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Written By
Erik Barber
Up to date Aug 1, 2023 12:16 PM
The times of hauling heavy, noisy climbing sticks by way of the woods are behind us. Fashionable climbing sticks are function constructed with the cellular hunter prime of thoughts, leading to climbing strategies which might be lighter, quieter, and much more cellular than their clunky predecessors.
This implies hunters you’ve got plenty of choices in terms of purchasing in your subsequent set of climbing sticks, so I hung out evaluating the perfect of the perfect to create a information to purchasing the perfect climbing sticks for you.
How I Examined Climbing Sticks
The rolling topography and huge hardwood ridges that make-up southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Space is among the most prolific huge buck looking areas within the nation. Laden with numerous species of oaks, walnut, and maple timber with interspersed cedar thickets and agricultural transitions, the area is consultant of basic whitetail habitat. I performed the check on numerous timber on a state-owned property that’s open to public looking. The check centered on the important thing components bowhunters think about in terms of spending their hard-earned money: weight and dimension, stackability, attachment technique, materials, noise, and climbing consolation.
Weight and Size
I used a kitchen scale to weigh every keep on with the closest 1/10-ounce and measured size from step-to-step.
Stackability

I scored every stick for his or her stackability from one to 5, with 5 being the perfect. The rating was from packed peak, size, and width dimensions in addition to ease of packing, how effectively they keep packed, and the way quiet they have been as soon as stacked.
Noise
Irrespective of how cautious you’re, you’re sure to make noise when organising your sticks. Most noise is derived from the mix of the climbing stick and attachment supplies. The perceived sound made whereas setting was given a rating of 1 to 5 (5 is the quietest).
Climbing Consolation
All sticks have been used to climb quite a lot of timber all through the check. A climbing consolation rating was constructed on a one-to-five scale, with 5 being most snug. This was judged by seeing how effectively the sticks bit into the timber, noting any important slipping or twisting skilled in the course of the climb.
The Greatest Climbing Sticks: Opinions and Suggestions
Greatest Total: Tethrd One Stick

Key Options
- Weight: 4 kilos 3.8 ounces (4 sticks); about 1 pound 1 ounce per stick
- Size: 17 5/8 inches (step to step)
- Packed Dimensions: 22-inches lengthy, 7 ½-inches excessive, and 9-inches large
- Attachment: 103 ½ inches of Amsteel DynaLite rope
- Materials: Titanium and aluminum
- Stackability Rating: 4
- Noise Rating: 3
- Climbing Consolation Rating: 4
Professionals
- Light-weight
- Loads of amsteel rope to climb giant timber
- Pack collectively tightly and silently
Cons
- Require aftermarket options to cut back noise
All of the climbing sticks I examined have been spectacular, however the Tethrd One stick stood out as the perfect of the perfect. Weighing in at simply over 4 kilos, they’re the lightest of the bunch. Tethrd prides itself on eliminating the “fiddle issue” in bowhunting, which is obvious within the Amsteel DynaLite rope attachment technique of their sticks. With greater than 100-inches of fabric to grip the tree, this method makes it potential to climb timber considerably bigger than what’s potential with inventory choices from different producers. This technique is flexible, silent, and straightforward to make use of.


Whereas testing stackability, I discovered the StickLoc pin system stored the sticks comfortable and silent throughout transport, and straightforward to pack. Merely align the pins into the corresponding receiver slots and comfortable them collectively and sneak out of the woods silently.
The Tethrd One sticks have been a bit louder out of the field than different sticks, however that’s to be anticipated of a 1-pound metallic climbing stick. Stealth Strips may be bought from Tethrd straight, pre-cut to match the One stick’s design. If you wish to go loopy, you are able to do loads of modifications to make them even quieter.
Greatest Funds: XOP X2 Climbing Stick

Key Options
- Weight: 6 kilos 12 ounces (4 sticks); 1 pound 11 ounces per stick
- Size: 17 inches (step to step)
- Packed Dimensions: 22-inches lengthy, 5 5/16-inches excessive, 10 13/16-inches large
- Attachment: 77 inches of cam strap buckle
- Materials: 6061, 7075 aluminum
- Stackability Rating: 4
- Noise Rating: 4
- Climbing Consolation Rating: 5
- Worth: $179 (4 sticks), $132 (single stick)
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- 5-inch standoff for simple climbing
- Facet-Lock system stacks sticks aspect by aspect for silent transport
- Consists of predrilled attachment factors for amsteel aiders
Cons
- Included cam strap buckles are heavy (4 buckles weigh 1 pound 12 ounces)
In testing, the XOP X2 Climbing Sticks hit the candy spot of efficiency and affordability, which made it my choose for the perfect climbing stick for the cash. At 6 pounces 12 ounces and $180 for a four-pack the X2 has an amazing worth to weight ratio.

