Hunting Climbing Stick Modification - Higher, Faster, Lighter!

diy-sportsman.com
**Extra Tip** - On really windy days, the webbing could start to wave around. KZbin user cbigbear1 gave me this tip, " I leave my boot hooked into the strap as I step onto my stick. Then just reach down & hook the strap onto my versa button." If you're not using Lone Wolf, you could just hang the loop on your top step to keep it from dangling. In addition, you should in general try to climb up the backside of the tree from where you expect the deer to be, to reduce the chance of them seeing your sticks, with stirrup or not.
A DIY tip to climb trees higher, faster, and lighter when using climbing sticks. Although this is the first season that I will be using this exact setup, I have used a similar setup for the past two seasons with no problems. I used to have one stirrup on each of my 4 climbing sticks, but now I will have two stirrups on only my bottom stick. If I get ambitious after some practice I may put a double stirrup on the second stick as well. Then I'd be able to climb 90% of my trees with three mini sticks (~4.5lb carrying weight). This method should work with any brand of climbing stick that you can remove the hardware on, such as Lone Wolf or Muddy.
-Links to Materials
Webbing: www.rei.com/pro...
Paracord: www.rei.com/pro...
**Disclaimer: This obviously isn't TSA approved, so use at your own risk.
If you liked this tip, check out my other tree stand how-to videos.

[@Ryan.Willis]

Pex tubing inside the tubular webbing works great and fits tight!

[@NorthernMNWRD]

Loved this idea. I just built mine tonight. I used a short piece of 1/4" braided steel cable in the webbing fold to give some shape to the stirrup. It holds the stirrup shape very well and always wants to return to its original shape.

[@Blue360cuda]

Great idea for state land, I use sticks and hang on stand since ladder stands just scream "steal me" . . . then I pack out the bottom 2 sticks every time so no one can get up and grab my stand. Using this trick I can just pack out a single stick each time, awesome! Great vids man!

[@canesser1]

Lol, just read that idea and sounded good, think I'll give it a go. Thanks Garrett. Hung a stand today, scouting the bush for a couple of others, the hunt is just around the corner!

[@allenspicer3524]

Just made mine! I used tube strapping, 1 inch. Added some heavy gauge wire inside for foot placement. Looks good so far. Thanks (I know it`s an old video) for all the help!

[@DIYSportsman]

Thanks for the heads up. I like the water knot as well, and use it on my harness. The reason I had chosen to use this knot instead was because it was what a climber had recommended to me. Good luck to you as well!

[@Diffidentone]

Made two of these myself based off yours here, one a double step and the other a single step. One design change I made was to use some 1/2" Liquidtight Flexible Non-Metallic Conduit I had left over from a project as the actual step I looped the webbing through. It seems to work very well for me to hold the loops apart to make foot placement easier and also bends to hold your foot in securely once you put weight on it. I was concerned it maybe would spin easily on the webbing and roll my foot right out but have not seen any signs of that in my testing and use. Of course people would have to test it and judge it's safety for themselves but seems to work well for me. I'd personally not use them above the first two steps, double loop first and then the single next step based on my comfort level.

[@ConsummateSportsman]

This is fantastic! I went and ordered exactly what you mentioned as I watched your video. One suggestion- perhaps put a link to the products you used in the description? It'd make it easier on guys like me that want to do exactly like yours. Thanks for the video. Great work!!

[@johnheitkamp4792]

When I made my double stirrups I tried to make them just how you said but when I used 9 feet of the tubular webbing the steps were just to far appart, and being 6'4" I do have longer step capabilities that some. After some work I ended up using just 7 feet of the webbing and the steps came out perfect. I have the Muddy aerolite sticks in a three pack and was thinking I would have to buy a separate stick to get to the desired height but with doing the double on the bottom and singles on the other two I think it will work out well. Thanks for this video and all your others! Awesome stuff!

[@TheHotandshot91]

just got a set of lone wolf sticks and I'm going to make this thank you for the idea and going into detail in how to make it

[@jeffweaser5221]

the webbing is definitely a good idea! I use a lone wolf strap it does the same and it's adjustable. I hook the loops around the v bracket.

[@brandonwarren5758]

Great videos my man. Hands down the stealthiest system out there.

[@LukeMcMullin]

Hi, I love your DIY tips, and videos, I have one for you. You can use a piece of old rubber hose about 8" or however wide your foot spacing is and slit it down the middle and tape it on before the cobra weave to give you a firmer step. For what its worth . Keep up the good work.

[@DIYSportsman]

Thanks. Another version that works well is the Soaker hose. It's like a garden hose but is a little lighter and has better grip and more muted colors. If you slide it on during construction you don't need to split it either which is nice.

[@Scatpack426]

You have some of the best tip videos I've ever seen! Now time to experiment :)

[@DIYSportsman]

Awesome and thanks! Give Chris's idea with the braided steel cable a try too. I think that could be a great addition for extra structure to the loop.

