I researched and tested deeply to determine the best treestand climbing sticks for bowhunters. Testing various factors, including weight, size, stackability, attachment method, material, noise, and climbing comfort.
The results of this study will provide valuable insights and recommendations for bowhunters looking to invest in climbing sticks.
Without any Further Due – Here are my Top Recommended Climbing Sticks
In this article, I will discuss the top picks for the best treestand climbing sticks based on their lightweight design, quietness, budget-friendliness, and more.
Best Lightweight: Hawk Helium 30″ Lightweight Aluminum Treestand Climbing Sticks
User Rated:
Price: $106.99
If you’re looking for the best lightweight treestand climbing sticks, the Hawk Helium 30′ Lightweight Aluminum Climbing Sticks are a great option.
They have aircraft-grade aluminum construction and weight-saving cutouts, making them portable and easy to use.
These climbing sticks are ideal for hunters who need to quickly and quietly climb trees. The 30-inch sections weigh only 2.9 pounds each, making them extremely lightweight and easy to carry.
Features
| Weight: 8.7 pounds (3-pack) |
| Length: 30-inches per section |
| Material: aircraft-grade aluminum |
| Noise: very quiet (silent lock technology) |
| Stackable: yes |
| Climbing: dual sided traction |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
The dual-sided step design provides stability, and the foldable feature allows for convenient transport.
With the Versa button silent strap setup and TreeDigger Teeth for added confidence, these climbing sticks offer superior traction and stability.
However, some users have reported issues with broken snaps, strap adjustments, and problems with the suction cups.
Overall, the Hawk Helium climbing sticks are a reliable option for those needing lightweight and durable climbing equipment. Available as a 1 or 3-pack.
Video
Pros:
- Lightweight; 2.9 lb per 30-inch section
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Dual-sided step design for stability
- Foldable for easy transport
- Versa button silent strap setup for stealth and ease of setup
- Step grooves with raised ends
- Non-slip climbing performance
- Bite into bark
Cons:
- Some users have reported broken snaps and strap adjustment issues
- Problems with the suction cups
My Verdict
I am quite impressed with their performance. The lightweight design and aircraft-grade aluminum construction are advantageous for easy transport and setup in the field.
Being able to quickly and quietly climb trees is a crucial aspect of hunting, and these climbing sticks excel in that regard.
The dual-sided step design provides a stable platform to ascend and descend trees confidently, crucial for safety and accuracy while bowhunting.
I particularly appreciate the foldable feature, which makes carrying the sticks around the hunting grounds a breeze.
The Hawk Helium climbing sticks are a solid choice for bowhunters seeking lightweight and durable climbing equipment.
The suction cup system is definitely a weak point … But the benefits of portability, stability, and ease of use outweigh the reported issues, and I recommend trying them.
Very Quiet: Muddy Outdoors Pro Aluminum Climbing Sticks
User Rated:
Price: $135.99
All the climbing sticks I tested were impressive, but you’ll appreciate how quiet the Muddy Outdoors Climbing Sticks are when you’re in the field.
These climbing sticks are designed to minimize noise, allowing you to move stealthily through the trees.
Made from durable aluminum, they feature aluminum bark biters and a rope cam system for secure attachment to the tree. The lightweight and packable design makes them easy to carry and compatible with Muddy treestands.
Features
| Weight: 10 pounds (4-pack) |
| Length: 20″ per section |
| Material: aluminum |
| Noise: quite |
| Stackable: yes – PEG-Pack -Series |
| Climbing: Special coat texture & built-in teeth |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
The built-in teeth on each step ensure a secure grip, even on crooked or straight trees. These sticks have a weight rating of 300 pounds and a minimum tree diameter requirement of 9 inches.
Overall, the Muddy Outdoors Pro Aluminum Climbing Sticks are a reliable choice for hunters who value silence and convenience in their gear.
They offer a wide range of benefits, including stability, high placement options, and improved quality and fit of parts. However, some users have expressed concerns about the weight and strap length.
Pros:
- Quiet operation
- Lightweight and packable
- Secure grip with built-in teeth
- Compatible with Muddy Treestands
- Improved quality and fit of parts
Cons:
- Weight may be a concern for some users
- Strap length could be longer for certain tree sizes
My Verdict
As an avid bow hunter who has personally used the Muddy Climbing Sticks, I must say that these sticks are a game-changer for stealthy tree climbing.
The claim of “quiet operation” is spot on. I was pleasantly surprised at how little noise they made when attaching and detaching them from the tree, which is crucial in avoiding spooking nearby game.
A slight downside was the strap length. The straps could be longer for certain tree sizes, providing more flexibility in choosing suitable climbing trees.
