Buying the best climbing stick is very important for hunters around the world. These hunting gears are for your added safety and increase your chance of getting an otherwise inaccessible game. Because these gears give you a higher vantage point, you are more able to see the area and plan your move.
A top-notch climbing stick allows you to be safe and away from territorial predators like hogs, foxes, and bears. All of these make buying a climbing stick an absolute necessity for you.
In this article, we’ll look at the top-rated climbing sticks for hunting. We’ve prepared this list based on the highest reviews and ratings from customers and users. We then shortlisted those based on the features that we received from our correspondence with professionals, experts, and hunters.
Based on this process, we have made this list for you. You will find a compact buying guide for the best climbing sticks full of the expert suggested best features. There is a guide for care for your climbing stick and a few tips for hunting that you need to keep in mind.
8 Best Climbing Sticks Reviewed – Our Top Picks
Here are our picks for top climbing sticks for your next hunting trip and next adventure –
Hawk Hunting Helium 20” Best Tree digger teeth bite Climbing Sticks
Hawk Helium climbing sticks are the next climbing sticks on our list. This is also a very famous manufacturer of climbing sticks.
Hawk manufacturing technology provides hunters with the safest and most comfortable Hang on Tree Stands, Ladder Stands, Climbing Tree Stands, Climbing Sticks, and some of the most sophisticated accessories and equipment available today.
The quality of this Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks is very high, and we are going to look at the features and see if it checks all the boxes.
The Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks are made with high quality aluminum. The aluminum construction makes the climbing stick durable and functional.
These Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks are noiseless for your hunting. This is a very easy assembly to use and set up. Even when you are setting up or packaging the climbing stick, it is noiseless.
Hawk Helium Climbing Stick comes with tree digger teeth that dig into the tree and give you more stability and security. The steps are made with boot gripping ability that can prevent slipping; this allows a non slip climb. This gives you a stable climb with maximum stability.
The overall weight capacity of the Hawk Helium Climbing Stick is 300 pounds. The length is 20 inches, and the step is 10 inches wide. Hawk Helium Climbing Stick weight is 2.5 pounds.
This is the lightest climbing stick and is made with aircraft grade aluminum construction. These dual sided traction grabbing tree steps provide better stability and balance.
There is silent lock technology that comes with suction cups. The price of the Hawk Helium Climbing Stick is in the affordable range, and it comes with a 4 pcs package.
Pros
- Lightweight climbing stick stand with silent use versa button
- Tree digger teeth bite tree trunk; gives you more stability
- Boot gripping steps for anti-slip steps climbing trees
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction, portable climbing sticks
- Affordable, big game quick stick climbing system
Cons
- Only available as a 4-piece pack
Rivers Edge Grip Stick RE719, Best Big Foot Climbing stick
The next climbing stick on our list is the Rivers Edge grip stick. This is also a very famous brand of hunting gear that is well known across the world for its quality.
This double step design or dual steps climbing stick with two tree steps at every level makes climbing easy and balanced. You use both your feet to climb, so it doesn’t tire you as much.
A ram horn shaped receiver allows a strap attachment that makes your climbing easier by keeping the climbing grip stick in place. It also allows noiseless climbing by eliminating metal-to-metal contact noises.
The step surface of the Rivers Edge grip stick is coated with a non slip power coat for stable climbing for you. This gives you a superior and super-tight grip.
You can use this grip stick to maneuver against obstacles that are in the tree; each section is suspended for easy adjustment.
This lightweight and portable grip stick is very good for hunting and can be used with almost all kinds of tree stands. It is 32 inches tall in each section and is very durable.
The price tag of these three sticks set is affordable and very much budget-friendly. You have the option of a firm grip rail and grip stick to choosing from.
Pros
- Lightweight climbing sticks
- No sharp edges
- Comfortably climb the double steps climbing stick
- Metal steps, powder coated finish for a rock-solid secure grip
- Portable option with high safety features
- Affordable climbing trees stick for big feet
Cons
- Looks flimsy, which can cause trust issues among climbers
Muddy Best Pro Climbing Sticks
The Muddy Pro Sticks is a high-quality product with the finest methods used in construction. Let’s see what the features are.
This is an aluminum construction climbing stick. It is light and durable. You can attach the Muddy Pro Sticks in trees that are over 9 inches in diameter.
Muddy Pro Sticks is 12.5 feet tall. There are aluminum bark biters that attach to the tree trunk, along with the rope cam system strap that keeps you on the tree.
