Top 6 Best Climbing Sticks 2020

Best Climbing Sticks
Best Climbing Sticks

Hunters nowadays have a wide range of equipment to help enhance their experience. One of these is climbing sticks. A good set of climbing sticks can allow you to climb up to your tree stand faster and safer compared to any other tools in the market. There are different types of climbing sticks available, and you need to know the right model to suit your needs.

In this guide, we will share a quick roundup of the top five climbing sticks available today. Then, we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about climbing sticks, so you have everything you need for your next hunt.

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Guide Gear 20' Climbing Sticks
Lone Wolf 4 - Pc. Climbing Stick
Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber
XOP-XTREME OUTDOOR PRODUCTS Bottomland Climbing Sticks (4 Pack), Mossy Oak, Mossy Oak Bottomland,...
Muddy Pro Sticks (4-Pack), Black
Guide Gear Quick Climbing Sticks, 3 Pack
Product
Guide Gear 20' Climbing Sticks
Lone Wolf 4 - Pc. Climbing Stick
Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber
Bottomland Climbing Sticks
Muddy Pro Sticks
Guide Gear Quick Climbing Sticks
Max Height (Without an aider)
20'
16'
20'
20'
12.5'
8'
Tree Diameter Rating
Up to 2'
Up to 22"
Up to 7'
Up to 3'
Up to 3'
Up to 20"
Weight Limit
300 lbs
350 lbs
300 lbs
350 lbs
300 lbs
300 lbs
Weight of Product
26.3 lbs
10 lbs
17 lbs
13 lbs
10 lbs
17 lbs
Number of Sections
5
4
4
4
4
3
Comes With Straps?
Price
Price not available
Price not available
$109.99
$301.99
$130.98
Price not available
Image
Guide Gear 20' Climbing Sticks
Product
Guide Gear 20' Climbing Sticks
Max Height (Without an aider)
20'
Tree Diameter Rating
Up to 2'
Weight Limit
300 lbs
Weight of Product
26.3 lbs
Number of Sections
5
Comes With Straps?
Price
Price not available
Check It out on Amazon
Image
Lone Wolf 4 - Pc. Climbing Stick
Product
Lone Wolf 4 - Pc. Climbing Stick
Max Height (Without an aider)
16'
Tree Diameter Rating
Up to 22"
Weight Limit
350 lbs
Weight of Product
10 lbs
Number of Sections
4
Comes With Straps?
Price
Price not available
Check It out on Amazon
Image
Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber
Product
Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber
Max Height (Without an aider)
20'
Tree Diameter Rating
Up to 7'
Weight Limit
300 lbs
Weight of Product
17 lbs
Number of Sections
4
Comes With Straps?
Price
$109.99
Check It out on Amazon
Image
XOP-XTREME OUTDOOR PRODUCTS Bottomland Climbing Sticks (4 Pack), Mossy Oak, Mossy Oak Bottomland,...
Product
Bottomland Climbing Sticks
Max Height (Without an aider)
20'
Tree Diameter Rating
Up to 3'
Weight Limit
350 lbs
Weight of Product
13 lbs
Number of Sections
4
Comes With Straps?
Price
$301.99
Check It out on Amazon
Image
Muddy Pro Sticks (4-Pack), Black
Product
Muddy Pro Sticks
Max Height (Without an aider)
12.5'
Tree Diameter Rating
Up to 3'
Weight Limit
300 lbs
Weight of Product
10 lbs
Number of Sections
4
Comes With Straps?
Price
$130.98
Check It out on Amazon
Image
Guide Gear Quick Climbing Sticks, 3 Pack
Product
Guide Gear Quick Climbing Sticks
Max Height (Without an aider)
8'
Tree Diameter Rating
Up to 20"
Weight Limit
300 lbs
Weight of Product
17 lbs
Number of Sections
3
Comes With Straps?
Price
Price not available
Check It out on Amazon

Top 6 Climbing Sticks For Hunters

Guide Gear 20′ Climbing Stick

The Guide Gear 20′ tree ladder offers ample strength and stability to prevent slips and accidents. This climbing stick is also tree-friendly, providing secure steps that allow for fast mounting. Unlike other climbing sticks that have stands close to the tree, the Guide Gear 20′ has steps far enough apart to let you get a better foothold.

The package is also easy to assemble, making it very handy and ideal for newbies. The climbing stick is made of sturdy steel and has a cam buckle system to attach you securely. If you are looking for an affordable climbing stick that is easy to use and lightweight, the Gear 20′ is the right choice.

