Hunting is an extremely popular sport around the country. Whether you live in a temperate location, freezing cold climate, flat terrain, or woodland area, one piece of equipment that comes in handy is a high-quality treestand. In order to properly and safely use a treestand, another necessary tool is a quality set of climbing sticks. Climbing sticks can be installed in trees of any shape or size, and they allow you to safely and securely climb the tree to your desired height. Most climbing sticks are quite reliable, durable, and some are even portable enough to be carried with you on long hunting trips. Most climbing sticks can even be used in all types of cold climates and inclimate weather conditions.
Whether you are looking for great value, durability, portability, or versatility, we took a look at the best climbing sticks currently on the market. Read on to see which product is the best fit for your next hunting trip.
If you’re looking for a high-quality product, the Lone Wolf Climbing Stick may be the best all-around option on the market today. This climbing stick is available to purchase as a set of three climbing sticks. They are designed to fit trees of varying sizes, ranging from four feet to 22 feet in diameter. The climbing sticks have a 350-pound weight limit rating. Pivoting V-brackets are extremely stable and fully adjustable to match the natural contour of the tree in which you are using for your hunting experience. Each stick has a length of 32 inches, with the steps equally spaced 15 inches apart. The sticks feature a single tube design with fully reversible steps. If you need to reach a great height, you can even purchase another set of sticks to stack together with these climbing sticks.
One downside of the Lone Wolf Climbing Stick is with the sharp edges on this product. It is recommended to wear gloves while climbing so that you do not cut your hands or injure yourself.
The Guide Gear 20′ Climbing Sticks are one of the most easy to use, budget-friendly options on the market. This set of climbing sticks includes a packable design that can be broken down into five sections. It is one of the best choices for long hunting trips when you need to carry your climbing sticks through the woods. It is extremely easy to assemble, yet still very stable, featuring a sturdy, 100 percent steel construction. The five sections each measure four feet in length, allowing you to reach heights of up to 20 feet with these climbing sticks. There are angled steps that provide added stability, and quick-connect snap pins for a secure, easy assembly. This model has a total weight capacity of 300 pounds, and a product weight of just over 23 pounds.
One issue with the Guide Gear 20′ Climbing Sticks is that they are not very rustproof or corrosion-resistant. Although the steel design is quite durable, it could use a better coat of paint to prevent rust and corrosion over time.
Although priced at a premium, the XOP Climbing Sticks for Treestands are an extremely high-quality product. These climbing sticks are lightweight, featuring an all aluminum design that can easily be carried on long hunting trips. A patented self-locking mechanism allows you to easily transport this product as needed. Arch step technology allows for stability on each step while climbing to great heights. The sticks are extremely versatile, with each step able to pivot 180 degrees to the left or the right as needed while climbing. The mossy oak camouflage color scheme is specially designed to blend in with any wooded environment while hunting in any type of condition. The steps are larger than average with this model, which allows you to climb easily in inclement weather or while wearing large boots.
One downside of the XOP Climbing Sticks for Treestands is with its size. While the sticks are fairly lightweight, they do not break down as easily as some other models. If you are planning to keep your climbing sticks set up in the same tree or group of trees in one area over the hunting season, then this still makes an excellent option.
If you’re looking for a product to withstand the test of time, you can’t go wrong with the Hawk Hunting Helium 20” Climbing Sticks. These climbing sticks are one of the most heavy-duty products on the market, featuring an all aluminum construction that is reliable, lightweight, and built to hold up in all types of weather conditions. These climbing sticks include patented tree-digger teeth that insert into the bark of most trees for a stable, reliable climb. They also feature non-slip, boot-gripping steps with raised ends to prevent any slips or falls, and to fit most boot sizes. The climbing sticks have a high weight capacity of up to 300 pounds. They are extremely easy to use, install, and pack away if needed to carry on long hunting trips.
One issue with the Hawk Hunting Helium 20” Climbing Sticks is with the locking mechanism. Some customers have had issues with the locking pegs remaining secure and in place while in use. If you have any issues with your product, reach out to the company regarding a potential refund or replacement.
The Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber is another reliable and user-friendly option. This stick climber can be unpacked and installed in most trees within minutes. It is an extremely versatile product, with the ability to climb to heights as much as 20 feet. This product even comes with a seven-foot cam buckle for use with larger or irregular trees. The stick climber is constructed from an extremely durable steel with a powder-coated finish. It is designed to last, while preventing rust and corrosion in most conditions, including inclement weather and cold climates. The steps offer plenty of room for large boots as you climb securely to your desired height. It is designed to comfortably hold weights up to 300 pounds. The product meets all industry and safety standards recognized by TMA.
One downside of the Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber is its portability. The total weight of this product is 17 pounds, so it is on the heavier side compared to other options. If you will be carrying your stick climber over long distances or traveling with it often, you may want to consider another product to best fit your needs.
The Big Dog Hunting Hotfoot Climbing Stick is an extremely versatile, lightweight option. This climbing stick weighs just over two pounds, making it the ideal product to take with you on long hunting trips or to be able to move it from tree to tree. This product is also taller than your average climbing stick, with a maximum height of 24 feet. It is extremely easy to use, featuring dual wide steps to prevent slipping and fit most large boots. There is even an extended tree brace, which allows the climbing stick to be placed far enough away from the tree so that climbing is not an issue. The cam lock straps are convenient and easy to use, allowing you to secure the climbing stick to trees of all shapes and sizes in a matter of minutes. This product comes from a reliable manufacturer, and it has been approved for all industry and safety standards recognized by TMA.
One issue with the Big Dog Hunting Hotfoot Climbing Stick is that the steps are angled. Because of this design, make sure you are careful when climbing and do not attempt to climb the tree in a hurry or you may miss a step.
The Big Game Quick-Stick Climbing System is one of the safest and most secure options on the market. This climbing stick features a fully assembled ladder, and the bottom section remains in contact with the ground at all times. It has a maximum height of 20 feet, and the alternating angled steps are non-slip and large enough to fit most boots. There are five one-inch cam buckle straps that attach securely to trees of all shapes and sizes to hold the steel welded climbing sticks in place. This product can be set up in a matter of minutes, and the user-friendly features are also extremely quiet to not disturb any of the wildlife in the area while climbing. The climbing stick is quite durable, with an actual weight of around 20 pounds and a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds.
One downside of the Big Game Quick-Stick Climbing System is with its weight. At a total weight of 20 pounds, it is not the most portable option. If you need to travel long distances or plan on moving your climbing sticks often, then you may want to consider another product to best fit your preferences.
The Novix NX-MIN4 Mini Climbing Stick is one of the most versatile products on the market. This climbing stick features pivoting V-brackets, which adjust to match the natural curve of the tree and keep you upright as you climb. It breaks down into four separate pieces, making it a convenient option to pack inside your luggage or carry with you on long hunting trips. The pivoting steps are fully adjustable for both your safety and comfort while climbing. The single tube design allows you to easily assemble or break down this climbing stick as needed in a matter of minutes. The steps are equally spaced 15 feet apart to make it easy for you to safely and comfortably climb most trees. It will fit most trees ranging from 9 inches to 22 inches in diameter, and it has a high weight capacity of up to 300 pounds.
One issue with the Novix NX-MIN4 Mini Climbing Stick is that the maximum height is only 17 feet. While it doesn’t have the reach of some other climbing sticks, this product is one of the best on the market for travel purposes. If you will be using it on long hiking trips, you can’t go wrong with this product.
Related: 8 hunting knives for the modern-day Jim Bowie
Why should you trust us
Living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I have spent plenty of time outdoors on long hiking, camping, biking, backpacking, trekking, or fishing trips. Trust me when I say, owning a high-quality set of climbing sticks can be an extremely useful accessory for a safe, reliable hunting experience. The best climbing sticks are quite durable, reliable, and safe to use in a variety of situations and different settings. I thoroughly enjoy the outdoors and have written a number of other outdoor lifestyle products and camping equipment articles, including camping towels, hiking water filters, walking sticks, insulated coffee mugs, and more.
Different kinds of climbing sticks
There are three main types of climbing sticks. Each type of climbing stick offers its own unique set of features and advantages. Depending on your individual preferences, where you will be using your climbing sticks, the height you will need for your climbing sticks, and the type of weather you will be using your climbing sticks in, you may require a different type to best fit your needs. Make sure to familiarize yourself with all of the different types of climbing sticks before making a decision on your final purchase.
