The Best Climbing Sticks for Tree Stands in 2024: A Hunter's Guide
We've taken the time to review the top climbing sticks on the market. Each has been chosen based on its quality and durability, so you don't have to worry about buying a product that fails you when you are hunting on the field. Read more about them and pick one for yourself.
Do you love the thrill of the hunt?
Of course, you do! That's why you need the best climbing sticks to help you safely scale up a tree to set up your tree stand. With the perfect set of sticks, you'll be able to get up in the tree and start hunting in no time at all!
Not all climbing sticks are created equal! That's why we've put together this guide to the best climbing sticks for tree stands in 2024. We'll take a look at some of the most popular models on the market and help you decide which one is right for you.
So whether you're just starting out in hunting or you're a seasoned pro, read on to learn more about the best climbing sticks available today!
Purchase your own set of climbing sticks today for your upcoming hunting season!
Selecting The Best Climbing Sticks
If you're a hunter, you know that the right hunting gear can make all the difference in the world. That's why it's so important to choose the right climbing sticks.
There are a lot of different climbing sticks on the market, and it can be tough to figure out which ones are worth your money.
We've done the hard work for you. After reading through user reviews and consulting with veteran hunters, we compiled this list of the best tree stand climbing sticks on the market.
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Why You Will Love It
The new and improved Xtreme Outdoor Products(XOP) Ultra Series Climbing Sticks are among the most rigid and secure sticks on the market, perfect for your next hunting trip.
The locking mechanism is quiet and rock-solid, keeping you safe and sound while you're up in the trees. The lower step provides extra stability and security, ensuring that you can focus on the task at hand without worrying about your sticks giving out on you.
The XOP Ultra Series Climbing Sticks are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a safe, reliable, and easy-to-use climbing stick.
What You Should Know
Length: 18 inches
Weight rating: 350 pounds
Weight: 2.2 pounds per stick
The Xtreme Outdoor Products Ultra Series Climbing Sticks are specially designed for ease of use. The key features of XOP sticks are the two nicely textured reversible single steps. There is a slight angle towards the end of the steps upwards on the ends making it easier to place your boots.
These lightweight climbing sticks are also easy to carry, making them ideal for mobile hunters. You can hang the pivoting v brackets on any tree. It cleverly placed washers to prevent metal-to-metal contact for a noiseless experience.
The sticks are also coated with a durable powder finish that resists corrosion. Plus, the included Camlock straps make it easy to secure the sticks to your tree. Each aluminum stick length of 18 inches, makes it comfortable enough for any hunter.
With a weight capacity of 350 pounds, the Xtreme Outdoor Products Ultra Series Climbing Sticks are sure to give you a safe and successful hunting season. Order yours today and start planning your next trophy hunt.
What Could Have Been Better
XOP improved their Ultra Series a lot since their 2019 fiasco when they had to recall a lot of their sticks. Now we really couldn't find anything to complain about.
Overall, no matter what you are looking for, the best climbing sticks for bow hunting or rifle hunting, Xtreme Outdoor Products Ultra Series Climbing Sticks are a great choice and won't let you down.
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Why You Will Love It
Are you a saddle hunter and looking for a safe and reliable way to get up into your saddle? Look no further than Muddy Outdoors Pro hunting climbing sticks! These are designed to be packed together with several other treestands.
These tough and durable aluminum steps are specifically designed to anchor trees quickly and securely. And thanks to their aluminum bark biters, they can attach to any tree trunk, no matter how crooked they are!
Plus, there are no other requirements for special mods. Just the provided rope system will do the trick in seconds, making them super easy to use.
So why wait? Get your Muddy Pro climbing sticks today and be ready for your next big hunt!
What You Should Know
Weight: 10 Lbs.
Weight Capacity: 300 Lbs.
Weight per Section: 2.5 Lbs.
Tree Size: Minimum 9" Diameter
Even Muddy Outdoors suffered from a quality complaints issue and had to call back their peg pack series, but it has been a decade since then and today's Muddy Outdoors Pro sticks are made of high-quality materials and are designed to be durable.
Muddy Outdoors Pro hunting climbing sticks use a simple rope cam system which is the best and fastest way to attach your sticks while you're out in the field. The double-folding steps have edge teeth which will give you extra stability while you're climbing. They also pack easily and you will not find it difficult to pair them with other single climbing sticks.
