Compact Climbing Methods: Use Steps and a Versa Strap to Climb 18+ feet with 3 lbs or less!

This video kicks of a new series on compact climbing methods for mobile hunting. I demonstrate how you can use 5 cranford rope steps (but you can use most any strap on steps) with a versa strap (or daisy chain webbing) to climb between 17 and 20 feet. The whole package fits in a dump pouch and weighs just over 3 lbs. *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases listed below.
Cranford Rope Steps: amzn.to/3bHrS7M
Tethrd Versa Strap: tethrdnation.com/product/vers...
Daisy Chain Webbing: doublesteps.com/product/woven...

[@GRockBlues]

Your positive energy is freakin awesome...love this channel!

[@stevegermain1222]

I just got my first complete saddle system and now I happened across this video yeah that looks pretty simple and inexpensive thanks for a great video just a little late

[@michaelfitzhenry6788]

Great video keep up the good work

[@buckstop1031]

I enjoy your reviews and ideas. If I could make one suggestion: doing a voice over or a set up with a 🎤 microphone of some type on your person would be help. Thanks for all you do for saddle hunting.

[@H2Saddles]

I carry a Cranford rope step in my pouch on every hunt. They come in handy to get that extra step as well as a gear hanger. Enjoyed the video.

[@SaddleHunter]

Thanks Heath. They certainly are handy to have around.

[@osilekpl79]

Im H2 guy myself, but I’m not doing this! I tried aders on my sticks and i don’t feel safe coming down in the dark. Don’t mention when you are bundled up and cant move as well in the fall and winter. Stay safe my friends!

[@H2Saddles]

@@osilekpl79 Rappel down.

[@NelsonCobb]

That's pretty cool!!

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@JasonGrizzleOwlteacher]

Thank you for this video! Last year I tried bolts with a Treehopper drill and liked it (bolts are legal on public in GA.). I just ordered a versa strap. 6 bolts, a Treehopper hand drill, and a versa strap should be the ultimate ultralight setup.

[@paulcrave3112]

One nice thing about this is that even if some one finds your bolts in a tree they won’t be able to climb your tree without an aider of some sort.

[@SaddleHunter]

Have you given it a try yet Jason? What do you think?

[@JasonGrizzleOwlteacher]

@@SaddleHunter I have, and it's a part of my system for next year. I'm running it in situations where I'm not sure if I'm going to hunt elevated or not. I'm hitting a lot of new (to me) ground next year as well as actively pursuing black bear, and this is just the ticket. Crazy compact and light.

[@gregbrightman1205]

tree spikes are really easy and twice as fast

[@paulcrave3112]

I’ve done this with bolts too. Pretty slick. I first saw it from Jared Schaefer.

[@SaddleHunter]

I remember him doing something similar but I couldn't find the video.

[@carypeaden4147]

Good video

[@SaddleHunter]

Thanks

[@bz1kopi]

Can you use a hammock strap instead of the versa strap

[@phllp123]

I like this method a lot instead of using sticks. Ever consider a daisy aider by Custom Amsteel. The loops on Tethrd versa strap suck. I’m thinking of swapping the woopie strap for something slimmer too.

[@SaddleHunter]

I thought about it but I like the added width of the Versa strap on my foot, less pressure that way. I’ve thought of making an aider with a webbing strap for the foot and a daisy chain on top.

[@tylerbasch3586]

Has anyone tried this with the Silent approach climbing steps? Thinking about giving this a shot, but worried they're too thick for the versastrap.

[@SaddleHunter]

I imagine his new Patriot steps would work fine. In this video I am using the "mini" versa straps (which they discontinued). The standard straps have a larger opening.

[@publiclandadventures]

I enjoy watching your videos! However the audio has been quite the last few videos. Keep up the great work! And keep the saddle swinging!

[@SaddleHunter]

Thanks for the support. I finally bought a great mic.

[@publiclandadventures]

@@SaddleHunter it's tough and I get it! Thanks for the great content!

[@GotChrist60]

Excellent video! But all your videos are great! They rank right up with DIY SPORTSMAN!!! Questions, have you used this method in the dark? And how are bolts in predrilled holes? God bless

[@SaddleHunter]

Thanks for watching. Yes I go in blind well before light almost every time I hunt. Practice makes it very easy. Using something to keep your loop open makes a big difference in the dark. As for bolts I use them on some private every fall. If the holes are drilled in early September or later they’ll stay open. I mark each hole with a reflective tack so they are easy to find in the dark.

