One-sticking Is So Easy Even a 13-year Old Can Do It!!

[@ToddCBrown]

I used my one stick Sunday for the first time int he field. You video made it fairly easy. Two things: - I learned that my bridge is too long for one sticking. I was finding my MadRock in the way as I tried to place my stick in between my rope and the tree. It end up being fine, but I had to learn to adjust. I see Gabe had the same issue because he was using Scott's bridge. This is fixable. - I also learned that it can be hard to push out with my feet for the 'stick in between my rope and the tree' maneuver. So all I got was the distance I could create with me kneed. I may find this is easier with a short bridge as well. Thanks again for very specific instruction.

[@bec6143]

2021 was my first bow season, used a saddle and four beast sticks with wire aiders. Worked ok, but it was a lot of setup and take down at the base of the tree. Bought a safeguard, rappel setup, and EWO one stick and used it in my backyard for the first time this week. It’s awesome, quick to climb and rappelling seems much safer than climbing down with a lineman’s belt.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Yessir! Welcome to the club!

[@chadfrost5297]

I was already to start practicing saddle hunting this winter so I am set for next year. I bought a set of 4 climbing sticks from Hawk. After seeing this, I am sold on the one stick method. I will be buying the parts as recommended as it is proven... looks so much easier than any other video I have seen.

[@justinmassecar9133]

this looks awesome! I have rock climbing experience, so no issues doing this. Looks way better than my climber stand.

[@StaggsintheWild]

And SO much less bulky!!

[@rutjr]

This is awesome! How can anyone give this a thumbs down. I've been using the LWHC seat and am always looking for the right tree. This makes it sooooo much easier. I ordered my stuff with Dano the mano! Thank you for this awesome video.

[@StaggsintheWild]

That’s awesome to hear, and we agree! We’ll follow up sometime in the next week or so with a final one-sticking video focusing in on the details of things like tying on a quick link, WHY you want to use a quick link as opposed to a carabiner, and other things we commonly get asked about. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@peterschryver]

Great video, and am really enjoying your channel! I’m 61 and I am sold on this method. I have been looking for a system to be light enough to hike in further, and have the flexibility to pop up any tree when I run across good fresh sign. Now I am considering I may have to bone out the deer, and pack it out from where this set up might lead me 😆. Gabe cracked me up with “ Found it on the google comment “. Keep up the good work guys, and will look forward to your success next season!

[@Donald-Putin]

Thanks for the video dude, im sold for this season. Appreciate the post and i subbed, heard about you from the interview you did with my baws the southern outdorsmen!

[@StealthTRD]

One of the best vids I've seen om saddle an 1 stick..I just spent over 800 dollars tonight on a method 2 xl, an a easternwoods ultimate 1 stick w ultimaider. And my repel kit.cant wait..I was a summit man, an I liked it but I hunt public all across Louisiana an I wanna be able to move quickly. I have a felony so I still can't use a gun, but I enjoy bow hunting..hoping this is a game changer in the area of me not hunting trees and instead just huntin deer lol

[@StaggsintheWild]

Best of luck to you in your pursuits … we made a follow-up video to this one that breaks the concepts down even further called “One-sticking: The Details…” on this channel. It might give you some additional help.

[@StealthTRD]

@@StaggsintheWild yes sir..I started it last night but bedtime called..gonna finish it today..appreciate u taking your time to help us..for some reason this saddle stuff is hard for the majority of ppl I spoke too , to comprehend

[@bloodstainedoutdoors8552]

13 year old.... not bad at all. What’s more impressive is him doing it in squishy crocks!!!! You guys are the bomb. Keep it up Greg and sons!

[@StaggsintheWild]

❤️

[@AlbeeSoaring]

Im pretty sure Ill be starting out doing 1 sticking for sure. Less gear to buy and carry and now sticks down low to hold your sent either. Killer video. Thanks.

[@hcbstrings9257]

hey man, I hate to be the guy who watches a video and critiques it, but please manage that tether while you're heading up the tree. It would be a simple thing to move the tether up while stepping up. 6' of slack in a tether would cause a lot of damage.

[@StaggsintheWild]

No problem, and thanks for the comment... I've had several discussions with hunting friends around this topic since we made the video. Thanks for taking the time to respectfully point it out. Good luck this season!!

[@hcbstrings9257]

@@StaggsintheWild you're welcome. There are several lightweight ways to climb out there and unfortunately there seems to be the lighter you go, the more you sacrifice safety in general. Using a multi step aider like that you're gaining a ton of height with one step, but you also have a great potential to create slack.. falling 6 feet will cause a bunch of damage. A couple of years ago i had about a foot of slack and my aider kicked out(it had never happened before) and I thought I had broken a rib. I can't imagine what the amount of slack you have in yours will do. When you start to move the aider up as you move up, it has the potential to make a less stable climb. It's a double edged sword.

[@StealthTRD]

So what do u mean by manage the tether..I'm new to this but wanna be very safe

[@Rooster_king]

@@StealthTRD falling with slack will increase your fall factor and can shock load the body when the tether catches

[@StealthTRD]

@@Rooster_king ty 😊

[@bowhunterelite7317]

This video was amazing! Thanks for posting...however, I have no mechanical inclination at all...is it possible to do a video on how to rig all of this stuff up? It would be much appreciated. Thanks again!!!