These features make the Muddy Outdoors Pro hunting climbing sticks the perfect choice for any hunter who wants the best performance from their equipment.
What Could Have Been Better
If you're an experienced hunter, you know that having a good set of hunting climbing sticks can make all the difference in the world. With that said, the Muddy Outdoors Pro hunting feels a bit short, and the provided set of four might not be enough to get you the optimum height you need.
That being said, if you're just starting out or don't mind using a little extra muscle, Muddy Outdoors Pro sticks might be just what you're looking for.
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Why You Will Love It
If you're looking for an easy and packable tree-climbing stick, look no further than the Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks. These are among the most budget-friendly treestand steps on the market that will not compromise on safety.
These sticks are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for beginners. Plus, the double-step stick platform provides extra stability for hunters. You will absolutely love the Hawk Helium suction cup mod which has been updated and allows you to carry the sticks easily by stacking all the helium sticks together.
So whether you're just getting started in tree stand hunting or you're a seasoned pro, the Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks are a great option for you.
What You Should Know
Height: 30''
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Carrying Capacity: 300 lbs
Hawk Helium sticks are one of the lightest and most portable climbing sticks on the market today. Mobile hunters will have no issues carrying these sticks through the woods.
And thanks to their aircraft-grade aluminum construction they are strong and durable without increased weight. The helically wound steps provide extra grip and stability when climbing.
The cam-lock system ensures that the sticks are securely attached to the tree. The individual sticks are held together by suction cups when you need them to stack and carry. Hawk helium climbing stick features a suction cup designed to hold individual sticks together. They updated the design in the most recent model and it works much better that its previous incarnations.
These features make the Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks an essential piece of gear for any mobile hunter.
What Could Have Been Better
Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks are not the best solution for trees with very large diameters. Also, though helium replacement suction cups are available easily, we would have loved to see an additional set with the original packaging, as they are somewhat prone to damage.
But overall, Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks are nice budget options if you prefer a simple step design in your sticks.
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Why You Will Love It
It was hard to choose between this and the Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber, but finally, we settled for the Big Game because of its versatility. This can be attached irrespective of the size of tree thanks to its 5 one-inch cam buckle strap system.
You will love the structured design, as the whole system is divided into 5 sections each weighing 4 pounds. The fully assembled ladder structure imparts stability as the bottom part remains anchored to the ground all the time. It is easy to set this structure and you can get to a stated height of 20 feet within minutes.
If you're a hunter, then you know that having the best climbing sticks for tree stands is essential to success. And if you prefer the ladder style and don't care about weight, the Big Game climbing system is ideal for you.
What You Should Know
Height: 20'
Weight: 20 lbs
Step Width: 10.5"
Carrying Capacity: 300 lbs
The Big Game Quick-Stick Climbing System is designed for hunters who need a reliable, sturdy way to climb up and down from their tree stands. The system features alternating steps that are angled in such a way that you can comfortably and securely place your boots.
The steel welded steps feature a non-slip design and an optimum distance of around 10 inches so that you can climb easily without having to worry about losing your footing. In addition, the Quick-Stick comes with a mounting bracket that makes it easy to attach to most climbing tree stands.
This user-friendly ladder-style climbing stick is made of heavy-duty steel. However, it is surprisingly quiet even for its solid steel frame! The system is also covered by a one-year warranty, so hunters can be confident that they're investing in a product that will last.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hunter, the Big Game Quick-Stick Climbing System is an ideal choice for safely and easily accessing your tree stand.
What Could Have Been Better
Like most ladder-style sticks, the Big Game Quick-Stick Climbing System is also heavy. But if you are not a mobile hunter and will set up your stand close to your hunting tent or base camp and don't worry about weight, this ladder system is perfect for you!
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Worthy Mentions
Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks
The Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks are the perfect addition to any mobile hunting setup. These incredibly lightweight climbing sticks are made in the USA and come with either a fixed or moveable climbing aider, making them perfect for getting up into those hard-to-reach spots.
With a three-pack of sticks, you'll be able to cover a lot of ground quickly and easily - all while staying well under 8 pounds overall. So if you're looking for an easy way to get up into the trees for your next hunt, Lone Wolf Sticks are the perfect solution.