Best Budget: XOP- X2 Hunting Climbing Steps
User Rated:
Price: $179.99
The XOP-X2 hunting climbing steps are cost-effective for hunters on a budget. These climbing sticks offer a spacious standing area with a 10-step width and a 17-step-to-step distance, providing ample room for comfortable hunting.
The sturdy and secure V-bracket design with 5 stand-offs ensures climbing stability and safety. The compact and stackable XOP Slide Lock system also makes transportation a breeze.
Constructed with ultralight 6061 aluminum, these climbing steps are durable and lightweight, making them easy to carry and set up in the field.
Features
| Weight: 6.2 pounds (4-pack) |
| Length: 17-inches step to step |
| Material: 6061 aluminum |
| Noise: quite |
| Stackable: yes -Side-Lock system |
| Climbing: good – 10″ step width |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
The powder coat finish and weather-resistant cam straps ensure long-lasting performance even in harsh weather conditions.
The XOP-X2 climbing steps have received positive feedback from users, with many praising their affordability and solid lock to the tree.
These steps provide secure footing and are comfortable even for larger individuals. They also offer the convenience of steps on both sides, making it easier to exit the tree stand in the dark.
Overall, the XOP-X2 hunting climbing steps are an excellent option for budget-conscious hunters who want to maintain quality and safety.
Video
Pros:
- Cost-effective option for hunters on a budget
- Solid lock to the tree for secure footing
- Steps on both sides for easier exits in the dark
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Durable construction with a powder coat finish
Cons:
- Traction may not be confidence-inspiring with wet boots
- Convex shape in the center of the step may feel slippery with wet boots
- Straps may slip a little when trying to secure them to the tree
My Verdict
As a budget-conscious bowhunter who tried the XOP-X2 hunting climbing steps, I found them to be a great value for the price.
The cost-effectiveness of these climbing sticks is a big plus for someone like me who wants quality gear without breaking the bank.
When my boots were wet, I found the traction on the convex shape in the center of the step to be a little less reassuring. It’s something to be mindful of, especially in rainy or muddy conditions.
Guide Gear Quick Tree Climbing Sticks
User Rated:
Price: Price not available
Constructed with sturdy steel and an anti-slip double-step design, the Guide Gear Quick Tree Climbing Sticks provide a secure and reliable way to climb up to 8 feet higher.
These climbing sticks are designed with the utmost durability, ensuring that hunters can confidently ascend to their treestands without worrying about stability.
The anti-slip double-step design offers added traction, further enhancing the safety of the climbing experience.
Features
| Weight: 18 pounds (3-pack) |
| Length: 32″ per section |
| Material: steel |
| Noise: a bit noisier |
| Stackable: yes |
| Climbing: anti-slip double steps |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
The Guide Gear Quick Tree Climbing Sticks have a weight capacity of 300 lbs, making them suitable for many hunters.
With their strap-on design, these climbing sticks are also tree-friendly, minimizing any potential damage to the trees.
Pros:
- Performance and sturdiness
- Easy fixes for minor issues
- Lightweight and easy setup
Cons:
- Noise and transport issues
- Heavy for mobile hunting
Video
In terms of pros, customers have praised the performance and sturdiness of the climbing sticks. They have also mentioned that any minor issues, such as a hole problem, were easily fixed.
Additionally, the lightweight nature and easy setup of these climbing sticks have been highly appreciated by users. However, some customers have mentioned concerns about noise and transport issues.
There have also been mixed reviews regarding the suitability of these climbing sticks for mobile hunting, with some users finding them too heavy.
The Guide Gear Quick Tree Climbing Sticks offer a secure and reliable way to climb up to 8 feet higher.
With their sturdy steel construction and anti-slip double-step design, these climbing sticks give hunters the confidence they need for a successful hunting experience.
My Verdict
I can confidently say that these climbing sticks are a valuable addition to any hunting arsenal.
The sturdiness and performance of these sticks are truly remarkable, providing a secure and reliable way to ascend to treestands.
I noticed they can be a bit noisy during climbing, which could spook game in some situations.
If you’re planning to hunt in different locations and need to be more mobile, the weight of these climbing sticks might be a concern.
Summit Treestands Aluminum Folding Climbing Sticks
User Rated:
Price: $162.67
Summit Treestands Aluminum Folding Climbing Sticks are designed to be lightweight and easy to transport, making them a convenient choice for hunters on the move.
These climbing sticks are crafted from high-quality aluminum, ensuring durability while keeping the weight to a minimum.
The folding steps allow for compact storage and easy transportation, whether hiking through dense woods or heading to a new hunting spot.
The quick-attach strap points and straps make installation a breeze, allowing you to attach the sticks to the tree in no time securely.