[@StaggsintheWild]

It’s high on the list once I get all my stuff in! Stay tuned!

[@bowhunterelite7317]

@@StaggsintheWild thanks brother!

[@allantrafford6262]

I like it. I'll have to give it a try. I'm new saddle hunting. although ive been watching/ learning for years, I just actually purchased one. My dilemma has been if I'm carrying 3 to 4 sticks, platform and saddle, why not just bring sticks and lock on. This technique looks like it will reduce the weight to justify the saddle.

[@desperado8605]

Great video. My only criticism is I want to see someone do this with a gopro for a pov version to show details

[@StaggsintheWild]

I have a video coming up that is going to do just that! Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss it!

[@desperado8605]

@@StaggsintheWild sure did

[@MindlessMilitia]

Recently started one sticking with my rope cleat modded hawk mini and predator platform, been eyeing that stick setup for some time now. Great video. Time to get my 12 year old one sticking

[@StaggsintheWild]

Thanks, and good luck!!

[@Outdoorguy57]

Using a lineman rope as you ascend would be a safer option. I would definitely add a lineman rope to this process. Otherwise, love the instructional video!!! I just ordered a tree saddle and have 4 Muddy Sticks, but they're the original sticks, at 32" long and are too heavy at 3.4 lbs. each.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Check out this video to see me address your comment, as well as even more detailed instruction and options in one-sticking: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5qnpZeBhd6bbq8

[@DrMadMax]

No using a tether is safer than a lineman’s rope. I lineman’s rope does not guarantee fall prevention because lineman belts slip down vs a tether which cinches down on the tree.

[@GRockBlues]

awesome video...ah the advantages of youth...so happy to see these young fellas so interested!...keep up the awesome job guys!

[@Hallelujah_Outdoors]

Great video!! Is there a video of the assembly of the one stick, aiders, ropes etc. If not you should produce one!!

[@StaggsintheWild]

You can pretty much find everything you’re looking for in the one-sticking playlist.

[@TheOutdoorBound]

Great video guys. I’m going to ditch my wild edge steps and get this system.

[@StaggsintheWild]

You’ll absolutely LOVE it, Tod! If you want to meet up somewhere and try out my gear, give me a shout!

[@adventurehill1955]

The manners on that kid 🤯

[@michaelandersen7988]

What gear ties are you all using to pull up the stick and do you also have a video on how you’re lowering and raising gear into the tree with this method? I’m also curious what the gear tie on the tether is for and how it is set up if you have a video for that. Seems like it would prevent pulling the rope down.

[@StaggsintheWild]

We have a full one-sticking playlist on our channel with over 20 videos in it, including how to retrieve your rappel rope and a full-climb demo … but to answer your question, we don’t use gear ties any more because we lower ourselves down enough to reach the cleat on the stick and ease the rope out so there’s no noise. At that point, we just grab the platform and pull the stick up.

[@davidschmidt5533]

This video gained you a subscriber. Thank you all for this. I am deffinitely going be getting a saddle now

[@StaggsintheWild]

Thanks! Welcome aboard!

[@StaggsintheWild]

Be sure to check out our other one-sticking vids which slow down and go into a lot more detail over some of the basics.

[@davidschmidt5533]

@@StaggsintheWild yes I will, do you have any videos on assembling the platform shown here and in the links? Also I clicked on the bolt link but see various sizes listed so I am not sure which one would be needed. Soon as this stimulus comes through I will be set :D Edit: I see, Dano's ultimate one stick. Thats all I needed to know

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@davidschmidt5533 Yep. Here's the video you asked for, and I point out in it that the Ultimate One Stick was just about to be released... :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYmZnImcoLdnmKs

[@tsc1475]

I had a question: Scott did a video in December/2019 he used an auto block as a backup safety device when using the mad rock safeguard to rappel down; I remember him mentioning during the video that his rope was not up to specs for the Madrock safeguard and at the end of the video he showed the auto block he was using. ....is that the reason he used one then and didn't during this video? that leads to a second question, should we be using an auto block perhaps at least when hunting as the mad rock paperwork recommends not being "hands-off". None of the videos I have seen highlighting one sticking and in particular, using the Madrock safeguard show anyone using any backup device at any time, climbing or rappelling down...

[@StaggsintheWild]

Yes, Scott's rope was indeed out of spec in that early video, and he was also fairly new to using the Madrock... now that we all have a better understanding of its capabilities in this application. Madrock's own PI (Package Insert) actually recommends against using a device below it that could interfere with its actions. Once you closely look at a Madrock and investigate how it works, you'll see it actually stops the rope on a binding principle and not with anything mechanical. Provided you're using an in-spec rope, I see no reason to use anything else ... but each individual needs to evaluate that for themselves.

[@trxe420]

Yeah, it's an evolution. From the ground to a ladder stand, from a ladder to a lock on and then some day to a saddle with 4 sticks, then 3 sticks, then 2 sticks and finally 1 stick. Next leap will be to just sew in lineman loop on my G2's and drop the saddle all together.