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What we like

  • Large capacity. The guide Gear 20′ climbing stick can handle up to 300 pounds in weight with ease, which is quite impressive for a climbing stick.
  • Flexible fitting. The climbing stick can fit trees that range between 9 to 20 inches in diameter, making them very versatile.
  • Easy assembly. The ladder has five sections that easily fit together. This design makes the stick very portable so you can carry it around the woods with ease.
  • Easy steps. The spacing between the levels is 12 inches vertically for easy climbing. The steps also are 8 inches wide, allowing you to get a firm foothold.
  • Budget-friendly. The climbing stick is more affordable compared to other brands and styles.

What we didn’t like

  • Some users complain that the bolt of the Guide Gear 20′ is not sturdy. They have a coarse thread and may need replacing sooner.
  • The welds on the steps are only on three sides, which may turn out to be a safety issue in the long run.

Verdict

The Gear Guide 20′ climbing stick is ideal for those who want an affordable piece of equipment that still offers a decent amount of security. Although some users complain about the bolts of the ladder, overall, users are satisfied. If you need a climbing stick that can take you very high in the trees, this product may be a good option.


Lone Wolf 4 Pc Climbing Stick

Lone Wolf 4 piece climbing stick is a unique climbing stick that is ideal for stealth hunting. The stick can easily be carried on your back and is lightweight but very durable. Unlike other stands in the market, the Lone Wolf 4 pc has a unique V-bracket that is patented by the company.

The advantage of this design is that if you find yourself with a tree that has a lean, the brackets can easily fit between two solid points and creating a sturdy climbing stick. No matter how inclined the tree is, the Lone Wolf climbing stick will remain straight, so you never miss your aim. The climbing stick also has reversible steps that add to its versatility. Backpacking hunters will especially love this easy to fold tree stand as well.

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What we like

  • Easy to use. The design of the Lone wolf is very minimalistic, which makes it ideal for stealthy hunting.
  • Pivoting V brackets. This climbing stick has revertible V brackets so you can stay straight no matter the incline.
  • The Lone Wolf 4′ climbing stick can fit trees ranging from 2 inches to 22 inches in diameter and also comes with strap extensions for more giant trees.
  • 350-pound weight capacity. Considering the lightweight design of the stick, it has a remarkable weight capacity.
  • Comfortable distance between steps. The distance between rungs is 15 inches allowing safe, easy climbing. Unlike traditional sticks, the Lone Wolf takes little vertical space.
  • Even when there is movement, the Lone Wolf climbing stick remains silent, making it a good option for stealth hunts.

What we didn’t like

  • The climbing stick is difficult to carry. With nothing to hold them together, the pieces can collapse into a pile.
  • It only has a single step instead of a double.
  • The Lone Wolf climbing stick may be too expensive for some.

Verdict

The Lone Wolf, a four-piece climbing stick, is an ideal choice if you are a backpack hunter and need a lightweight piece of equipment. Although the product is a little pricey, it is very high-quality and durable.


Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber

The design of the Millennium Treestands M210 tree climber lets you get on and off the stand with ease. It also has a non-slip step, and a duel top steps to provide extra security. The stick climber is very sturdy and comes with a stable stand, but might not be ideal for long-distance hunts due to its excessive noise when the wind blows. But, it does come with a 7-foot cam buckle for extra-long trees, so you can get better vision.

The lightweight material is sturdy and more than capable of handling weights up to 300 pounds. Another great thing about the M210 climbing stick is that it has a thick layer of powder coating, which maximizes its durability during extreme weather conditions. You can safely leave the climbing stick mounted on a tree without worrying about rust or other deterioration.

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What we like

  • 20 feet capacity. The 20 feet capacity of the M210 allows you to reach the tops of the tallest trees in the forest with ease. Delivering your goods up and down the tree is both safe and secure.
  • Sturdy construction. Although the M210 is lightweight, it has very durable steel with a powder-coated finish, which ensures longevity.
  • 7-foot cam buckle. For extra-large trees, you can use the 7-foot cam buckle that comes with the M210.
  • 300-pound capacity. Even though the Millenium Treestands M210 tree stick only weighs 17 pounds, it can handle weights up to 300 pounds.
  • Ribbed edges. The extended arms have ribbed edges that help improve grip and prevent slips and other accidents.