The height of each section is 20 inches, and the weight limit of each section is 2.5 pounds; it all adds up to a lightweight and tall package for your hunting needs.
Muddy Pro Sticks multiple sections can be separately used for climbing. You can use the Muddy Pro Sticks for straight and crooked trees.
The Muddy Pro Sticks 3 pcs package is affordable, and you can buy more than one set to keep around the house.
Pros
- Aluminum construction specially designed for big game quick stick
- Light sticks with a wide stepping surface
- Double step climbing stick for the ideal hunting experience
- Tree climbing sticks with rope cam system straps for easy attachment
- Aluminum teeth bark biters for straight and crooked trees
- Great value, affordable and decent height
Cons
- Expensive climbing sticks, no foot ground stabilizer
XOP Best Short Climbing Sticks for Treestands
The XOP Short Climbing Sticks for Treestands is the next climbing stick on our list. Xop-Xtreme Outdoor Products is one of the most famous brands in the world today. With their commitment to quality and performance, these are some of the top-notch hunting gears in the market today.
XOP Short Climbing Sticks for Treestands come with a patented arch step technology that allows more grip for your boots. It can withstand 300 pounds of weight.
XOP Short Climbing Sticks for Treestands has a steel construction that is heat treated for durability and prevents rust. The straps are adorned with buttons that allow faster strapping.
The patented self locking mechanism of the XOP Short Climbing Sticks is another premium feature that is very useful in hunting conditions. There is a deep stand off brackets that offer more space between your boot and the tree. This allows a space to operate.
The XOP Short Climbing Sticks are 22 inches in size and 2 pounds each. The price of this package with 4 pc is affordable and a great option considering all the features we have covered here.
Pros
- Rock-solid aluminum construction
- Lightweight climbing sticks; can be easily transported
- Patented arch step technology
- A patented self locking mechanism
- Heat treated steel fast strap buttons
- Deep stand-off bracket for extra-large trees
Cons
- The higher price can be one downside
Millennium Treestands M210 Best Stick for Climbing
Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber is another premium brand of product that is very famous among hunters.
This Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber is made with lightweight SteelTough technology that allows you can enjoy climbing with these sticks. It has power coated finish for smooth operation and rust resistance.
The M120 climbing stick offers more room for your boots with added security. It is one of the best tree stand climbing sticks.
This Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber is very durable and built for durability and hunting weather extremities. It has a height of 20 feet; this tall climbing stick allows you to climb up and down from your treestand without much effort.
There are 7 foot cam-lock straps with the Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber; this allows you to strap the climber on any tree available in the game zones.
The Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber weighs around 17 pounds and is easy to carry.
The only issue with the Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber is the availability. The price is affordable, but it is often unavailable due to high demands.
Pros
- Steel construction with steelTOUGH technology
- 20 feet tall, one stick to climb them all
- Perfect for people wearing large boots
- 7 feet cam buckles for larger trees
Cons
- Availability can be an issue
XOP Best Lightweight Climbing Sticks for Treestands
XOP Climbing Sticks for Treestands is another Xop product on our list. The manufacturers say that it matches better with the XOP Vanish Hang-On stand.
This XOP Climbing Sticks for Treestands is different from the other Xop climbing stick because it is not short, but that one is. This XOP Climbing Sticks for Treestands is made with lightweight aluminum.
The climbing stick is very durable and light to carry. You can take this climbing stick around for your hunting needs. XOP Climbing Sticks for Treestands come with the ability to be attached to almost all trees native to this part of the world.
Deep stand-off brackets offer more space between your boots and the tree, thus allowing you to easily climb and fast.
There is a patented lock mechanism with the XOP Climbing Sticks for Treestands; you can be sure of the stability of these climbing stands.
There are pivots with 180 degrees for dual sided climbing. It is a camouflage color, so it can be hidden in plain sight, which gives you an advantage in hunting situations.
This is a 4-piece set that comes with a great price tag; you can get these for the long run and functionality in hunting.
Pros
- Aluminum construction, a significant improvement on the last one
- Lightweight climbing sticks
- Patented arch step technology for a comfortable climbing experience
- Patented self locking mechanism to prevent falling
- Heat treated steel fast strap buttons
- Deep stand-off bracket for different trees
Cons
- Price can be an issue; other than that, it can be a great deal
Summit Best Tree Stand Climbing Sticks, 20-Foot (SU85302)
The Summit Treestands is a very famous brand in the hunting equipment manufacturing industry standards. This is one of the most trusted brands in the world. This 20 feet climbing stick is one of their most popular items on the market.
