Do you use a climbing stick?

[RangerClay]

Howdy All,

I'm going to hang a stand but I do not want people in it when I'm not there. I don't care for carrying in a climbing stand so I want to hang a stand and use climbing sticks. Since I have never used them before I could use some help. What is your favorite brand of climbing stick and why?

Thanks
Ranger

[mainebuck]

climbing sticks aren't going to keep people out of your stand unless you plan on taking them out with you every time you leave. That would be a real pain in the arse. I have a nortstar climbing stick and a hunters view one. The north star is a little pricy but very secure and I like that it has side by side steps the whole way up. The hunters view is cheap, only paid $35 for it and it gets the job done, but it's heavier and not as easy to climb.

[MUDRUNNER]

I USE THE HUNTERS VIEW ALSO.IT IS ONE OF THE CHEAPEST AND WORKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME.I DON'T THINK I WOULD WANT TO PUT IT UP IN THE DARK THOUGH.

[Swamphunter]

Climbing sticks would be tough to carry in and out everytime. Believe me that is why I got them also. Think of it this way... as long as your stand is chained to the tree, aside form cutting the lock and cable or the tree itself (which has been done- there was a recent post on here about it happening), what is the difference if someone hunts from your stand, or from the ground? If it is private property, they are still trespassing. Gte yourself a very heavy duty cable and lock system and just leave the stand there. Screw in steps are a pain, but they are cheap. If that is the most they get, that beats them getting the stand. Like I said before, you will get sick of carrying those noisy, clumsy, bulky climbing sticks. The first time I carried them in, I left them there. Pain in the butt .

[JimT]

SwifTree. However, like the other guys said putting them up and taking them down would be a pain for sure. I would rather use a climber.

[Chrud]

Summit Swiftree. The steps are enclosed, which is a brilliant idea. Your feet won't slip off the side while climbing or hanging stands. It's 17', so you can go up to about 14' or 15' and still have ladder to climb up past your stand. It's light and inexpensive. Most of all, it is simple as pie to use.

You can get them for $40 from Natchez. Just click on treestands and you'll be on your way.

[NY911Bowhunter]

HV's are great

That ummit deal sounds good though

tree steps are like bows with 2 cams - outdated!

[ftw46]

I do use climbing sticks but I am lucky enough to leave them up.
If I wanted something to carry in and out I would go with either the Bucksteps or the rapid Rails. Both are easy to use and pack well. They are available from Bass pro and many other places.

[gt2003]

I got some a few years ago thinking I would carry them in and out of the woods. NOT! I use them now for a hang on stand that I hang at the 1st of the year and don't take down until after season. They work great in this type of application.