[@jaimedevon6213]

Iva also been seeing a lot of people ditching the expensive platforms and just using their stick as a platform. Makes for less weight and items to carry out and easier to do

[@StaggsintheWild]

Yeah, that little Scout platform that sits at the top of the stick works really well and it’s only about $70

[@loganwest90]

I currently use my Lone Wolf Hand Climber seat as my climbing/platform method, but this looks like a one stick methodI could get behind!

[@JA-hn3to]

I also use hand climber but also doubles as a ground blind seat .

[@UncleBob369]

Awesome video! I think I've watched it 10 times! Great job.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Appreciate you taking the time to comment Bob!

[@TheHolsterpro]

Great video. Thank you for posting. I see you’ve put your own mods on the stick, but what is the name of the platform stick and where can I get it. Any suggestions would be appreciated and I would be glad to trade some custom leather work for one of those sticks exactly as shown in the video

[@StaggsintheWild]

Thank you for the kind words... However, I don't have anything to do with the vendor that sells them. You can obtain all the information you need on that stick in this video... It's sold at www.doublesteps.com kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYmZnImcoLdnmKs

[@TheHolsterpro]

@@StaggsintheWild you are extremely helpful & i appreciate that. Thank you so much for getting back to me and I have a great day

[@TheHolsterpro]

Once again thank you so much for your help. If I can ever make you any custom leather please let me know. Your knowledge is very valuable to us new guys

[@joshuakirbo5385]

Its a great method and you definitely have it dialed in. My only concern is that each time you stand on the top of your stick your tether is only at shin height, if you fall or your stick slips or kicks out you're falling a long way before it catches you. And at that point you are putting a ton of stress on the Madrock. I was using this same method until I realized how much slack I was putting in the system. The only way I found to mitigate the risk was to use a linemans belt the whole way which made everything much slower, especially on a tree with limbs. I just want to make sure you, your son, and everyone watching is being safe. Speed and lightweighting isn't worth your life.

[@neonomad6078]

Yeah tether slack alert. It’s all good until it isn’t... when one sticking I’ve got a force reducing screamer in line with my tether, and use a lineman’s. It slows me down a little but not terrible. Also not a bad idea to get a safety knot in the tether below the device and remove that before rappel, a 12” ride would be a lot better than a 25’ ride. A few little safety tweaks here seems worth the tradeoffs.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Nothing wrong at all with making the community aware of how to be safer guys... thanks for the comments!

[@robertlester4569]

You can also move your tether up the tree with each step instead of waiting until you've reached the top of the stick. This keeps the slack out while climbing.

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@robertlester4569 That's how Gabe and I plan on doing it when we get our gear in.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

So serious question. I frequently hear that a saddle system is a fall restraint not a fall arrest system meaning there should not be slack in the tether. In this case with each move it looks like 4-6 ft. Of slack is introduced into the system. A fall with that much slack would produce quite a shock load. Is there not a way to climb without introducing so much slack into the equation?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Great question, and one that we've discussed much on the forums/FB pages... You could just go slower and move the tether up with you as you went. Another option (albeit more unwieldly) would be to use the lineman's belt during your climb.

[@jgleez4321]

Awesome video!!!! Good luck guys, always !

[@StaggsintheWild]

Thank you!

[@michaelfrancis1715]

Hey do you have a video on the scaffolding knot?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Go to the 18:00 mark of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5qnpZeBhd6bbq8si=C5JEN9IC1wOKTrNN

[@srtsaddlehunter3285]

Welcome Mr stags...welcome...we will get you paired with SRT here soon

[@justinliedtke5570]

Climbing method and repelling has struck my interest. I have a hand ascender with foot loop to pair with a Madrock Safeguard for possible SRT climbing. For the trees that aren't preset for SRT , I am definitely interested in the one stick method. Thanks for the demo.

[@Brady1203]

So let's say I find a tree on private land I want to hunt again in the morning any reason I can't leave my repel/tethr rope in the tree.

[@StaggsintheWild]

You absolutely can and a bunch of folks do.

[@Brady1203]

@@StaggsintheWild thanks!

[@raulmillan2930]

Great system. Will need to look into the supplies in description

[@enjoytheoutdoors101]

I've been one stickin for years and its my favorite run and gun method. My setup is just about the same only difference is I use a gri-gri belay device. Thanks for sharing "time to make some -one stickin- t-shirts for the one stick hunters"

[@StaggsintheWild]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! I was being totally serious - I had zero interest in the method before even though a really good friend (Scott) kept telling me it was the bomb ... but when I saw it in person, it made all the difference in the world. 😊

[@enjoytheoutdoors101]

@@StaggsintheWild It's easy to get the hang of it and once you do it becomes your go to method. Also implementing the belay device makes this method so much better.

[@jaybiedermannrealtor5389]

Great video and has me thinking about trying it. What was the total cost for everything to get started? Not the saddle of course just the ropes, stick..etc.