Tree sticks
Tree sticks are a fairly new and modern type of climbing stick. This type of climbing stick is becoming a more popular option due to its ease of use and the fact that it is extremely easy to set up. Tree sticks have a look similar to a rope ladder, and they will fit easily with most types and sizes of trees. This type of climbing stick features a metal tube in the center, with steps on alternating sides of the tube to form a ladder. Multiple tree sticks can be stacked together on the same tree to extend to a greater height if needed.
Tree steps
Tree steps are another popular type of climbing stick that are fairly easy to use and set up. This type of climbing stick is a set of metal steps that simply screw into the trunk of the tree. Tree steps are one of the most portable options on the market because there are no extra poles or ropes needed to carry with you. Tree steps make a good option to screw into a tree and leave them there for the season. One issue with tree steps is that you will want to make sure they are secured properly and safely before attempting to use them to climb the tree.
Lone
Lone climbing sticks are the most basic type of climbing stick, and they are typically the most budget-friendly option. Lone climbing sticks are available in a variety of different styles and sizes. Many lone climbing sticks can be customized to fit the size of tree that you will be using them on. This type of climbing stick is set up in a very similar manner to the way in which tree sticks will be set up. They can be made from a variety of different materials with different sized steps, depending on your individual preferences and needs.
What to look for when buying climbing sticks
For this article, we extensively researched and tested a wide variety of different types and brands of climbing sticks. These included tree sticks, tree steps, and lone climbing sticks of all sizes and styles. The climbing sticks were all tested for reliability, durability, portability, and versatility. They were all tested in a number of different conditions and locations, and in a variety of weather conditions.
The results of this thorough research and testing can be found throughout this article. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types, brands, and features of each type of climbing stick before making a final purchase to best fit your needs for your next hunting trip.
Why do you need climbing sticks?
There are several key advantages to purchasing and using high-quality climbing sticks for your next hunting trip. The most obvious benefit is that it allows you to safely climb a tree to get to your tree stand while hunting. Most climbing sticks are fairly durable, reliable, and designed for use in a variety of different weather conditions and for a number of different sized trees. Climbing sticks are available in a variety of different styles, sizes, designs, and brands, and some models are even designed to hold up in extreme weather conditions or cold climates.
Most climbing sticks are quite portable, user-friendly, and versatile, able to be used in a variety of weather conditions or different settings. Climbing sticks make a great option for a safe hunting experience, allowing you to safely climb trees of great heights with ease.
- A main benefit to climbing sticks is that they are designed to optimize safety. Once your climbing stick is fixed in place, it is important that you are able to climb the tree easily and safely without having to worry about slipping or stability issues, even during rain or inclement weather.
- Another key feature of climbing sticks is that they are environmentally friendly. Climbing sticks are typically attached to the tree using ropes or straps that can be secured around the trunk of the tree. Climbing sticks do not generally do any damage to the tree, even if you keep them installed throughout the hunting season.
- Climbing sticks are fairly easy to use and to set up, with no extra tools or parts needed. They are typically quite portable and easy to carry with you on hunting trips. Even in cold or inclement weather, climbing sticks can be easily installed and attached to the tree in just a few minutes.
Pricing ranges for climbing sticks
- Under $100: Climbing sticks in this price range provide excellent value. They are typically easy to use, install, and portable enough to carry with you on long trips. Make sure to read all of the reviews to ensure that climbing sticks in this price range are durable enough and reliable enough before making your final decision.
- $100-$150: This is the most common price range for climbing sticks. Climbing sticks in this price range are available to purchase as a variety of different types, styles, and sizes. If you do make a purchase in this range, make sure it is versatile enough to fit different sized trees and lightweight enough to carry if used on long trips.
- Over $150: Climbing sticks in this price range are priced at a premium. Even though they are the most expensive climbing sticks, products in this price range are typically the most durable, made from the highest quality materials, and specifically designed for use in inclement weather or cold climates.
How we chose our top picks
When reviewing new outdoor products, we much prefer to go the hands-on route, but sometimes a lack of resources may prevent us from trying out the outdoor equipment in person. To make sure we don’t let you down, we take the time to thoroughly research and review other professionals who have hands-on experience with the equipment, combing through extensive reviews on Amazon, professional publications, outdoor enthusiast blogs, and more to bring you the best information available. For this review, we found the information at Ranger Expert and Yard Guider to be extremely helpful when shopping for the best climbing sticks for your next hunting trip.
Related: Keep your target in sight with the best binoculars for hunting
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