The Facet-Lock attachment system is in contrast to different attachment technique available on the market, stacking the X2 sticks side-by-side for a flat, glossy profile. Simply over 5-inches excessive when packed within the Facet-Lock system, the X2 packs to a decrease profile than another stick within the check. The sticks simply slide out and in of the Facet-Lock bracket, making for simple setup or takedown, particularly at nighttime. It’s necessary to notice, you can’t stack a whole set of 4 X2 sticks side-by-side. As a substitute, the Facet-Lock system combines two units of pairs, which you’ll retailer individually (or connect to your stand, particularly made to combine with the XOP Chilly World and Retrograde treestands). The X2 sticks additionally stack vertically, however received’t lock in place as they’d with the Facet-Lock system.

The 5-inch standoff makes the X2 snug and straightforward to climb, even with cumbersome insulated boots. I discovered the Dura-Grip Traction, a sand imbedded powder coat, to be essentially the most abrasive and cheesy exterior coating of all sticks featured within the check. The added traction allowed me to climb confidently, figuring out the X2 will present a greater climbing expertise than different sticks, particularly if rain or snow are within the forecast.
Greatest for Semi-Everlasting Units: Summit Aluminum Folding Climbing Sticks

Key Options
- Weight: 10 kilos 5 ounces (three sticks); 3 kilos 7 ounces per stick
- Size: 28 inches (step to step)
- Packed Dimensions: 37-inches lengthy, 8 1/4-inches excessive, 5-inches large
- Attachment: 74 ¼ cam strap buckle
- Materials: Aluminum
- Stackability Rating: 1
- Noise Rating: 3
- Climbing Consolation Rating: 5
- Worth: $169.99 (three sticks)
Professionals
Cons
- At 37-inches lengthy when packed, they’re not superb for cellular looking
The Summit Aluminum Folding Climbing Sticks are quiet and straightforward to climb as soon as hooked up to your favourite tree. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a run-and-gun setup, there are higher options to contemplate. Nevertheless, the Summit Aluminum Folding Climbing Sticks are a wonderful alternative if in case you have a number of everlasting stand areas and need a quiet, snug climbing stick.


Whereas cellular looking appears to be the most recent pattern in bowhunting, many people have our favourite spots we frequent yr after yr. At $170, the Summit Aluminum Folding Climbing Sticks received’t break the financial institution when in comparison with different three-step sticks featured within the check. Steps fold from 4 3/8 inches to 11 inches, which permits for loads of room to ascend or descend with confidence, even at nighttime. At 28 inches from the underside step to prime, the three-step design is lots to achieve optimum bowhunting peak with simply three sticks. Whereas they are often stacked collectively when a minor adjustment is critical, I wouldn’t advocate lengthy treks or utilizing them for frequent grasp and hunts.

Key Options
- Weight: 8 kilos 7 ounces ( 4 sticks); about 2 kilos 2 ounces per stick
- Size: 18 ⅞ inches (step to step)
- Packed Dimensions: 26 ¼-inches lengthy, 9-inches excessive, 6 ¼-inches large
- Attachment: 98 inches of Amsteel DynaLite Rope
- Materials: Aluminum
- Stackability Rating: 3
- Noise Rating: 3
- Climbing Consolation Rating: 4
Professionals
- Inexpensive
- Pack collectively tightly and silently
- Folding double-step design
Cons
- Heavier than most different sticks examined
The Tethrd Skeletors function an Amsteel DynaLite rope attachment technique, providing versatility to climb a variety of tree diameters. A folding double-step design means the steps pivot 90 levels for streamlined transportation. You’ll discover the identical confirmed StickLoc pin system from the One sticks, however with an added Rope Containment System to simply stow your DynaLite rope when transporting your sticks.