[@StaggsintheWild]

I believe the order I just placed for both Gabe and me came to $627 ... now, that’s two of everything - so cut that in half for one person. That’s for every single item that’s on the materials list in the description of this video.

[@mightymountainoutdoors9603]

Been wanting to get into one sticking but always had trouble trying to move the stick. The only thing that concerned me is that he was using a quick link on the tether. I don’t think that, for safety measures, a link is meant for that kind of side pressure. Otherwise, I’ll have to try this out

[@StaggsintheWild]

Actually, a quick link is the preferred method by rock climbers and mountaineers.... carabiners aren't rated to handle side-loading like that; quick links are. That's why it's being used in this application. Thanks for watching and good luck in your pursuits! :)

[@mightymountainoutdoors9603]

Ok thank you for the clarification, will definitely have to try this

[@towarzyszbeagle6866]

Two things; 1. You're sideloading that quick link. Replace it with a delta loop to avoid risk of failure. 2. Devices like the Madrock or a Grigri are belay devices and are designed to only be used with a control hand on the tail end of the line at all times. Without this there is a risk of slipping, especially if you unweight them while on your platform. What I suggest is that once you have your tether length where you want it take a bight, tie a basic loop and connect it to a biner on either your bridge or one of your linesman loops. This mimicks the control hand on the tail line and guards against failure. Otherwise, great demo.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Petzl's recommended loading axis for the delta and the oval link are exactly the same.

[@olivercrum4998]

Awesome set up! How is the amsteel anchored to the bar on the fixed end?

[@StaggsintheWild]

It has a spliced loop that fits over the tube … lots of closeups of it in the next video in the series called “We got our one-sticking sticks in…”. Or something like that 😂

[@lovejoy1230]

Thanks for the great content! How much does your step weigh? 3 lbs for the platform and I imagine that step cant weigh more than 2 -2.5 lbs. plus the weight of 40 ft 9 mm rope seems like a pretty light set up? Could you also give us the weight all in with ropes, rock man, and step?

[@StaggsintheWild]

The stick/step combo weighs 2.7 lbs ... 40’ of Sterling Canyon rope weighs 1.3 lbs - so 4 lbs total. The Madrock, carabiners and everything else weighs well under half a pound. So I can walk into the woods and climb any tree up to a height of 40’ with right at 4 lbs of gear minus my bow and saddle.

[@lovejoy1230]

Wow, that’s awesome. Eagerly awaiting a video on rigging this setup! I’ll be giving this a go this summer for next years hunting season!

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@lovejoy1230 About halfway through filming for that one... gonna try to wrap it up today before the rain moves in and do all the editing over the weekend.

[@allantrafford6262]

Since watching this video I've talked to Dan O and I'm designing a step for myself. Question.... how long is your stick and would a 18 inch stick work?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Scott says his is 10” long, though DanO told me he sent him a 12” one ... maybe Scott cut it down after getting it. He’s sending me a pair of 12” Featherlight sticks (one for Gabe and one for me). I would think you could get by with an 18” stick, though it may be a tad more unwieldy handling it in the tree.

[@allantrafford6262]

Got ya. I figured there was a reason for using the short stick. I think I'll go with 12 also.

[@Kipp.Carter]

@@StaggsintheWild what stick are you using

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@Kipp.Carter kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYmZnImcoLdnmKs

[@alisonstaggs6162]

#1Team Gabe fan right here! ❤️

[@gregwarren6192]

I'm new to saddle hunting this year and have yet to find a climbing method I am comfortable with that makes it worth ditching my climber. hauling 3-4 sticks and a platform doesn't seem advantageous to me. I've tried sticks and wild edge stepp ladder. just too much gear to keep up with. I have been trying to learn the two tether system Scott Adkins uses. I feel like I can do it, but it is taking a lot of time to become comfortable with it... However, this looks easier and quicker.. Thanks for the video. This is the first single stick method I think I can use. I'm going to order one and I feel like I will be selling everything else I have purchased

[@StaggsintheWild]

Thanks! It was my intent to show how easy this method actually is, because I scoffed at the concept any time my buddy Scott talked about it prior to him showing it to me in person. I did it myself for the first time last night (took a while for our gear to come in ... ) and it’s SO freaking easy!! Plus, rappelling out of the tree was fun! And a lot safer and quicker, too!

[@TheHolsterpro]

Great video. Which ascended are you guys using?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Not a true ascender probably like you’re thinking about like a Kong Duck or a Ropeman ... we’re using a Madrock Safeguard in this video. Check out out video on this channel called “One-sticking: The Details” for closeups and detailed video explanations of everything.

[@wadzilla3711]

When you get to hunting height do you continue to use the madrock or do you switch to a kong duck or ropeman? The madrock is a rappel device not meant for holding loads for a long period, ie all day hunts? I’m asking not stating, trying to do research and learn.

[@StaggsintheWild]

I continue using the Madrock in lieu of a Kong or RollNlock... think about it this way: if a Madrock is capable of halting a 300-lb person in mid-rappel, it's MORE than capable of holding my weight up as I simply lean against it in almost a static position. The duration of time I'm doing so is irrelevant. Hope that makes sense.