Features
| Weight: 10.8 pounds (3-pack) |
| Length: 30″ per stick |
| Material: aluminum |
| Noise: Silencers, plastic caps, and nylon washers throughout |
| Stackable: yes |
| Climbing: folding steps on each side |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
The three-pack of climbing sticks can stack together, maximizing portability and convenience.
While users have praised the installation and use of these climbing sticks, there have been some concerns about their transportability.
Some users have found it challenging to securely transport the sticks, despite using additional cords or cinch straps.
These climbing sticks offer hunters a lightweight, easy-to-use option for climbing trees.
Their durable construction and convenient folding design make them an excellent choice for those constantly on the move.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Quick-attach strap points for easy installation
- Folding steps for compact storage
Cons:
- Challenging to transport securely
- May require additional bungee cords or cinch straps
- Some users prefer alternative locking mechanisms for better transport.
My Verdict
I decided to give the Summit Treestands Aluminum Folding Climbing Sticks a try. These climbing sticks promised a lightweight and easy-to-use design, which immediately caught my attention.
The high-quality aluminum construction felt sturdy and reliable yet surprisingly light.
Despite my best efforts to secure them, I sometimes found it challenging to transport the sticks securely between spots.
Nevertheless, the benefits of their lightweight, durable, and easy setup far outweighed this minor inconvenience.
For up to 20′: Muddy Outdoors Quick-Stick XL Climbing Sticks
User Rated:
Price: $91.79
You’ll appreciate the convenience and durability of the Muddy Outdoors Quick-Stick XL climbing sticks for reaching heights of up to 20 feet.
These climbing sticks are designed with steps on both sides, making climbing more accessible and safer. The durable powder coat finish ensures a quiet ascent, while steel construction guarantees durability.
With a weight rating of 300 lbs and a weight of only 25 lbs, these climbing sticks are perfect for hunters of all sizes.
Features
| Weight: 25 pounds (5-pack) |
| Length: 48-inches per section |
| Material: steel |
| Noise: Silencers, plastic caps, and nylon washers throughout |
| Stackable: sure |
| Climbing: steps on both sides |
| Suggested Retail: check price |
The single cam-buckle strap fastens each section securely to the tree, providing stability and peace of mind.
The Muddy Outdoors Quick-Stick XL climbing sticks are a reliable and efficient for any hunting expedition.
Pros:
- Steps on both sides for an easier climb
- Durable powder coat finish
- Silencers for quiet operation
- Lightweight yet sturdy construction
- Easy and secure assembly
Cons:
- Some complaints about included bolts and nylon nuts
- Issues with tree standoff brackets not fitting properly
Video
My Verdict
Having recently tested the Muddy Outdoors Quick-Stick XL climbing sticks, I am thrilled to share that they have surpassed all my expectations.
These sticks have made ascending to heights of up to 20 feet an effortless and secure endeavor, thanks to their thoughtful design featuring steps on both sides.
While I encountered no issues personally, I received some feedback regarding the included bolts and nylon nuts.
And the weight obviously might pose a problem for some – I was ok with it
How We Tested
When testing the treestand climbing sticks, I carefully assessed their weight and length to determine their convenience and ease of transport.
Stackability was another crucial aspect, as it directly affected the packability and space efficiency of the sticks.
Additionally, I paid close attention to the noise levels produced by each stick during climbing and the comfort they provided while ascending and descending the tree.
Weight and Length
I compared the weight and length of each climbing stick using a kitchen scale. Weighing each stick to the nearest 1/10-ounce provided accurate measurements.
It was essential to consider the weight of the sticks as it directly affects the ease of carrying them during hunts.
Additionally, measuring the length from step to step allowed for a better understanding of each stick’s overall size and reach. These factors are crucial for bow hunters when selecting the best climbing sticks.
Stackability
Stackability was evaluated based on packed height, length, and width dimensions, how easily they could be packed, and how well they maintained their packed state.
I carefully measured each stick to determine how well they stacked on top of each other. I also tested how easily they could be packed and unpacked without causing any damage or shifting.
Additionally, I assessed how well they maintained their packed state, ensuring they stayed securely in place during transportation and handling.
Noise
The noise level of the climbing sticks was evaluated based on the perceived sound made while setting them up, with a score on a scale of one to five.
This evaluation considered the materials used for the climbing sticks and their attachment method.
Bowhunters need to have quiet climbing sticks to avoid alerting nearby games. The quieter the sticks, the better chance hunters have of getting close to their target undetected.
Climbing Comfort
To ensure your climbing comfort, evaluate how well the sticks bite into trees and note any slipping or twisting you experience.
The climbing comfort score was determined by observing how effectively the sticks gripped the trees, and any instances of slipping or twisting were considered.
This factor is crucial for a successful and safe climb, as it directly impacts your stability and confidence while ascending.
Make sure to choose climbing sticks that provide a secure and comfortable grip for a hassle-free hunting experience.
