in this direction vs. Sticks and a platform. I do have one question: how do get to the top step using the Cain method? Is your last step at waist height until you tether to the tree?

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I set three at the same level for a platform and save one last step to place above them. I use that step just like any other step as I advance to the platform. It ends up at waist level when I'm standing on my three step platform.

 

[Cain]

Going to pull the trigger on some steps today. Only question is how many?

I'm thinking 10 should be enough for me. 8 steps to climb + 2 for platform, or I can use my XOP platform. I will likely run 1 or 2 singel step aiders off the bottom two steps. Not crazy about aiders when I get higher in the tree than a few feet. Only trying to get 20~ ft off the ground. With 4 lone wolf sticks and a single step aider I can get 20+.

I feel like 10 is a good number of stepps. I climbed today. Just playing around. I spaced my steps about 3.5 feet apart. When I was standing on my 6 the step, my 7 th was at waist level and I built my platform with the last 3 at about nose level. This way your able to use your platform to pull yourself up to the 7 th step and from there just step onto your platform without having to pull up to your platform. If that makes since. Anyway this gets you about 26.5 feet with a platform built at the 8th stepp.

 

[Cain]

I set three at the same level for a platform and save one last step to place above them. I use that step just like any other step as I advance to the platform. It ends up at waist level when I'm standing on my three step platform.

I climbed today using your tying method and I've gotten so use to it that most stepps I don't have to re adjust the knot. I just tie it, cam it over and move on. I also bought a set of ameristeps for a ring of steps for a platform and have found that I just like the WE stepps better for a platform. They just seem more solid. And using your tying method I can actually build a platform pretty fast. Thanks again.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I climbed today using your tying method and I've gotten so use to it that most stepps I don't have to re adjust the knot. I just tie it, cam it over and move on. I also bought a set of ameristeps for a ring of steps for a platform and have found that I just like the WE stepps better for a platform. They just seem more solid. And using your tying method I can actually build a platform pretty fast. Thanks again.

You're welcome. However, as I've said before it was your untie that got me thinking about it, so Thank You. I think the proper tension for the rope just comes with practice as you get a feel for what's right regardless of how the knot is made.

To me though the real innovation that made these stepps viable for me was your climbing method and attaching directly to the waist high stepp to set the next one. I really like not having to deal with the lineman's belt as I go up the tree. Thanks again!.

 

[Peterk1234]

I've been reading up on these steps, I think I'm going to go in this direction vs. Sticks and a platform. I do have one question: how do get to the top step using the Cain method? Is your last step at waist height until you tether to the tree?

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I do not use the Cain method because I am using an aider, but basically the same concept going up; I have that step above my head. I use an "extra" step to get to my last step. Meaning, I have one that is actually above my platform, that goes unused (other than to help me up - I clip my aider to it) since it is only for getting onto the last step before I build my platform (strap and brackets). Pete

 

[Adamcincy]

I do not use the Cain method because I am using an aider, but basically the same concept going up; I have that step above my head. I use an "extra" step to get to my last step. Meaning, I have one that is actually above my platform, that goes unused (other than to help me up - I clip my aider to it) since it is only for getting onto the last step before I build my platform (strap and brackets). Pete

Hi Peter, another way to get up on the last step is to attach your tether as high as you can reach (where you would put your next step). Your top step that you want to step onto is waist high. Attach your aider to a prusik or ropeman on your teacher and step onto your top step. Super easy and you don’t need the extra step.

 

[BassBoysLLP]

I do the same as Adam. No need for the sacraficial stepp if you are comfortable getting rid of it.

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[Peterk1234]

I have to revisit that strategy again. I found using the tether much slower and I was struggling with it sagging and having to readjust. I am tying the step in so fast now that it was just easier.

In theory though, the tether makes sense because I would be using it to hook in anyway. I have now have a prusik (hooks to my harness as a safety when hanging) and a ropeman on it for the bridge. I could use the prusik for the aider and hook my bridge in to ropeman and be good to go.

Yup, talked me into it. Gonna try it again.

 

[Adamcincy]

I have to revisit that strategy again. I found using the tether much slower and I was struggling with it sagging and having to readjust. I am tying the step in so fast now that it was just easier.

In theory though, the tether makes sense because I would be using it to hook in anyway. I have now have a prusik (hooks to my harness as a safety when hanging) and a ropeman on it for the bridge. I could use the prusik for the aider and hook my bridge in to ropeman and be good to go.

Yup, talked me into it. Gonna try it again.

I don’t always tether around the tree on the way up. I was referring to getting up to the top of the last step. I tether in at that point anyway because I’m switching over from climbing to sitting. Makes a great anchor for the aider on the last step up.

 

[Peterk1234]

I don’t always tether around the tree on the way up. I was referring to getting up to the top of the last step. I tether in at that point anyway because I’m switching over from climbing to sitting. Makes a great anchor for the aider on the last step up.

I just tried it again; just tethering at the top. Nope, not for me. Carrying that seventh step in is just worth it. Clip my aider to it and up I go. Nice and firm, no settling, and I have it fastened to the tree in fifteen seconds. The tether sags for me, I have to adjust the length of the the tether, and it is just not as firm as the step.

So then it got me thinking. I end up with the step about knee high or so when I am on my platform (ring of brackets). What if I had a simple netting that could be attached "inside" the step acting as a pouch? It could hold my water or other odds an ends that I typically would not hang.

Pics to come once I figure it out.

 

[BassBoysLLP]

I just tried it again; just tethering at the top. Nope, not for me. Carrying that seventh step in is just worth it. Clip my aider to it and up I go. Nice and firm, no settling, and I have it fastened to the tree in fifteen seconds. The tether sags for me, I have to adjust the length of the the tether, and it is just not as firm as the step.

So then it got me thinking. I end up with the step about knee high or so when I am on my platform (ring of brackets). What if I had a simple netting that could be attached "inside" the step acting as a pouch? It could hold my water or other odds an ends that I typically would not hang.

Pics to come once I figure it out.

I would add a bow holder

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