[@wadzilla3711]

@@StaggsintheWild good point. Thanks.

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@wadzilla3711 To further clarify (sorry for the delay; we just got back in from running our trapline and I was thinking about this out on the farm...), there are no real mechanical or moving parts inside the Madrock once you really analyze how it works; it operates on a principle of "binding" the rope in such a severe turn inside it (easily seen by swinging the top portion open) that once under pressure, the rope can't slip through. What you're doing when you pull on the handle is you're actually turning the device to allow the rope to slip on freely through... so the act of placing your weight against the device -- or having it hold you in place, as another way of looking at it -- isn't stressing out any mechanical parts that could fatigue the longer you used them... that actually may be more of the answer you're looking for and may help alleviate your concerns and explain things better. :)

[@randyhatanpa4755]

How long is the 1 inch stick? Looks around 12 inches. Thinking about cutting down an old Lone Wolf stick. Not sure if I should get new stick brackets that don't spin. My Lone Wolf brackets twist a little.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Scott’s stick is 10” ... I just placed an order for two 12” sticks for Gabe and me. Going to make them out of the same fluted tubing that the new Ultralight sticks are made from that I highlighted in my last video.

[@UncleBob369]

It looks like Scott wrapped 550 chord around the front of his platform. Does that work? Will it loosen up?

[@StaggsintheWild]

He did, and so did I on Gabe's and my platforms when we got them in... I did it like I was serving a peep in, and so far it's held very well. Helps if you happen to slip off the side of the platform with the sole of your boot; sometimes, those lugs on your soles can catch and "pop" when you least want them to...

[@hvrtaxi60]

I love this stuff but the title is not representative. I'm picturing my climbs in the dark, trying to be quiet and trying to make this work without two proficient experts coaching. Ridiculous. Like so many things, a proficient, experienced hunter can make this look easy. As Staggs mentions, he's being doing this for a while now and even his guest makes it look easy. Even the figure 8 wrap on his guest's hand is passes quickly in the video. My takeaway, if you are relatively new and you don't have experts to coach you up a tree.... practice with what you have. And then do it in the dark. That two step aider is a big deal in the dark unless you are fairly athletic. Thank you for your videos, they are excellent learning tools.

[@dennyvarnadoe2538]

Awesome video and I want to duplicate. I have been swinging to the side to avoid my tether coming in contact with the top of the stick because I'm concerned about it cutting the tether. Your thoughts?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Not a concern whatsoever ... these ropes have sheaths that are super tough and just having the tether/rappel rope lay over the top shouldn’t do a thing to it. It’s just steady pressure vs sawing back and forth. Obviously you still want to inspect your ropes from time to time as a precaution.

[@StaggsintheWild]

If you haven’t watched the other videos on one-sticking on our channel, I’d highly encourage you to do so - especially this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5qnpZeBhd6bbq8

[@stlouisbowhunter]

Good video guys. For us safety nuts, I would have liked to seen the young man to have been wearing safer footwear than crocs . ;)

[@jackcampbell2307]

U guys R AWESOME!!!!

[@jimowens381]

Where did the strap ladder come from? I really enjoyed your video.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Eastern Woods Outdoors (doublesteps.com). There's a link to it -- I believe -- in the video description. Thanks!!

[@MRbassmasterman]

Enjoyed the video! I subscribed!

[@StaggsintheWild]

Thanks!

[@phantomcruizer]

Where did you learn to “Rappel”?

[@williamjenkins8566]

What stick is that? How comfortable would it be using the top of the stick for a platform?

[@StaggsintheWild]

It’s built using all parts from Eastern Woods Outdoors (doublesteps.com). A complete parts list is in the description ... and I will be building one myself and video it for this channel once all my parts come in. Stay tuned ... 😊

[@jcarter2575]

I’m amazed the no one backs up the safeguard.

[@StaggsintheWild]

It's one of those things where you just have to decide for yourself how much redundancy do you want or feel you need in everything? I don't back up a Kong Duck either when using it to hold me at hunting height ... or a Ropeman or CT RollNLock. If you DO decide to back it up, do so with some sort of autoblock-type knot ABOVE the Safeguard, as the instructions (PI) clearly warn against doing so BELOW it.

[@jcarter2575]

@@StaggsintheWild I agree. I’m just saying all the videos on this method no one backs it up. It is a mechanical device. There is more to it than the ropeman, Kong or roll n lock. Which increases the chance of failure. Just my thoughts....

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@jcarter2575 There's actually less to a Safeguard than there is all those other mechanical ascenders mentioned above, as they all have internal springs that probably need to be inspected periodically... the Safeguard just works pretty much on a leverage principle, binding the rope through a very sharp turn -- that's really all pulling the handle is doing: UNbinding the rope. It's also the reason using a rope "in spec" with the diameter it calls or is important... I'm not saying you should NOT back it up; if you feel safer doing so, then by all means -- do so. We take risks every time we leave the ground and climb a tree, and each of us have to decide what we're comfortable with.