These climbing steps provide maximum performance and value, and they’re possibly the best on the market. However, we couldn't place it at the top of our list because of its availability issues.
It is hard to find these sticks even on the official site of lone wolf custom gear. Just look out for their availability or pick one from the classified section as they are simply too good to be missed!
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Frequently Asked Questions
People are often curious about climbing sticks, but don't know where to start.
Climbing sticks can be a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but there are a lot of questions people have before investing in them.
We've compiled all the frequently asked questions about climbing sticks into one comprehensive article. You'll learn everything you need to know before making your purchase.
What are climbing sticks used for?
Tree Climbing sticks or simply climbing sticks are used as a tool to make it easier to climb trees. They can be used to safely and reliably get up high into tree stands. This can be difficult and dangerous to do without the proper equipment.
Especially if you are hauling your firearm while climbing, having tree sticks, definitely helps a lot. Climbing sticks also create a more stable surface for ascending and descending the saddle or tree stand, which makes it less likely that you will lose your grip and fall.
Are Climbing Sticks safe?
Absolutely! Climbing sticks are one of the safest ways for hunters to get up into their tree stands. There are a few different designs on the market, but they all work essentially the same way. Each climbing stick has its own weight limit, so be sure to check that before purchase. Most of them can hold up to 300 pounds, which should be more than enough for most hunters and their gear.
When setting up your climbing sticks, always put them where you want them before attaching them to the tree. This will help prevent any accidental slips or falls while you’re getting everything situated. Once they’re in place, use a ratchet strap or rope to secure the sticks together at the top and bottom. This will give you an extra layer of security in case one of the sticks should slip.
Do saddle hunters need climbing sticks?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on a variety of factors, including the terrain where you will be hunting and the size of the trees in that area.
Generally speaking, if you will be hunting in a heavily forested area with tall trees, then you will likely need climbing sticks in order to get up into the tree canopy and spot deer from above. However, if you will be hunting in a more open area with shorter trees, then you may not need climbing sticks since you should be able to get close enough to deer without having to climb up into the trees.
Nevertheless, if you love saddle hunting, it is recommended to use proper climbing steps to get up or down the tree. It makes the process a lot easier.
How do you hunt with climbing sticks?
Climbing sticks help hunters to get into the tree stand and get a better view of their prey and a more stable shot. They are essentially three or four long poles that screw together, have a V-shaped notch on one end, and metal spikes on the other.
To use them, you simply drive the metal spikes into the ground around the base of the tree you want to hunt in, then stand in the V-notch and screw the sticks together. The climbing sticks will give you enough height to get into the trees, and from there you can wait for your prey to come by.
What are some safety tips for using hunting climbing steps?
There are a few safety tips to keep in mind when using climbing steps to get on your tree stand.
First, always maintain three points of contact with the sticks (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand). Second, be aware of your surroundings and don't put yourself in a position where you could fall. Third, use a strap, safety harness, or other safety devices to secure yourself to the tree if possible. Fourth, inspect your equipment before using it to make sure it is in good working order.
Fifth, be careful not to spook the game while you are climbing. Sixth, don't attempt to climb any higher than you are comfortable with. Finally, always practice common sense and use caution while climbing.
Hunting climbing sticks can be a great asset, but they need to be used safely in order to prevent accidents. Some sticks like the Beast Gear climbing stick come with angled double step sticks, which makes it easy to climb and a much safer option. But even if you don't have anything fancy, be sure to check thoroughly before you use them on the field, and always follow proper safety instructions.
What is the best height for a tree stand?
There's no easy answer when it comes to the best height when you are using a tree stand. It really depends on a number of factors, including the type of game you're hunting, the terrain you'll be hunting in, and your own personal preferences. That said, there are some general guidelines that can help you choose the right height for your needs.
If you're hunting deer, for example, experts recommend a standing height of 16 to 20 feet. This will allow you to see over most foliage and get a clear shot at your target. If you're hunting in hilly or mountainous terrain, however, you may want to consider a taller stand so that you can see over ridges and- crucially- spot approaching prey from a distance.
As with all things related to hunting, the best way to figure out what height works best for you is to experiment. Try out different heights and see how it affects your ability to spot and shoot the game. With a little trial and error, you'll be sure to find the perfect tree stand height for your needs.
How high can you get in a tree with climbing sticks?