This is a five section climbing stick that is made with high quality steel. The construction gives it durability and adds stability in hunting.
This is rust proof and weather resistant climbing stick that you can buy.
Each of the five sections is 4 feet tall. The attachment of the climbing sticks is easy and quick. There are strap points and straps that make up for the quick attachment.
There are ratchet straps that are easy to attach and give you increased stability and safety for your climb. These are on the top and bottom sections.
The weight capacity of the climbing stick is 300 pounds, the standard rating. This steel construction climbing stick gives you a safe and rigid frame that is very useful for hunting.
The price of the Summit Treestands 20-Foot Climbing Sticks is in the affordable range of cost. You can buy this for your future hunting expeditions. The five sections make it very useful for other works as well.
Pros
- Lightweight steel construction
- Quick climbing sticks for a better hunting spot
- 20 feet climbing stick to climb higher
- Each connection is reinforced with a bolt and wingnut
- Sturdy steel frame for stability
Cons
- a bit heavy, heavier weight can be an issue
Big Game Best Quick-Stick for Climbing System
Safety and stillness are of the utmost importance when it comes to climbing sticks, both for us and for the animals we are trying to kill. Big Game’s Quick-Stick CS050 was able to deliver on both fronts, and we were blown away by the product’s overall solidity and ease of use.
No frills answer for your hunt requirements: the Big Game Quick-Stick. The CS050, unlike some of the other products on this list, is in the shape of a ladder that is fixed to the bottom, making it seem more stable than the other products. Additional support can be provided by straps, which give you the impression that you are entirely secure while ascending and descending.
However, this climb stick is composed of steel and would be more than capable of coping with the majority of climbing situations. It’s also really light, making it a breeze to move about. The CS050 is constructed in a way that makes it simple to install and disassemble, so you can concentrate on hunting rather than setting up.
It’s a great option if you enjoy ladder-based climbing but always want to be able to transport your climbing gear easily and affordably.
In terms of design, the Big Game Quick-Stick Climbing System CS050 prioritizes safety and simplicity. Using this approach, you may securely and quietly ascend to your treestand from the floor, avoiding any needless climbing or navigating. We designed these all steel welding sticks with our Rock Solid look and feel, and they are fastened to the tree with 5 one-inch Cam-Buckle straps, while the five sections of the 20 with massive consecutive steps enable you to climb the 20 to the position in no time. This device weighs just 20 pounds, yet it has a 300-pound weight capacity.
Pros:
- The price-to-value ratio is excellent here.
- Strong and secure.
- It’s simple to attach to any tree.
- Color has a camouflage effect.
Cons:
- Its design isn’t very exciting
Best Climbing Sticks Buying Guide
With the in-built risk of hunting, a good climbing stick is an important choice to make. Your safety and security are dependent on the right choice. You may be confused as to how you would go about the purchase. There are so many alternatives available, right?
This is where we come in, again. There are a few features that we selected as a baseline of each product we have selected. Based on these features, we have selected the highest-reviewed products. We will list the features here in this comprehensive buying guide.
If you follow this guide, you will be able to buy the best climbing sticks almost all the time. You can suggest to people which one they should buy as well. This guide will make you conversationally fluent in all the climbing sticks’ details and their functionality and features.
Climbing Sticks Material
Most climbing sticks on the market are made with steel. They are adorned with powder coated finish for rust resistance. This makes the steel climbing stick more durable and functional for use in hunting. Powder coat finish is not all that common.
Steel construction climbing sticks are on the heavier side and more expensive because of their build quality and longevity. These are usually portable, but the weight can be challenging for some people.
Other options are available on the market that comes very close to steel’s durability and functionality. Aluminum construction makes the climbing stick light and highly portable. Like the steel climbing sticks, lightweight materials like aluminum construction, aircraft grade aluminum construction makes the climbing sticks rust proof and weather resistant.
Safety
The most important consideration for buying a climbing stick is safety.
There are a wide variety of ways of making sure the climbing stand is safe and secure. The weight capacity on the climbing sticks refers to the range of weight it can take. This weight includes the hunter’s weight and the weight of the things you will have on you while on the stand.
The safest options come with a main frame with tree steps on both sides. These climbing sticks give you more balance and stability. Because it is a both sided ladder like construction, you can use it with more fluid movements.
Climbing sticks with smaller steps are easier to control and allow you a safe and gradual climb.