[@GotChrist60]

@@SaddleHunter thanks for always providing feedback

[@HuckFTW]

Here’s a cheap and effective way to find predrilled holes in the dark WITHOUT using any light (I hate shining a light in the woods unless I absolutely have to). Leave 3/8” wide popsicle sticks in the holes after they’re drilled. Just run your hand along the tree until you hit the popsicle stick. Pull out the stick and replace it with a bolt. On the way down, remove the bolt and reinsert the stick for the next climb. You can get hundreds of them for a couple bucks.

[@GotChrist60]

@@HuckFTW AWESOME! GREAT IDEA! THANKS

[@kevinnielsen4321]

You do a great job on your videos, thanks for the climbing tips but at 65 this looks a little scary for me 😲😲😲😲

[@SaddleHunter]

You can do it! It's not nearly as difficult or sweat inducing as it might look. You can always decrease the spacing for an easier step. Having the aider permanently attached to your foot really makes a big difference.

[@GRockBlues]

@@SaddleHunter says the man in his 20s...lol...I concur with us old guys...this method is a used-ta-could

[@GRockBlues]

Its a super kewl method btw

[@robertlocke7711]

I use a same method will wild edge steps.

[@teamcrooks6913]

Robert Locke, I was going to comment that I like the “Cain” method with Wild Egde Stepps better, as you are ALWAYS attached to the tree, and no aides needed. The lineman’s loop will not keep you at height should anything go wrong. Well played. Hunt safely, my Friends!

[@SaddleHunter]

I have WE steps but have pretty much abandoned them due to inconsistent results on varying bark types.

[@robertlocke7711]

@@SaddleHunter I do have some troubles with pine trees. But for me they work great on all others an the size an weight are the selling ponts for me. Sticks are to bulky. But we are all different.

[@jase4364]

My feet hurt watching this. Lol

[@SaddleHunter]

Good boots make a world of difference when climbing with steps.

[@jase4364]

@@SaddleHunter stiff sole boots FTW.

[@GotChrist60]

@@SaddleHunter do you have any recommendations on boots you can share? I prefer hieght and water proof. Thanks

[@SaddleHunter]

@@GotChrist60 I have had great luck with LaCrosse boots. I have a pair of 1200 gram rubber boots that I bought in 2005 that I’m just about to retire. I also have a pair of 7mm Aerohead Sports that I really like. My next pair of boots will likely be from Gumleaf though. The rubber is higher quality and will literally last for decades. www.midwayusa.com/product/2416149818

[@GotChrist60]

@@SaddleHunter thank you again! Great response and suggestions! I saw Gumleaf boots as well! Be a neat review... I'll head that way too. I use the Bean 18 inch hunt boots. They are awesome stalking and water boots. But tough to stand on sole and a bit cool for Wisconsin!

[@darrellbarton5761]

It might work for me if I was 25 years younger

[@travispham8047]

You know, if you tried it enough time and figured out the loops that you always use depending on your height. Maybe you can add a carabiner or a piece of rope loop in that link section permanently so you do not have to fish for that opening every time! That was one of the thing I hate about the versa straps.

[@davegetliberalsout]

The volume could be higher.

[@benzy2]

Like the system but also I kinda miss the point of the steps. Why use them at all? Just use two tethers (even just the lineman’s belt as a tether), the versa strap, and a second carabiner/prusik to connect the versa strap to the main tether.

[@christopheradams254]

without the steps, what would you stand on as you work your way up the tree?

[@benzy2]

@@christopheradams254 a foot loop hooked to one tether.

[@kevinschiller478]

Just add another step or two and forget about the foot strap all together....much easier, especially in the dark and cold.

[@bmk506]

Great....now do it when it's 20 out....wearing layers...bibs ..parka....insulated rubber boots or cold weather boots. And in the dark.

[@SaddleHunter]

I’ve done this method a bunch in Michigan. I often go in blind and climb a tree I’ve never hunted before well before daylight. Practices makes everything easy. This only requires a 21” step distance which is easy for me even with heavy clothes. Your mileage may vary.

[@djkilpatrick5256]

Cool climbing technique. But not for me. Thanks for the video

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job