[@jamesmarsee3297]

What kind of knot is that at end of that rappel rope with that loop?TIA

[@StaggsintheWild]

It's a scaffold knot... I give very detailed instructions on how to tie it in this follow-up video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5qnpZeBhd6bbq8

[@thomasmacdonald1946]

Whats the distance between your aider steps. I can only think to Measure my foot to my knee.

[@StaggsintheWild]

22”. Foot to knee would work perfectly.

[@Toddicus2914]

I see the pull down line gets clipped into the tag end of the rope, but where? Is it clipped into the scaffold knot?

[@StaggsintheWild]

I actually clip it just BEHIND the scaffold knot onto the main line; it seems to break everything free easier from there.

[@Toddicus2914]

@@StaggsintheWild thanks, bit what keeps is from sliding off the tag end? Is there a stopper knot behind the scaffold knot? Sorry if that's a dumb question.

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@Toddicus2914 not a dumb question. You don’t need anything behind it because all you’re wanting to do is “break” the rope loose … once you pull it away from the tree, it’ll either fall to the ground or you’ll be able to pull the tag end through the quick link if it’s over a limb. It just works 😊

[@LynnJynh9315]

How long is Scott's one-stick? Looks shorter than your 12" ones.

[@StaggsintheWild]

12”

[@joshbradybaugh6198]

I love it! Got the same setup last week from Dano

[@StaggsintheWild]

Nice 👍

[@thearrowguru5276]

Is your repel/tether 40' total length including the "tether" portion?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Yes. One piece of Canyon C-IV that’s 40’ long. 👍

[@joshuan2402]

I'm 39. I'm sure a 13 yr old can do a lot of things easier than me. Haha... good video.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Dad is 52 and does it over 100X a season 😁👍

[@jesseburk1986]

ill be darn! great video sir

[@toby4132]

Is there any way you can put all these things together in one attachment to get everything you use in one spot? It's too confusing to me to put all together in pieces.

[@StaggsintheWild]

I have two follow-up videos to this one on my channel that will help you, one called “We got our gear!” and the other is called “One-sticking: the details”. Both should answer all your questions.

[@toby4132]

So am I looking at this right? The one stick as seen is like $350 plus you need the repel system which is $160? Is that correct?

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@toby4132 Let me make it easy for you: Here's a package that has everything in it needed to rappel with... doublesteps.com/product/one-stick-rappel-kit/ And here's the Ultimate One Stick we use ... doublesteps.com/product/ultimate-one-stick/ Our sticks are 12", we use a flat Scout, a two-step aider, and you'll need two standoffs on the stick. Those are the choices you'll have to select on the page to buy exactly what we use.

[@toby4132]

@@StaggsintheWild so the two together are approximately $320.

[@carlandres5209]

So without all the snide comments, do you have a gear list for those of us 300 + lbs who are athletic and want to use this method? Climbing stands, hang ons and most ladder stands aren't rated for us. This looks like a low impact way to hunt and not have thousands of dollars tied up in sticks and stands.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Carl, hopefully you would never expect me to utter a snide comment and I'll be honest -- I won't stand for it in the comments section of my channel, either. Everything you see in this video should work for you -- with the exception of the cam cleats that Scott uses. I am editing a new video right now that I'll have up on this channel in the next few days showing Gabe assembling our new one-sticking sticks -- and I talk about how we went to a heavier-rated cleat as opposed to the one featured in this video. The cleat we use on our sticks are Shaefer cleats and are located here... doublesteps.com/product/schaefer-fast-entry-cam-cleat/ There are even heavier-rated cleats than that, I believe... These are rated to a 500-lb safe working load: www.westmarine.com/buy/schaefer--fast-entry-cam-cleats--P006725576

[@carlandres5209]

@@StaggsintheWild wasn't directing that part at you. I do appreciate you thinking of us bigger guys. I am looking forward to this new video.

[@scottydakine]

What brand of aider is that? Looked in the description and didn’t see it listed.

[@StaggsintheWild]

It's in the links :) ... made by Eastern Woods Outdoors and sewn to order. You can also buy very similar from backwoodsmobilegear.com but if you order from EWO, he'll sew it to your step, which is pretty nice.

[@304deerslayer]

Who is the dano fellow and how to get in touch with him to order

[@StaggsintheWild]

His website is doublesteps.com. Lots of cool products on his site!

[@304deerslayer]

@@StaggsintheWild do by chance a any coupon codes

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@304deerslayer I don't have anything to do with Eastern Woods Outdoors... I'm not sure if he offers any coupon codes or not. I really don't ever recall seeing any...

[@nga2160]

what's the plan if you are 25 feet up, and you accidently drop your stick?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Super-simple solution: I just rappel down and pick it up 😂 Or … I can do this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6G9qaCXacaKmbs

[@ashleytalbot3993]

Whats the step spacing on Scott's aider?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Scott said he thought it was 22"

[@buckstop1031]

This method seems it would be louder than a few sticks and 4 step aiders. No way you could climb in early to mid season without sweating more than using sticks.