Portability
Carrying climbing sticks around is a big part of the game. You need to change your vantage point for a better view; this is where climbing stick portability comes into play.
As is obvious, lighter climbing sticks are better adapted for portability. You can carry these climbing sticks around on your back or by the side.
Many lightweight climbing sticks come with parts that can be taken apart to be convenient. These are also very easy to set up.
You need to make sure that the light options that you choose are sturdy enough. This is vital. You can check the weight rating on the climbing stick to make sure you are buying the right thing.
Climbing Stick Height
Sticks Climbing height is a very important buying consideration before buying a climbing stick that can be used to climb the desired tree. Many hunters opt for climbing sticks that are 20 to 25 feet tall.
But this can be different for you depending on the desire to conceal the equipment and the skill level of using the hunting gear.
Make sure the accuracy of your shots is in sync with the height of the climbing stick that you have.
Adjustability
Adjustability is another important consideration. As we all know, not all trees are the same. You need to get a climbing stick that can be adjusted to fit most trees.
This also gives you a safer climbing space. If you have an adjustable climbing stick, the height of the stick is not a big deal anymore.
Flexibility
A climbing stick needs to be flexible. This seems to be defying common sense. But this translates to easy adjustment while you’re using the climbing sticks.
You can use the climbing stick for climbing up or down easily with this feature at your disposal.
Noise Level
The noise level of a climbing stick is a very important feature to look out for. As any hunter knows, hunting needs stealth. The slightest noise can make your game run away.
Look for a climbing stick that makes little to no noise. This will ensure your hunting performance. This feature also makes sure that the climbing stand is silent when you are preparing for a shot.
Sometimes lubrication can also be an issue where the noise level of the climbing stick comes into play.
Right Step Size
Step size is also a very important consideration for buying a climbing stick. Large steps, for example, prevent foot fatigue and allow more comfort.
A bigger foot base also makes it easier to climb. But that depends on the construction of the climbing step. Steel climbing steps with a bigger foot base can be harder to use, unlike aluminum climbing sticks.
Sturdiness
Hunters prefer sturdy climbing sticks, and for good reasons too. A sturdy climbing stick is not necessarily a heavy climbing stick.
The sturdiness of a climbing stick makes the climbing stick usable in any weather conditions. This makes sure the rust and wear don’t sit in on the climbing sticks.
Straps
Straps are very important features on a climbing stick. There are other options, life rope, and clips, but straps are better. Especially adjustable straps that can be used to tie around any tree.
Additional straps can be helpful for keeping your things as well. There are hook and loop straps, buckle straps, belt straps, and cam buckle straps or cam straps.
Attachment hardware
There are other things that come with a climbing stick. These are not necessarily a feature of the climbing sticks but are handy nonetheless.
Things like v brackets make sure you can climb any tree with a wide range of diameter applications. These make your climbing stick versatile and usable in almost all wilderness.
Price
Price is perhaps the most important consideration for buying anything. It is also true for climbing sticks.
There are many types of climbing sticks that are useful and come with different price tags. You can surely buy a pack of several for a bit more than you would pay for a single one.
Generally, a single climbing stick can cost from $50 to $150, and several packs can go up to $300.
If you can spend some extra, we would suggest that you go for a pack of several climbing sticks.
In general, however, steel construction climbing sticks cost a bit more than others. Because these are durable and heavy duty climbing sticks, the cost is a bit high. But they are very good, and you will get the most for your money.
If you’re on a tight budget, then you can go for the aluminum construction climbing sticks. These are light but heavy duty. These cost less than the steel climbing.
Long Lasting and Environmentally Friendly
If you are investing in any tool, you would want it to be durable and long lasting. This means you would have to look out for the material that we have discussed.
Another important consideration is that you need to make sure your climbing stick doesn’t harm any tree. Not only is it unethical, but it can also cause you a fine. Make sure your climbing sticks come with straps or ropes instead of spikes, teeth, or bots.
Teeth with smaller size and diameter that do not harm the trees is another option you should look for.
Brand
A brand is an important consideration. There are many brands that make high quality climbing gear and hunting gear.
This is important because of the quality check and inspection that is associated with a brand. You can be sure of the quality because the brands make sure that their products are flawless.
One tiny flaw can tarnish their image on the market, and the competitors will take them down with ease. This obsession can be used to your advantage. Make sure you get a branded climbing stick if EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT!
Reviews
If you distrust brands, you can trust the reviews. Reviews are the voice of the people. They share their experiences— what they like and what they don’t like about each product.