You get plenty of options for the cash, however there’s a commerce off—weight. An all-aluminum design means the Skeletors are roughly double the load of the One sticks, weighing in at simply over 2 kilos per stick. If you happen to don’t thoughts carrying an 8 pound four-pack, the Skeletors are a feature-rich choice for the cellular bowhunter.
Quietest: Timber Ninja C1 Climbing Stick

Key Options
- Weight: 5 kilos 5.5 ounces (4 sticks); 1 kilos 4.4 ounces per stick
- Size: 18 ⅛ inches (step to step)
- Packed Dimensions: 20 ⅛-inches lengthy, 9 ⅝-inches excessive, 8 ⅞-inches large
- Attachment: 70 ⅛ inches of 6mm wire
- Materials: Carbon fiber
- Stackability Rating: 3
- Noise Rating: 5
- Climbing Consolation Rating: 3
Professionals
- Made within the USA.
- Light-weight and noise-dampening
- Constructed-in climbing aider
Cons
Founder and designer, Jason Redd, takes nice satisfaction in constructing all of Timber Ninja’s gear within the USA. He’s a hardcore backcountry hunter and whitetail fanatic who brings over 30 years of looking expertise to his enterprise in addition to skilled expertise in fall-restraints.
The C1 Climbing Stick from Timber Ninja Outside is the primary of its variety, made totally out of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber means the C1 stays heat to the contact, even in sub-zero circumstances. It additionally dampens noise way more effectively than different aluminum or titanium designs. If something, the hole “clack” of two C1 sticks knocking towards one another sounds extra akin to your favourite pair of rattling antlers than a overseas sound that whitetails would in any other case affiliate with hazard. Customers can get rid of much more noise by including Stealth Strips or selecting a 6mm rope from Timber Ninja’s checklist of attachment strategies.



If you happen to select the rope attachment technique, you’ll want to know methods to tie a correct cow hitch knot. If the 70 inches of 6mm wire isn’t sufficient, you’ll be able to DIY your individual attachment technique and apply the identical cow hitch knot to successfully climb practically any tree. Be forewarned, although, in case your knot recreation isn’t robust, you’ll possible admire a conventional cam-lock buckle choice relatively than the lighter and quieter 6mm wire.
Timber Ninja affords an elective, retractable aider for his or her C1 climbing sticks. Not like different aiders that grasp onto the underside step, the C1 aider retracts into the hole carbon tube, stowing away neatly with none additional slop.
Most Compact: Lone Wolf Customized Gear D’Acquisto Collection Double Step

Key Options
- Weight: 6 kilos 12 ounces for 4 sticks; about 1 pound 11 ounces per stick
- Size: 17 ⅛ inches (step to step)
- Packed Dimensions: 20 3/8″ lengthy, 6″ excessive, 10 ¼” large
- Attachment: 73 ½ inch cam strap buckle
- Materials: 6061 Steel
- Stackability Rating: 5
- Noise Rating: 1
- Climbing Consolation Rating: 4
Professionals
- Modern and packable profile
- Huge foot base
- Combine with different Lone Wolf Customized Gear treestands
- Simply settle for Lone Wolf Customized Gear aiders
Cons
The D’Acquisto identify is synonymous with cellular whitetail looking, and the Lone Wolf Customized Gear lineup is reflective of the cumulative data shared by Andre and Cody D’Acquisto. The D’Acquisto Collection Double Step is essentially the most packable climbing stick within the check, packing to a mere 6-inches excessive and barely noticeable in your backpack. Hunters can select from 14, 17, or 20 inch stick lengths. Pre-drilled aider attachment holes make it straightforward to just accept the built-in Lone Wolf Customized Gear aiders.
Meeting is required to get your D’Acquisto Collection Double Step sticks up and operating. The tolerances are tight, so watch out to not cross-thread your bolts as I did throughout meeting. Admittedly, I’m not essentially the most mechanically inclined, but when it may possibly occur to me, it may probably occur to you.


As soon as assembled, you’ll discover how glossy the sticks stack collectively. Whereas not as mild as different climbing sticks featured within the check, they’re actually essentially the most packable, incomes a prime stackability rating. If you happen to’re prepared to tolerate a minimal weight penalty in comparison with others, you’ll admire the additional area you’ll have in your pack due to the stacked dimensions of the Lone Wolf Customized Gear sticks.
You’ll must get inventive with utilizing Stealth Strips or utilizing one other aftermarket technique to assist cut back noise, because the Lone Wolf Customized Gear sticks have been the loudest out of the field. The aluminum produces high-pitched “tings” and “clangs” that may ship your goal buck headed for the following county should you’re not cautious. Including Stealth Strips helped cut back these overseas sounds however didn’t get rid of it.
Timber Ninja A1 Climbing Stick