[@StaggsintheWild]

Do me a favor and watch the first few minutes of this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3PagnSAlKp0m6c ... and then tell me what's so hard about hanging lifeless by a rope, exerting ZERO calorie burn. Literally... you HANG limp. You reach down, remove a rope from a cam cleat and place it over your head and climb up the aider and stick. Someone with four sticks and aiders will have to do the exact same thing, with WAY more weight and bulk, AND they have to worry about keeping all those different metal tubes from clanging into one another or something else. I have ONE 12' stick that's always in my complete control. But if you think carrying four sticks is easier, be my guest... :)

[@jowhi9296]

What's the best shrink tubing to use for rope ends

[@StaggsintheWild]

Watch around the 4:10 mark of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rorKl2SOmpt7r68

[@jowhi9296]

@@StaggsintheWild I sure will. Didn't make it to that one yet

[@theMobileHuntersEXPO]

Dan O is the man YO!!! Nice video. I’ll sub you guys. We just did a two sticking video that did alright.

[@theMobileHuntersEXPO]

Subbed

[@lovejoy1230]

What diameter rope is Scott using as his rappel line?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Scott has a few different ropes he employs in conjunction with his one-sticking; most of them are 8MM, but he has had them slip on him ... a couple of times pretty badly. He advised us against ordering 8MM ourselves because of that fact, and in talking to him just a couple days ago about it, he said he was about to order some 9MM Canyon rope because of it.

[@bodybybrentdfw]

Can I ask what you wrapped your Scout stand with?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Just regular 550 paracord.

[@TJ321CYA]

Is that 40 foot tether Oplux?

[@StaggsintheWild]

It's actually C-IV Canyon Rope, which is 9 mm... that way, it's in spec to be used with the Madrock Safeguard. Scott said he HAS had the Oplux slip slightly on him before in a Madrock, so that's why he started using the Canyon Rope. doublesteps.com/product/sterling-c-iv-canyon-rope/

[@TJ321CYA]

I will check it out. Thanks for the quick response!

[@Njjb122]

How is it doing this in the dark

[@StaggsintheWild]

Wear a good headlamp and it should be just as easy as it is in the daytime. 😊

[@deerbeerdeerbeer]

Great how much does it all weigh?

[@StaggsintheWild]

We didn't weigh all of Scott's stuff... only his one-stick/platform combo -- which was just shy of 2 lbs. Add in the 40'-long rope, the pull-down rope (which honestly couldn't weigh like 3 ozs.), the Madrock and even a bag of 5 squirrel steps to be able to compliment the little platform at the top and I bet you're under or right at 5 lbs of gear to get up a tree and hunt at whatever height you wanted.

[@jromem7313]

Whats the advantage of this over a climber?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Way, way less weight and bulk. My complete one-sticking setup including ropes and carabiners is less than 6 pounds. Add in my saddle and I’m still way less than 10 lbs. Add your tether and your safety harness to your climbing stand and you’re at LEAST twice that - with the most extreme lightweight stand available -and WAY more bulk. I can get in any tree I want ... no matter if it has branches, split trunks, whatever ... doesn’t matter. Now I’m hunting EXACTLY where I want to instead of possibly hunting for a straight, limbless tree that might not be in the best location. And - like Scott says - I get to play Batman on the way down. 😎

[@ritchieyang]

What climbing stick is that?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Eastern Woods Outdoors Ultimate One Stick

[@mherrera725]

What pouches are recommended with 40 feet of rope?

[@StaggsintheWild]

I use just a normal TX5 pouch and it holds 40’ of rope, my carabiner and Madrock Safeguard ... plus 40’ of Dynaglide and a small carabiner I have on it with no problem.

[@mherrera725]

@@StaggsintheWild thanks just ordered one.

[@josephjames6369]

What is the square tubing for in the material list?

[@StaggsintheWild]

To build the actual stick ... I ended up contacting DanO and he cut me down a couple of his new Ultralight sticks. Should get those in today.

[@elihall5912]

What kind of stick is that

[@StaggsintheWild]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYmZnImcoLdnmKs Tune in tomorrow morning and I’ll have a video up of a brand-new platform/stick offering from Eastern Woods Outdoors as well.

[@tylershuff3283]

What kinda stick is that

[@StaggsintheWild]

Scott custom-built his ... complete materials list in the description. We just got all our product in this afternoon and we’ll be shooting a video describing what we ordered and showing assembly. Subscribe and stay tuned!

[@James-pl4dw]

Rope breaks.. what happens next?

[@StaggsintheWild]

Unless you weigh more than 5,750 lbs, it’s a non-concern. 😉

[@James-pl4dw]

@@StaggsintheWild I’m also referring to the straps attached to the platform. Those are bound to go to snap city. What brand would you buy? Is tethered good?

[@StaggsintheWild]

@@James-pl4dw if the strap to the platform breaks, you’re still tethered in with your rappel line … that strap holding the platform onto the tree is full-bury 3/8” Amsteel. That means the rope has been doubled inside itself … just one of those ropes has a minimum breaking strength of 17,600 lbs. Doubled you’re looking at somewhere around 35,000 lbs. Yeah, we’re not worried about our gear not being able to support us 😁 As far as saddles go, we’re big believers in TX5 custom gear. (TX5customgear.com)

[@averybrandon4332]

What kind of stap are they

[@StaggsintheWild]

It’s a custom-built stick with an Out On A Limb Solo Scout attached to the top ... a complete materials list is in the description.