Generally speaking, however, you should be able to get pretty high up in a tree with three climbing sticks. In fact, you can keep attaching single sticks and climb higher and higher.
If you're using a 4 single standard reusable climbing stick system, for example, you can expect to reach heights of around 13 to 15 feet if the sticks are spread properly.
Just be sure to use a safety harness and every other safety precaution! Climbing sticks will provide an amazing view of the game you are hunting, but they're not worth risking your life for. Be sensible when climbing with sticks-- know your limits, and stay within those limits.
Do climbing stands scare deer?
It depends on how you use them for deer hunting. If you're quiet and don't move around a lot, they won't be scared. They may even come within a few yards of you. However, if you make too much noise or move around too much, deer will most likely run away.
What are some important tree stand safety tips?
It's important to remember some basic tree stand safety guidelines. They will include and are not limited to:
Review: Before using a tree stand, always inspect it for damage. Make sure that the stand is still in good condition and that all of the parts are intact. If you notice any problems, do not use the stand and contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Raise: When setting up your tree stand, make sure to raise it at least 10 feet off the ground. This will help ensure that you're high enough off the ground to avoid being detected by prey but not so high that you put yourself at risk of falling. Remember to use a rope or other means of support to secure the stand before climbing.
Ridge: Be aware of your surroundings and always choose a safe location for your tree stand. Look for a spot that has good visibility and is away from areas where predators might be lurking. Also, make sure to set up your stand on a level surface to avoid tipping over.
Restraint: always use a full-body harness system that is approved by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA).
Responsibility: Never climb into or out of a tree stand without first visually inspecting it for any damage or potential problems.
And always use common sense when hunting from a treestand, and remember that safety should be your number one priority.
What are the best materials used for a climbing stick?
Climbing sticks can be made from a variety of materials, including iron, aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.
When choosing a climbing stick, you should consider the weight of the stick, the price, and the durability of the material. Iron is durable and the least expensive, but it's heavy and can be noisy. Aluminum sticks are generally less expensive and more durable than fiberglass or carbon fiber sticks. However, they are also heavier. Fiberglass and carbon fiber sticks are lighter but less durable than aluminum sticks.
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Different Types of Climbing Sticks
There are a few different types of climbing sticks depending on their attachment type, that hunters can use to help them get up into their tree stands.
Screw-in Stick
This is the most popular and is simply a long rod with threads on it that can be screwed into the bark of a tree. These are relatively easy to use and fairly inexpensive, but they can be difficult to remove from the tree once you're done hunting. If you plan on leaving your stick for the whole season, these are good options
Strap-on stick
They have straps that loop around the tree and provide a foothold for you to climb up. These are more expensive than screw-in sticks, but they're also much easier to remove when you're done hunting.
Hand Climbing sticks
These are essentially just long poles that you hold onto as you climb up the tree. They don't have any footholds or anything to help you keep your grip, so they can be more difficult to use. They're also more expensive than the other types of climbing sticks.
Also, they can be further classified into single climbing sticks and ladder-style climbing sticks depending on their structural pattern.
Single climbing stick
These are small sticks with 3 to 4 steps and are preferred by hunters for their versatility. You can attach any number of these sticks to rise up to the height you desire irrespective of the structure of the tree.
Ladder-style climbing sticks
These sticks have a long pole with alternating steps on either side which are prefixed. You will have to get the height as per your needs and you will need a straight tree without spreading branches or curves to use these sticks.
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Finally, What Are The Best Climbing Sticks For You
Climbing sticks are an amazing tool that will help you get to your tree stand or saddle quicker and easier. They also provide a stable shooting platform, which is especially important if you’re a bow hunter.
So, if you’re looking for a new hunting stick this season, we highly recommend giving one (or more) of the sticks on our list a try. For your reference, they are:
Best Overall - Xtreme Outdoor Products Ultra Series Climbing Sticks
Runner Up - Muddy Outdoors Pro
Best Budget Single Sticks - Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks
Best Ladder Stick - Big Game Quick-Stick Climbing System
Best of Rest - Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks
Just click the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons & add them to your cart.
Whether you need them for an elevated hunting position or just to make it easier to get into the tree, these sticks will do the trick.
We promise you won’t regret it. Happy Hunting!
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Before, picking your gear and going out onto the field, make sure you have the right clothing for your trip:
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