Key Options
- Weight: 8 kilos for 4 sticks; about 2 kilos per stick
- Size: 18 ⅛ inches (step to step)
- Packed Dimensions: 20 ⅛-inches lengthy, 9 ⅝-inches excessive, 8 ⅞-inches large
- Attachment: 70 ⅛ inches of 6mm wire
- Materials: Aluminum
- Stackability Rating: 3
- Noise Rating: 4
- Climbing Consolation Rating: 3
- Non-obligatory Equipment: add a built-in aider to every particular person stick and select between a black cam buckle strap or 6mm wire supplied in black or desert coloration choices
Professionals
- Made within the USA
- Constructed-in climbing aider
Cons
- Costlier than different climbing sticks positioned as “budget-friendly”


The A1 options the identical elements and choices because the C1, however in an aluminum tube. Aluminum is extra inexpensive than carbon, making the A1 an amazing choice for people who need a minimalistic climbing stick that’s made within the USA, however lacks C1’s sticker shock. Just like the C1, hunters can select so as to add an aider. Not like the C1, A1’s aider loops over the entrance of the stick and hooks onto the versa knob relatively than stowing contained in the tube. Admittedly, the A1 aider system isn’t as environment friendly because the C1, however continues to be very efficient and superior to aftermarket or DIY choices.
At round $400 for 4, the A1 nonetheless isn’t low cost. Nevertheless, it’s lighter than most different mid-priced aluminum climbing sticks, and comes from a small, respected firm.
Novix Double-Step Climbing Sticks

Key Options
- Weight: 11 kilos 6.9 ounces for 4 sticks; 2 kilos 13 ounces per stick
- Size: 30 ¼ inches (step to step)
- Packed Dimensions: 36-inches lengthy, 9-inches excessive, 9-inches large
- Attachment: 68 inch cam strap buckle
- Materials: Aluminum
- Stackability Rating: 3
- Noise Rating: 3
- Climbing Consolation Rating: 5
Professionals
- Made within the USA
- Triple step design
- Climbs increased than different choices
Cons
- Different choices are extra cellular


Novix’s 32-inch Double Step permits hunters to climb increased than another sticks featured within the check. The triple-step design means you don’t want an aider to get to looking weight with three steps. A pivoting V-bracket helps the sticks grip timber because it rotates, permitting the stick to remain stage on crooked timber. After I cinched the sticks to the tree with the included cam buckle strap, the sticks felt stable and I used to be assured they weren’t going anyplace. The principle con is that they aren’t the best to pack and so they made noise whereas stacked. Whereas the buckle system helps preserve the sticks tight throughout transport, I wasn’t in a position to get rid of noise totally. That’s why I feel the Novix sticks are finest suited as preset together with the perfect hang-on tree stands relatively than run and gun setups.
Beast Gear Climbing Stick

Key Options
- Weight: 6 kilos 15.6 ounces; about 1 pound 12 ounces per stick
- Size: 22 inches (step to step)
- Packed Dimensions: 24 ⅜-inches lengthy, 10-inches excessive, 9-inches large
- Attachment: 67 ½ inch cam strap buckle
- Materials: 6061 Aluminum
- Stackability Rating: 3
- Noise Rating: 4
- Climbing Consolation Rating: 5
Professionals
- Aggressively chew the tree leading to nearly zero slip
- No shifting components
- In-line stacking reduces undesirable noise
Cons
- Stack peak is highest within the check
Dan Infalt is taken into account by many to be the most effective public land bowhunters, and has been on the entrance of the cellular looking pattern. He turned heads when he launched the Beast Gear Climbing Sticks constructed to spec on what he believes to be the proper climbing stick.


The climbing consolation is the place the Beast Gear stick shines. You possibly can simply and rapidly grasp them on any tree. I additionally discovered that the Beast Gear sticks gripped timber higher than any stick within the check.
Noise is an enormous deal once you’re hanging a set 100 yards from a buck mattress, and the Beast Gear Sticks are very quiet. They stack tight and when cinched, the Beast Gear sticks produce nearly no noise throughout transport. Nevertheless, the aluminum design advantages from aftermarket silencing to attain a stick that’s really silent.
Learn how to Select Climbing Sticks

Contemplate your major looking type earlier than you select a climbing stick. If you end up trekking removed from the parking zone, weight will possible issue into your choice greater than should you’re creeping right into a pre-hung stand location.
One other factor to contemplate is the attachment technique. Cam buckles are quick to arrange, straightforward to make use of, and in a position to grip the tree extremely effectively. However they add additional weight and bulk. Rope and twine attachment strategies are silent, however require some knot tying observe and aren’t idiot proof.
Ultimate Ideas
Cellular looking gear retains getting higher with every passing yr—particularly sticks and stands. The most effective climbing sticks are quiet, packable, and instill confidence as you ascend your perch. All the sticks on this check fulfill these necessities and may also help you hunt extra successfully.
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