What we didn’t like

  • The M210 may not be a good idea if you are a public land hunter since the metal buckles and ladders can be noisy, especially in the morning.
  • The staggered steps make it hard to hang your stand once you reach the top. When trying to reach the top, you can alarm other animals and potentially ruin your hunt from the loud sounds coming from the steps.

Verdict

The M210 is the right choice if you hunt on private land and won’t need to take the ladder down after each hunt. Also, if you plan to climb large trees, the extra foot cam buckle may come in handy. During assembly, it can be noisy, but it is not a problem if you don’t hunt on public land.


Mossy Oak Bottomland Climbing Stick

The Mossy Oak Bottomland climbing stick offers a high level of flexibility with its brackets that can be switched left and right. This gives you space between your boot and the tree trunk, allowing for a comfortable boot-grip and your toes to have clearance during your climb.

The steps of the stick are arch-shaped, which ensures your feet are firmly grounded and prevent slips. Unlike other climbing sticks that require straps, the Mossy Oak climbing stick uses a stacking system that allows you to lock the rods together without straps.

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What we like

  • Arch step technology. This technology offers a more significant step compared to other climbing sticks, which makes climbing secure and safe. The steps also have a tread on them, which prevents your feet from slipping even when they are wet.
  • Easy assembly. The heat-treated steel fast strap bottoms easily attach to the tree securely. All you need to do is connect the strap to the tree, and the stick becomes secure.
  • Wide foot clearance. The stick also has extended offset V brackets that allow for ample foot clearance, which will enable you to climb can with any type of boots.
  • The Mossy Oak allows you to use both large and small trees with branches.
  • Easy to adjust clinch straps.

What we didn’t like

  • The Mossy Oak Bottomland climbing stick may be very durable, but it is also quite heavy. Each Stick weighs about 3.2 pounds, which can be a lot to carry around.
  • Compared to other climbing sticks, the Mossy Oak sticks are quite pricey.

Verdict

The Mossy Oak Climbing stick is both safe and has an ample foot clearance, which may come in handy if you hunt in different seasons and use different boots. Although the product is quite heavy, it is ideal if you are after durability and are willing to invest extra for it.


Muddy Pro Sticks 4 Pack

The Muddy Pro sticks are part of the back series for Muddy. They are ideal if you want something reliable, portable, and lightweight. The Muddy Pro is an excellent choice if you want a quiet stick that still performs well. The stick lets you get up a crocket tree safely, keeping you straight.

Another unique thing about this product is the rope cam system that goes around the tree for extra support. For additional grip, each step has contraction teeth, so you feel extra secure as you climb. The strap system is also very silent, which makes it an ideal choice for those who value stealth.

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What we like

  • Lightweight and durable. The Muddy Pro Stick can easily fit on your back in all weather types.
  • It comes with a powder coating that makes it weather-resistant and durable.
  • Silent strap system. Since there is no metal to metal contact, you won’t hear any noise when you climb up the steps.
  • Double steps. The climbing sticks allow you to put both feet on the same level, which adds to the safety of the product. Dual stepped climbing sticks are sturdier and safer than single steps. The product also has foldout steps that fold neatly and offer a stable standing platform.
  • Easy installation. The aluminum climbing sticks can be set up easily without making noise, so even beginner hunters can use them.
  • Rotating tree cleats. This addition ensures a secure connection on most trees.

What we didn’t like

  • The sticks might be recalled, so you need to be careful where you order Muddy Pro Stick 4 Pack.
  • It is a very basic climbing stick and doesn’t have arch step technology or non-slip steps.

Verdict

The Muddy Pro Climbing Stick is another alternative if you are a backpack hunter and need something lightweight. Although the sticks are not heavy, it’s not precisely stealthy either as they tend to make noise as you climb on them.


Guide Gear Quick Climbing Sticks, 3 Pack

This is one of the affordable and easy to use climbing sticks available in the market. Guide Geer 3 Pack Climbing Sticks are made from premium yet lightweight steel construction. This material offers the needed durability while keeping the product lightweight and portable. The steps on the Sticks are double-sided, which makes them ideal for amateurs.

Another reason why beginners will love this climbing stick is that the steps are welded together, so you don’t have to worry about assembling them the wrong way. Despite its lightweight, the stick offers an impressive elevation of 32 feet and can bear weights up to 300 pounds.

