Cranford Rope Steps?

[Skipmaster1]

Anyone use the Cranford strap on steps? I have been hunting on county and town land lately and we can't use screw in steps. I have been mostly using my LW Climber and Assault with 4 LW sticks. I like both set ups, they let me get almost anywhere. The only problem I am having is strapping a backpack to my hang on with 4 climbing sticks attached is bulky and I have been having to get into some very thick areas to get on deer. I was thinking of getting some strap on steps and using them with the Assault or my tree saddle to get into those areas. I have not used any strap on steps and was wondering if anyone had any input on them.

[Kevin Dill]

I have used these many times. Some thoughts:

They're made of steel, and very strong.
Not ultra-light.
The slip-rope is strong and secure.
Practice and use will make the job easier.
The rope will allow them to flex and move a bit.
Keep your feet and weight close to the tree trunk.
You may need to add an extension for large trees.
Did I mention...practice!?

[Littlejake]

One thing that I think is a must is some type of line mans belt so that you can use both hands to strap them to the tree. It will make the job much easier and safer. And like Kevin said practice...

[wv lungbuster]

I haven't used the cransford strap on steps,but may be able to help. How are currently packing the stand and sticks??

[Huntrdfk]

I used to use the Cranford strap on steps exclusively, as stated they are very strong and the chinese rope system is very strong and secure.  That being said, for the last four years or so I have used nothing but Lone Wolf sticks with a light hang on stand and don't see myself changing.  If you are carrying ten or so steps they are bulky and heavy, and take longer to set than three of the Lobe Wolf sticks.

I'm not sure how you are transporting your current setup, but I bungie three sticks to my stand and then attach my fanny pack to the top end of the sticks/stand area.  It all goes on my back and in I go.  If you keep the sticks so that they don't protrude over the top of your stand when you bungie them on you can keep the profile fairly streamlined so that it is easier to get through the thick areas.

Hope that helps,
David

[njloco]

I use lone wolf steps and I just modified the way the steps attach to the lone wolf stand, It's light weight and easy to carry. After putting the stand on my back I just throw the pack onto the stand, I carry it in but usually I spot and stalk and then if I find a good ambush spot, I set up the stand.

I think the skipmaster just wants to use the rope steps for putting up his pack in the tree ?

P.S. skipmaster, I sent you a PM.

[kevgsp]

I have the rope on steps and lone wolf sticks.  

LW sticks are WAY better.

[Skipmaster1]

Originally posted by Huntrdfk:
I used to use the Cranford strap on steps exclusively, as stated they are very strong and the chinese rope system is very strong and secure.  That being said, for the last four years or so I have used nothing but Lone Wolf sticks with a light hang on stand and don't see myself changing.  If you are carrying ten or so steps they are bulky and heavy, and take longer to set than three of the Lobe Wolf sticks.

I'm not sure how you are transporting your current setup, but I bungie three sticks to my stand and then attach my fanny pack to the top end of the sticks/stand area.  It all goes on my back and in I go.  If you keep the sticks so that they don't protrude over the top of your stand when you bungie them on you can keep the profile fairly streamlined so that it is easier to get through the thick areas.

Hope that helps,
David

I am stacking the 4 sticks together and "nesting" them around the upright support of the stand. This isn't so bad except when I have a full pack it dosen't ride nicely strapped over the sticks. I really need to find a way to have 2 stacks of 2 sticks, so the pack will sit flat. when I'm hiking over a mile to my spot, I really like having the pack to carry all my clothes

[KSdan]

Get rid of the pack and use a turkey vest.

[Skipmaster1]

Originally posted by KSdan:
Get rid of the pack and use a turkey vest.

There is no way to get my bibs, jacket, gloves, neck gaitor, hat and other layers, not to mention calls, bow hooks, and water into a vest.

[kenn1320]

Tie all 4 sticks together with that buckle thats on one of the steps. Then lay the sticks on their side and raptor strap(2-24")(sold at walmart and other places)them to the stand. Lay your pack on and use a 36" long raptor strap to secure it. I also upgraded my stand straps to the molle system you can get from alleghany on ****.

[LV2HUNT]

Leave the sticks as is and wear a big fanny pack backwards (in front) instead of strapping your backpack to the stand.

[Skipmaster1]

Originally posted by LV2HUNT:
Leave the sticks as is and wear a big fanny pack backwards (in front) instead of strapping your backpack to the stand.

I've done that but it's still hard to get all my clothes in there and if I have to take a shot as I'm sneaking in or if I have to crawl under some rose bushes I'm out of luck.

Don't get me wrong the systems I use work great, just always looking to improve! I try and hunt at least 6 days a week, usually 7 from mid october until the end of December, and a little in sept and Jan over the line in CT. With that many trips into the woods and that much time on stand I have lots of time to ponder a way to make it a bit easier!

[last arrow]

I like the EZ climb rope on steps.  They are quick, quiet and easy to get up the tree.  I will use them for the lower portion of the tree and have screw ins for the upper portion in prepared treestand locations so I only carry five on most hunts.  If I am in a new area or on National Forest Land where screw ins are prohibited, I will carry 10 steps.  Most of my treestand hunting is done from a Guidos Web these days and this makes for a compact package to carry in a small fanny pack in front of me with the web on my back and while climbing.

[ziggy]

I haven't used the cranford tie on steps but have used the Ameristep strap ons.  I still return to climbing sticks (I have some home made ones).  I used to have the same problem with putting a pack on the tree stand and sticks.  I ended up using the turkey vest as KSDan suggested but I don't carry as much stuff in as you do.  You could always look at a different pack that splits vertically donwn the middle (http://www.eberlestock.com/Just%20One.htm). The main reason I return to the climbing sticks is because of time. I only have to tie three things to the tree instead of nine or ten.  If I was going to replace my sticks I would look at the stepp ladder system. Good luck in you search!

[Overspined]

One thing I do is alter how I carry the LW sticks.  You can take a web strap and make a loop on both ends, and loop the ends of the sticks when stacked up to carry over the shoulder, separate from the stand. Then wear ur stand and pack and carry sticks separately.

[Overspined]

I typically take my LW sticks attached to the stand, and put it right on over my fanny pack, even with my coat an all attached. I use a king of the mountain fanny pack and it carries well and you can pack it up strategically. Now, the stand rides on an angle so don't hit your head on the corners (don't tip head back) but it actually works well, and I lengthen the stand carry straps so it rides a bit lower and away from hitting my head and neck at all. I spent some time playing with it, and it solved all those problems for me.

For that matter, lengthen the stand straps and throw it right over a well packed backpack and I would bet it rides great.

[Craig]

Don't leave the strap on steps on the tree for a long time. A friend of mine left his on and the UV rays deteriorated the ropes. He stood on one of the steps and the rope broke. He was very lucky.