This can help you buy the right climbing stick for yourself. And if you leave reviews, it can help others get the right one. This is people helping others in the most literal sense possible.
Climbing Stick Care Guide
If you take care of your climbing sticks, they will keep serving you for a long time. Here are a handful of tips that will make sure you can keep your climbing stick functional.
- If your climbing stick gets wet, make sure it is dried up before storing it. Do not wipe it. This may cause it to rust. Let it dry in the open air.
- Make sure the hinges and joints are well. Hear for any metal on metal sound and creaks when using the climbing gear. This will help you figure out if there is an issue with the hinges and other joints.
- Lubrication of the hinges is important. But ensure that no dust or dirt can sit on the hinges and nearby areas. This will begin the process of rusting the hinges and damaging the climbing gear.
- Clean your climbing stick after use. Use warm water to wash the dirt and mud away from the tree climbing stick. Then dry the climbing stick.
- Storing the climbing stick in a cool and dry place. This keeps rust away from the climbing stick.
Making sure that you see to all these care tips can be very helpful for keeping the health of your tree stand and keeping it functional for many hunting seasons. These tips come from experts in the field of hunting.
A Few Other Tips
This segment isn’t directly related to climbing stands, but it pays to keep these things in mind.
- Research the game zone before going on a hunt. Many game zones, mostly private land, do not allow climbing stands because of their policy. Making sure of this will help you with the hassle.
- Read the instruction manual on each climbing stick. This will ensure you use the climbing sticks properly.
- Select the right tree for hooking up your climbing stick. You need a tree that can take the weight. Otherwise, this might end up hurting you.
- Pull up your weapons and other things using a haul line. Never carry them when you are climbing.
- Take your time to climb up. Hurrying can cause unfortunate accidents.
- Keeping an emergency device with you is a good practice.
- Keep plenty of water.
- Medicine, bandages, and other medicine that you need should be kept at an arm’s distance.
- Make sure you have enough sunscreen and shade.
- Do not carry food that will attract prey. A smell can drive away your game as well. Make sure that doesn’t happen. Take dry food with you.
Observing these is a good practice for your hunting expedition, regardless of what type of tree stand you are using.
Final Words
We hope that our piece has helped you out to find the ideal climbing stick that matches your needs. We have made sure to list all the high-quality products with the highest reviews and the top features.
These are customer favorites and user friendly, suggested by experts’ products that check all the boxes of climbing sticks. You can buy any of these without any worry.
You can share this article with a group of your hunting peers. If you or they will suggest to us any product that we should look into, we will. We appreciate your feedback.
We appreciate your comments, suggestions, and feedback (data rights reserved by our privacy policy). Let us know. And make sure you take all the care that we have listed that you should observe.
FAQs for Best Climbing Sticks
Are climbing Sticks safe?
Ans: Climbing sticks are as safe as any other tools that you need for hunting. The safety of the tree sticks is dependent on the rating and maximum weight capacity of the stick. Many people swear by the safety commitment of a climbing stick.
Are dual-sided steps better than single-sided ones?
Ans: Double-sided steps allow comfortable climb and stability than one sided steps. This is safer as well. If you can manage, you can get a one sided step, but if you are new or aren’t willing to risk it, dual sided steps are better for you.
Are Guide gear 20 climbing sticks any good?
Ans: Guide gear 20 climbing sticks were suggested to us by many people. But in our research, we didn’t find enough ratings for Guide gear 20 climbing sticks that make sure that we should feature them on our list. Guide gear climbing sticks may well be very good, but the ratings do not conform to that notion.
How do you carry climbing sticks up a tree?
Ans: You stick the teeth on the sides of the tree or strap the stick around the tree and then climb up using the steps.
How high can I climb with 4 Lone Wolf sticks?
Ans: 4 Lone Wolf sticks should take you up to about 25 feet to 27 feet.
How high should 3 climbing sticks be?
Ans: With three climbing sticks, you should be able to climb about 20 feet to 22 feet.
How many climbing sticks do I need?
Ans: With 4 sticks, you can go about 16 feet safely. Taller people may need more.
What are the best climbing sticks on the market?
Ans: The best climbing sticks come from Lone Wolf, Helium sticks, XOP Xtreme, Muddy climbing sticks, Rivers side, and many other brands on the market. There are other brands that make high quality products as well, but these are the market leaders.
What is the lightest climbing stick?
Ans: On our list, Lone Wolf, Muddy climbing sticks are the lightest climbing sticks. But there are other tree sticks options. See our list for more options.