[@Dan77845]

What happens when you drop your platform?

[@StaggsintheWild]

If you did, you'd just rappel down in about 5 seconds, pick it up and start over. :)

[@Dan77845]

Gotcha.

[@uvcoach42]

More for the younger crowd ..

[@StaggsintheWild]

Nah. Age is just a number ... Scott’s close to 50. 😁

[@bobfrick6179]

Don’t limit yourself. I’m 60.

[@brandonpsmith]

The Harken Micro MWL is #200 lb. Be careful using the micro cam. My body weight and camera gear push 200 easy. I would opt for the Harken 150 cam with a MWL of #300 lb.

[@alexrateliff4784]

This was my first concern when looking at the links he provided to build the stick. The micro cam is a little light weight. I'm 200 lbs without clothes and gear.

[@benlykins4388]

What’d you forget? 😂😂😂

[@ryansullivan3937]

It'd be cheaper to modify cheaper sticks to do this with than to buy a custom one that you have to put together yourself anyway

[@StaggsintheWild]

Lots of guys do just that! 👍

[@matthill2898]

What kind of harness is he wearing?

[@StaggsintheWild]

We’re all saddle hunters ... so what you’re seeing are tree saddles, not harnesses like you’d see with a traditional fall-arrest harness that treestand guys use. Both Gabe and I wear TX5 saddles, and Scott makes his own saddles.

[@joshjewell1960]

4 people that have never killed a deer disliked this video.

[@StaggsintheWild]

#truth 😂

[@zacharynorris5807]

What platform is that ?

[@StaggsintheWild]

It’s a Scout by Out On A Limb ... all parts and materials are linked in the description, and we have a follow-up video on this channel where we order our own parts and build our own sticks.

[@CaptDonMc]

Ok so many many people are telling me One Sticking is way too noisy for sneaking 50 to 100 yards from bedded bucks. Can you do a video showing how much noise it makes? Like set up the camera to show the whole tree and walk in and act like you're setting up 50 yards from a Milo Hanson record shattering buck and video the up the tree, set up for hunting maybe take a practice shot at a target that shows up on your dead side then quietly climb down and pack up and walk away cause if that buck doesn't show and sleeps like 12 hours we don't wanna scare him getting down and walking out either!🤣🤣

[@StaggsintheWild]

LMBO... here's what's funny about your question -- and I know because I see it a lot, too: The VAST majority (like as in almost EVERYONE) who says that ... have never one-sticked. At all. Imagine that. Being an expert and telling others how a technique works and is applicable in real-world scenarios when you've never done it yourself. Sounds like they'd either be great politicians or college professors (those who can, do... those who can't, teach.) Then there's the slimmer minority who claim "they've done it"... Ok genius: Ten or fewer times before you quit and go back to a climber or hanging multiple sticks and a platform doesn't count. ;) Now, let's examine that... How in the HECK are you going to tell me that keeping multiple sticks from clanging into each other, or the tree, or ANYTHING on the way up -- not to mention unpacking and situating them BEFORE the climb even starts -- is SO much quieter than me walking up my stick? Because... don't they you have to walk up YOUR sticks, too? The difference is I only have to keep ONE small stick from banging or clanging into anything -- and I'm holding it and controlling it very carefully the entire time. :) No... it's not any noisier than any other method... and I can walk myself down a tree ABSOLUTELY quieter than anyone can come down with multiple sticks as they have to stop and collect each one on the way down ... and again have to worry about keeping them from clanging together as they descend. I hope you're within driving disance of the Mobile Hunter's Expo that'll be held in Winchester, OH on July 29-31... I'll be there as one of the featured guest speakers and doing live demos on one-sticking and answering questions.

[@CaptDonMc]

@@StaggsintheWild Oh i totally agree with you...I've watched all your videos on one-sticking and Im 49 years old. When I was a teen I got an electic linemens belt and tree spikes and took a board and V-notched it to use as a platform in the V of trees. Talk bout noisy with them metal loops and such. I know myself I'll probably be super quiet with all the high tech stuff out now its just amazing some people don't get it. Hoping to have all my equipment by Spring. Our "words" don't mean much which is why a video would be cool...I have a youtube channel maybe I'll make one once I practice a bit! Im near Port Huron, MI so Ohio is kinda close maybe I will swing by and say hello!

[@shaynemacdonald640]

title should be one sticking is so easy you can do it in crocs

[@StaggsintheWild]

Believe it or not, he still climbs & hunts out of Crocs until early November when he finally has to switch to boots, lol

[@shaynemacdonald640]

He’s doing it right. Love the crocs!

[@BigDaddy-vn3ww]

So try this on a 10 degree morning bundled up and with hunting boots on let me know how that works for ya

[@StaggsintheWild]

Lol. Zero problems buddy. And way safer getting down out of the tree when you’re frozen to the bone after a 3-hour sit in those temps. Way safer. But hey, if it’s not for you ,no biggie. We don’t make a dime from the products we showcase on this channel; we’re just showing options. 😊