Strap on Tree step ???? Or tree sticks ???

[BowPlinker]

Okay, hunting state land so no screw in steps allowed!! YEAH I know everyone does it anyway but I will be the guy that gets made an example out of!! LOL

Anyway I hate using my climber in the morning in the dark.  Always feel like I'm making to much noise and scaring everything off within ten miles no matter how quiet I try to be!!

Anyone try those EZY Climb strap on steps.. The Amra steps can't find anymore thought about making some...   You can leave a hang on stand on a tree in the state area but you can not leave steps to it going up.  Looking for something easy to pack in and out,,, like everyone else I know!!! LOL

Like the climber for evening hunts when I can see but want to hang a few up for morning hunt then I can move with climber later if I want to!!!

I like to get about 15 feet at least.  So what's my best options for y'all experience ?? Strap on steps or tree sticks...  The terrain is rough and hilly in places and I do not use a four wheeler!!!!!  

Thanks
Ken

[AkDan]

I really liked the ameri strap on steps but heard they had issues with plastic.  used mine for bear baiting one year and now I dont dare use them for anything oops! LOL!  I bought some climbing sticks, they are nice and much easier to put in, but man alive the edges on the ones I bought are sharp!!!

Have you thought about climbing spikes if they're legal?  Buddy uses them and really likes them.  they were noisey imho, but did work well.

[SELFBOW19953]

I've been using the Ameristep strap-ons for several years without a problem.  I have used Buck steps, Gorilla Sticks, Lone Wolf mini-sticks.  My problem with the "stick" type steps is how to carry them as I go up the tree, that's when I get noisy-drop them, bang them together.  Climbing down after hanging each one seems to me to be time consuming and stinks up my hunting area.  Strap-ons work well with limbs, curvy trunks, less than perfect trees.

[Orion]

Strap on sticks will go on much faster.  Most units contain three steps each, whereas the strap steps go on one at a time.  I've been using Lone Wolf sticks for quite a while.  They are quite fast and easy to put up.  However, there is some noise involved -- pulling the straps tight and scraping against the tree trunk in setting them, i.e., stepping on one of the steps for the first time to get all the slack out of the strap.  This occurs with any brand of climbing stick, of course.

I find I can be just as quiet and fast getting up the tree with my Lone Wolf climber.  Regardless, I just try to be as quiet as I can be with either.  Neither makes much noise, and critters don't seem to notice or be bothered by the softer, duller noise that either system evokes.

[Canyon]

I prefer the sticks. I just saw this and think I will do it like this young man. A lot less up and down means less chance of falling or being picked off by passing game.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3clPFGAwB3s&feature=related

[TNtrapper]

I like the climbing sticks. I usually only take 3 sections with me and leave the last one at home. I just dont like to get too high anymore. They go up fast and quiet.

[AkDan]

good stuff canyon.  I plan on giving that method a go this coming spring looks pretty skookum!

I use 3 sections, so only need to go up with two.  Carry an extra string long enough to reach down twice, loop it over my belt....pull up one strap it on from one side of the tree.  2nd one is on the other side...climb up the 2nd now installed sectoin and pull the 3rd and for me final section up...very little clanking though the straps will make noise if they're not secured.  definatly not as organized as that video is LOL.

[BowPlinker]

Great stuff. I thought about making some from PVC schedule 40.
I've seen gues make them from 2x4s also.  
I have a summit climber that folds flat.. Great stand and unreal comfortable to hunt in,,, maybe to comfortable LOL

Guess there is going to be noise one way or the other..
You can leave your climber in the woods as long it is left at the bottom of the tree and not attached.  But then you have to worry about stealers !!!!

[Coach Jones]

There is a good video on you tube of a fellow using his lone wolf sticks and how he transports them up the tree.  Very good system.

[jcar315]

Personal preference and different things work better for each of us but as someone who has used both I'll admit to liking the strap on sectional tree steps more.

Provides just a little bit more "customization" of application......if I have a tree that isn't 100% straight I can sort of "wrap" these around the trunk.

Super easy to transport, install, use, and move.

[dnovo]

I use and prefer the Rapid rails. I have some of the Ameristep strap on steps and have the Lone Wolf sticks also, but prefer the rapid rails over both of them. To me the Rapid Rails are easier to put up than the Lone Wolf and weigh just about the same. The strap on steps just take too long with them being individual steps. I do have a couple Summit climbers but don't use them much as I prefer a loc on stand so I don';t have to search for a tree I can climb. I can get in most any tree, especially the crooked one that is in the right place.

[far rider]

I have always used the climbing sticks and like them fine.  i would be hesitant to leave anything in place on public land, so in my case I would have to carry them in which would defeat the purpose I suppose. Big Game offers a set of strap on staggered steps that look quite portable. I have a few of heir products and haven't been disappointed yet.

Tim

[eagleone]

I have a set of lone wolf sticks that I like, i bought the 3 pack and purchased another additional stick.  They are reasonably quick and quiet to install and take down. I covered them with camo cloth tape to help with metal on metal clanking because i always seem to smack them around.  I would suggest using a linemans harness during installation.

[SheltonCreeker]

I prefer the lone wolf climbing sticks. The video had a few ideas I hadn't tried thanks for posting!

[Craig]

A friend of mine was using the strap on steps and one broke on him when climbing down. He said he was leaving them on the tree and the UV rays weakened the straps. Be Careful

[MOstate]

I hunt state land up around school and use sticks/latters. I have a system that got me 15ft up a tree but I had to assemble everything together. Pain in the butt, very heavy, and pretty noisy. A buddy lent me his lone wolf climbing sticks to use this season and they are awesome! gnarly trees not a problem and they are very light and easy to set up. Pretty expensive but well worth the price paid.

[jonsimoneau]

Lone wolf sticks. Get four of them. Takes a bit of practice. When I first got them I swore I'd rather use screw steps. Not anymore.

[Mark Normand]

BowPlinker, I'm in La too.
Been through all this before as well.

Our goal is to set up in the dark, without a light, and make zero noise, while sweaty, getting tore up by mosquitos, standing in swamp water, keeping everything dry. LOL. We also have to assume deer are nearby and within hearing distance.

That fold up flat Summit is part of the problem, the first time I saw one close I knew it was trouble and extra time/work and noisy, or potentially so.

The API Bowhunter I've used for +15 years is solid and goes up totally quiet on the right tree. The old foot/boot straps rather than "rapid climb stirrups" give much improved foot control of the stand bottom. I've replaced the cushion with a net seat, save more set up time and eliminate more noise.

Also the Lone Wolf lock ons with the hang hook/strap are totally quiet. And 3 sticks set up like this are light and quiet:
 

I carry these two stands in the truck anywhere I go, for total versatility.

[Adam S. Daugherty]

I have several of the strap on steps.  Can't stand them.  Will trade hang on steps for traditional steps if interested pm me.