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What we like

  • Anti-slip double step design. Double steps are always safer than single levels, and the Guide Gear Climbing stick doesn’t disappoint.
  • Secure attachment. Each section is attached to the tree with straps for added security.
  • Compact size. The stick only has three sections making it very small and portable.
  • 300 pounds of weight capacity. Despite the compact design and lightweight nature of the sticks, they can carry up to 300 pounds in weight.
  • Strong steel frame. The steel frame is welded together carefully and firmly strapped to the tree for additional security.
  • The Guide Gear Quick climbing sticks are an excellent choice for amateurs on a budget.

What we didn’t like

  • If you prefer a run n’ gun hunt, this is not ideal. The sticks are heavy and more suitable for a slow-paced chase.
  • The paint may quickly wear off, exposing the metal. This can lead to rust if you intend to use it in rainy conditions.

Verdict

If you don’t mind a heavy stick with reasonable elevation, the Guide Geer 3 piece Stick is a good option. It is easy to assemble, and the sticks are affordable compared to other products. You’ll get a few good hunting seasons out of them until it eventually rusts out due to poor paint.


Climbing Sticks Buying Guide

What is the difference between a climbing stick and a screw-in step?

Both screw-in steps and climbing sticks have the same purpose but differ in several ways. Screw-in steps are advantageous because they are small and you can easily carry them in your backpack. If you are going to hang multiple stands in a day and are working on public land, this may be a good option. Public land hunters also opt for screw-in steps because they are inconspicuous and keep you safe from other hunters.

On the downside, screw-in steps are difficult to attach to a tree, which can be time-consuming. Hunters may have to screw and unscrew the steps multiple times before they get the desired distance. Safety is another issue, and using screw-in steps in snowy or wet weather can be dangerous.

Climbing sticks, on the other hand, are bulkier and need to be assembled. Usually, you need three to five sections to get up a tree. The advantage of climbing sticks is that assembly is more straightforward and fast. If you are doing a hang and hunt set-up, you can easily strap the sticks to your stand and develop a system to hang them up one by one without going down the tree. Also, with climbing sticks, there is no need for difficult screwing into trees, and they can work well with any tree size.

In terms of safety, climbing sticks are safer than screw-in steps because they often have some grip and even coating for stability. On the downside, if you need to get multiple stands up and need to travel distances in between, these sticks can be a hassle to carry around. Not only do they weigh more, but they are also bulky and difficult to move. Also, climbing sticks may not fit in between limbs of some trees, which can be inconvenient.

The bottom line is every hunter has to decide which of the two to use. You may need to try both before figuring out which works best for you.

How can I stay safe when using a climbing stick?

According to statistics, one out of three hunters using a tree stand will fall sometime in their lives. Some may be injured seriously while others even killed. If you are an amateur at trees stand hunting, there are a few safety tips you need to keep in mind:

Always use a harness. A full-body harness that is in good order is a must-have for every hunter. Never take your harness for granted and make sure to regularly inspect them and practice getting in and out of them properly.

Never be complacent. No matter how long you have been hunting and no matter how agile and fit you feel you are, climbing up trees can be dangerous. Every time you assemble your climbing stick and ascend a tree, be aware of your surroundings and be safety-conscious. Always think ahead and think about possible mishaps and have a plan in place in case this happens.

Know what to do if you fall. Even if you have a harness, remember that the longer you dangle on it, the harder it will be to climb back. Make sure you have an accessible pocket that can hold a few screw-in steps, a cell-phone, and a pocket knife.

Use extra tree straps if necessary. If you hunt out of multiple treestands, get hold of additional straps and carabineers so you can always have one rig attached to each tree. This will also make it easier to connect your harness.

Attach the lower step properly. This is essential, so you avoid stretching to reach it going up or jumping down when descending. Climbing sticks already have ideal distances between steps, so you don’t have to worry about this. However, make sure the highest level is a little above your tree stand platform so you can easily step over and back.

Conduct regular inspections. Even the most durable climbing sticks are prone to wear and tear, so be in the habit of checking your rods before every hunt. Look out for loose bolts, signs of rust, tears in the straps, and other potential hazards. If you purchase a new climbing stick, spend time learning how to use it properly before taking it out on a hunt.

How Do I Climb A Tree Using Climbing Sticks?

First, attach your climbing sticks to your harness except two. Another option is to use ropes, but having them as close to your body as possible when climbing is the safest option. If you have a spare hook in your harness, you can attach them to this.