[@DIYSportsman]

I think it would work, but it would be harder to climb with. The two points of contact with the stick are pretty stable, keeping your hands in one spot. With just the double stirrup (and you might as well even go with a triple stirrup in that case) I would imagine the strap would sway side to side more as you try to climb because your hands and feet are free to move independently. But yea, you could certainly do it.

[@EastNashvilleMA]

Good idea. While you CAN make your own, take a look at Climbing "Aiders" They are available in 1, 3, 5 and even 8 Step versions. Some are Alternating sides, some are Ladder configurations. Start at about $25 each. 3 Steps is probably the only one that makes sense. By the time you buy Webbing and Rope (and time) your cost adds up. Plus a Sewn Aider is going to weigh less, be more compact and last longer (no tape etc).

[@kidneystones3406]

FOR THE RECORD I DO LIKE DIY SPORTSMAN HE DOES HAVE A LOT OF GOOD IDEAS

[@colinbrown7528]

Great idea! I will definitely be considering doing this modification to one of my sticks.

[@DIYSportsman]

Well, I have only really used the mini's, but if I were to buy new sticks, I would probably get the long ones for two reasons: 1) You can get higher with less sticks, which means less time hanging and less time stacking everything back together afterwards, and 2) I think they're easier to climb with if you're really trying to squeeze out extra height because you have one more handhold. With mini's I usually have one hand on the top step and one around the tree above it.

[@homerson1038]

Love the idea! I plan to try it next month. Thanks for sharing.

[@zeefranx4509]

thats pretty slick! deffinatley going to be putting these on my sticks. awesome idea

[@canesser1]

Excellent vids Garrett, great channel. Going to give this one a go this year!

[@DIYSportsman]

The mini sticks are 17 inches long, and then the step with the webbing is closer to 57" total length. Height depends on the tree difficulty, spacing, and height of the stand in relation to the last stick, but I usually hunt between 14 and 20 feet like this. Could maybe get higher if I really pushed it, but it's usually not necessary.

[@Qw3rtygod]

I modified my lone wolf tree straps with the 8mm accessory cord. With the left over 8mm cord I put two 6 in lengths wrapped in the 1in camo tub webbing stirrups, then used 550 paracord weave around the accessory cord/webbing/electrical tape. It is stiff enough to hold it open for your boot, yet still light and pliable to be packed away. I use the 'one stick method' but with two modified sticks and a Guidos web seat / stand. When at the top of the climb I mount the two sticks on each side of the tree so then I can circle the tree for any direction shooting.

[@DIYSportsman]

That sounds like a pretty solid setup. Do you ever have a any issues with the sticks wanting to kick out when you use them as a platform for the web?

[@eddiearruda]

I just finished watching your videos and they are great It's amazing on how much you can learn in so little time and I'm thankfull for the info you shared with us. I'm from MN and I just got into bowhunting and every tip is helpfull. Thank You.

[@Podobed]

I agree completely. great vids, keep them coming.

[@anthonywarren2524]

You could always use a piece of old garden hose as a stiffener for your loops as well.

[@kphillips55]

Killer idea bro for sure gunna try this! 👍🏼

[@genteboa667]

Elk River is where I Live Sr. And i'll be on the lookout for more videos.

[@1RiverRunner]

An easier way than cobra weave is to insert 1/2” wide plastics pallet banding strap cut to your step width. Free material and very easy. Use a lighter to smooth and round the edges of the band strap material.

[@DIYSportsman]

That's an excellent idea!

[@IntrepidArcher]

Very cool. Thanks.

[@whitetailscout4069]

Great video, I am going to try this. One thought, instead of tying a loop at the top of the webbing, and removing the step to put it in place, why not use a larks head? A larks head knot would allow you to add and remove the webbing to the stick without removing the hardware.

[@DIYSportsman]

Thanks, glad they're helpful!

[@DIYSportsman]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@kenhardee7045]

very nice, will build similar thanks

[@DIYSportsman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DIYSportsman]

Good question! I've never hunted Ohio before.

[@Ruger41mag]

How about just attaching the double stirrup with a synch strap and leave the climbing sticks at home - not sure if this would slide down the tree or not...??

[@DIYSportsman]

Thanks! It's comments like that that will keep driving me to make more videos. I'm in the Twin Cities area now, are you anywhere near there?

[@shaneberkness2124]

if you don't make the s when you do the cobra weave and just do a c it will cut the time in about half

[@ronschreiber3351]

I used a Aluminum arrow cut to size of the step and put a carbon arrow shaft in side the aluminum arrow works great

[@DIYSportsman]

I might just have to try that. Great idea!

[@DIYSportsman]

Cool. Let me know how you do this season!

[@jonathansimmons4253]

I built your exact aider but have problems getting my foot to go in while coming down. The aider keeps pushing against the tree and not allowing my boot to go in. Any ideas?

[@Millzy88]

What is the linemans belt you use. I like the idea of a linemans belt and tree strap all in one

[@homerson1038]

Thinking about purchasing a set of climbing stick but torn between the mini ones or the long one. Which one should you prefer and would give you the most versatility out in the woods?

[@mattknapp5795]

Do you recall the length of webbing you bought to make this two step aider?

[@nickbush906]

can you do the two step aider with just regular rope the same was as you did with the strap? thanks

[@DIYSportsman]

Yes you can, though at times it can be easier to work with the "flatness" of a webbing. But I've made some with amsteel that work well.

[@jakeconner2372]

i like the idea just not sure if i want that swaying in the wind giving my location away????? what u think?

[@DIYSportsman]

It's honestly never been a problem for me, and I've hunted in fairly windy conditions. If you really want to remove the chance, you can leave your boot hooked into the strap as you step onto the stick. Then just reach down and hook the strap onto the top of the stick. That will keep it from dangling.

[@jakeconner2372]

good idea!

[@jakegilly6438]

Do you do anything about them floating in the wind?

[@DIYSportsman]

I don't. You can use a moveable aider or make them out of something more discreet, like amsteel, if movement is a concern. Usually, if there's other foliage blowing around, I dont think it's a huge deal. In areas where the ground is more barren I can see the movement being more of an issue.

[@jakegilly6438]

DIY Sportsman I gotcha idc about it I was wondering if you did

[@jakegilly6438]

DIY Sportsman do you think black would be fine for the webbing?

[@DIYSportsman]

@@jakegilly6438 It wouldn't be my first choice. It they do blow around the contrast from black webbing would be easier to pick up than something lighter.

[@jakegilly6438]

DIY Sportsman ok what other color would you use other then camo

[@cammoammooutdooradventures5910]

Where can i get the step material. Gained a subcriber cool chanel!

[@cammoammooutdooradventures5910]

Nvm i rewinded first part of cid thanks.

[@DIYSportsman]

No problem. Also, garden hose slipped overtop does really well too. I especially like the "weeping" style hose.

[@cammoammooutdooradventures5910]

@@DIYSportsman cool.

[@grimreaper2773]

By putting this on your first launch stick its like having an extra stick...doing this turns a 4 pack into 5

[@thomaskopec5454]

The idea "looks good on paper"...I tried it out...its hard to find your footing, its hard to balance...just buy two extra sticks(imo)...getting down from a tree in the dark is hard enough, this is even harder trying to find your footing...the idea def looked cool enough to try, but not practical.

[@DIYSportsman]

I have one full season of use using them on the bottom stick and another full season using them on all three sticks. I'd say overall, from the people who've tried it and gotten back to me, 70% love it and 30% prefer the sticks without them. Brings up a good point about a lot of the DIY mods. They're not always easier but give some type of benefit that makes it worthwhile for a certain subset of people. I've also noticed people that like one mod tend to like others, and people who like off-the-shelf stay pretty close to off-the-shelf across the board, and that's fine. Thanks for watching.

[@wisclovesdmb]

how high can you get with this with 3 sticks?

[@DIYSportsman]

+Marc Udelhofen With my new 24" sticks and aiders like these, I can have the top of my 3rd stick at 24 feet on a straight tree. The Lone Wolf minis in the video are about 7" shorter per stick, so a hair over 20 feet with those.

[@wisclovesdmb]

DIY Sportsman perfect. I was hoping to get around 20'. Mod materials are on the way. Thanks for all your videos.

[@TheBuckPsych]

Hey bro where did you get the webbing and how much for just single steps for each step?

[@DIYSportsman]

+The Buck Psych The camo webbing has been discontinued by REI. You can still get nylon 1" tubular webbing at other places though, like this tan version from Strapworks: www.strapworks.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WSR-NYL-BWT-001

[@TheBuckPsych]

DIY Sportsman ok thnks i ordered today. Im starting a new channel too gimme s follow. When i start it. Content coming soon.

[@TheBuckPsych]

I got the strap and static rope and made them a single steps on two sticks so it should give me at least 3-5 more feet with 4 sticks. Thanks bro

[@bownutz]

sweet mod. when u comin to hunt Ohio with me?

[@alaub1990]

what sticks are those?

[@DIYSportsman]

Adam Laub They are old Lone Wolf mini sticks.

[@alaub1990]

DIY Sportsman ok thanks. didnt see the minis on their website so didn't think they made them.. would really like to find a set..like the vids by the way.. been learning alot thanks to you so I appreciate it man..

[@DIYSportsman]

+Adam Laub They did discontinue the mini sticks but sometimes they can still be found on classifieds.

[@alaub1990]

DIY Sportsman awesome I'll keep an eye out

[@ryannavarre4161]

Dont you now reinforced the step with some static line?

[@DIYSportsman]

+Ryan Navarre Actually what I like best now is sliding a section of the Soaker style garden hose overtop. They're porous which makes the exterior a little lighter with good traction. Static line on the inside works too.