Next, attach the two pieces closest to the ground. Make sure the distance between the earth and the first step is about two to three feet. Firmly place the climbing stick against the tree surface with the foot stand facing you. Wrap the strap around the tree and tighten it securely. If your climbing stick has ladder portions or foot, make sure they lock into place.

Third, clip yourself to the tree using a rope and attach a carabiner to each end of the cable that is the same circumference of the tree. Clip the carabineers to each side of your harness, so you stay suspended in the air in case you fall. Make sure you use a climbing knot when attaching the carabineers. As you climb, push your body against the tree and move the rope upward.

When you reach four to five feet above the first stick, attach your second climbing stick. To do this, lean on the safety rope and place the second stick above the first. Then secure it with a strap. Make sure there is enough room between the two sticks for you to climb comfortably and adjust the distance according to your height.

Repeat the process for the next stick until you run out of sticks or at a comfortable height. Ideally, you should not need to be higher than 20 feet to remain hidden and hang your stand.

Finally, attach the tree stand. Pull the tree stand up slowly and steadily, making as little noise as possible. If you strapped the stand to your back, slowly reach for it, so it doesn’t drop. Make sure you attach the tree stand a little bit below your highest climbing stick, and your safety rope is above the stand always. You can also connect a second cable to a branch for extra safety.

If you are hunting on private property, you may leave your climbing sticks and stand in the tree. However, for public land hunters, you will need to reverse the steps and make your way down the tree carefully.

How Can I Choose The Best Hunting Climbing Sticks?

With all the options you have when it comes to climbing sticks, it is wise to know what you are looking for before you shell any money out. Many hunters find themselves with a climbing stick that doesn’t fit their needs, is too cumbersome, or doesn’t take them as high as they need. So before you close a deal, here are some buying tips to consider.

Height

Most hunters need sticks that are 20 to 25 feet tall; however, this depends on your skill level and preference. Before you purchase a climbing stick, carefully examine the height, and make sure it is good enough for you.

When deciding the height of the climbing stick, also remember that not all trees are naturally ideal for high stands, and some will be better for lower stands. So if you have a stand that is only about 16 feet up in the tree, it makes no sense spending more money on a 24 foot set of sticks. On the contrary, getting a shorter set of rods may be disappointing if you have stands on different trees.

Flexibility

A functional climbing stick has many advantages and helps you climb up and down stealthily. Although you may pay more for a high-performance hunting stick, the flexibility it offers will be worth it. This will maximize your hunting efforts and keep critters from hearing you from a distance.

Weight

This is an aspect that many hunters often underestimate. Remember that you may need to walk great distances with your equipment during a hunt, so you need to find a stick that you can carry around. There are many lightweight climbing sticks available for this purpose.

The weight of a climbing stick also dramatically affects its portability. If you are one of the hunters who love to trek in the woods and find different spots, lightweight materials are ideal. The climbing sticks that have sections that hang about one or two feet apart are often the lightest models. However, make sure you check the weight rating before purchasing a lightweight climbing stick. When considering the weight capacity of a climbing stick, remember to include your weight plus the weight of all our equipment.

Sturdiness

Ideally, a climbing stick should have a metal shaft that is three to four feet long and has multiple climbing spikes on each side. Double steps are a safer option than single levels, so make sure you analyze the material used before purchasing. Climbing sticks with steps on both sides allow you to put both feet on an individual step and also leave less space between the levels for extra safety. Some climbing sticks also have the base a little farther away from the tree, which makes balance easier.

Conclusion

Climbing sticks are one of the safest ways to go up and down trees when you hunt. Compared to screw-in steps, climbing sticks offer better security and durability. With all the options available, you must know what you are looking for. Since no two hunters are alike, make sure you select a stick that has the right weight, height, portability, and durability that you are looking for.

If you are after a quiet climbing stick that has no metal-to-metal contact, select one that uses powdered coating like the Muddy Pro sticks. For backpack hunters who value portability, the Lone Wolf sticks are a great option. Not only are they easy to carry and lightweight, but they are also durable and silent.

Hunters who hunt on private land and don’t have to dismantle their sticks may find the Mossy Oak Bottomland climbing stick, which is heavy yet durable. Another option for private land hunters is the Millennium Treestands M210 tree climbing stick.

Once you find the right climbing stick to fit your needs, carefully learn how to use it safely. Always be safety-conscious when assembling your climbing stick. Always attach the lowest step so that you don’t have to reach to climb and ensure that the highest step is higher than the tree stand. Never become too complacent or over-confident because of your skill level and always check your equipment for wear and tear.

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