Saddle Hunting Two Stick Climbing Method (Video)

[@willsivers4140]

You could get a extra 3-4 feet by leaning your second stick against the base and using it as a stool to set your first stick.

[@truthfromthestand9994]

That’s a great idea. Never crossed my mind.

[@a.b.k1983]

Dude… that’s awesome.

[@renaecampbell5780]

I've watched dozens of these climbing videos and I have come to the conclusion that aiders maybe for some people but they're just not for me I think they would be the most difficult thing to navigate in low-light conditions. I am going to use my cruzr saddle this yr.. but I'm going to pack 4 sticks in and out. Not a criticism Brother...just an observation and opinion. Very well done video.

[@557ronb9]

I agree the aider is not safe for me especially when it is dark or snowy weather. I have switched to one stick from my lock on set. My stick is 3 FT long and I installed a cam cleat and rope. My stand stick is twin step so I can stand level. I just carry it in my left hand.

[@rickgoing7027]

I agree 100% On the surface it sounds great but I see this and other video's and all I think is I am adding an extra level of danger and definitely more sweat thus scent to get this done vs's using three 30" sections and a aider on the bottom section. It will get me 16-19 feet depending on how far I separate the sections. I would rather carry a few extra pounds and be safe, faster and less sweaty. Let's face it it's not like most whitetail hunters are packing in miles and when I do I just use my elk pack and strap everything to it. The heaviest stand set is still less weight than a week's worth of camping stuff for elk.

[@bobetzweiler2890]

This is an excellent video and explanation! l was getting tired of watching "alternative climbing" videos and thinking, "I can't do that; I'm not a monkey!" This looks totally doable. I think I'm definitely giving this a try. Thanks!

[@rwfinger]

Good vid. Lots of work to get up. Once you’re up (however you do it) and done hunting, deploy a static line on a girth hitch (at height) and rappel down on a Munter hitch or on a figure 8 etc. Set a paracord removal rope to the loop side of the rapel line ahead of descent and pull it all down when on the ground. Much easier than reconfuckulating the ascending process. You’ll need to pull your hanging gear on the way down as well. So many ways to climb a tree these days. It’s exciting and confusing.

[@doorman6157]

I use the same method except rather than use a platform I use and additional stick with a top platform "trophyline wingman " weight is about the same but the difference is if you move the aider to the wingman you can get 22 23ft easy and you can ditch the bullman step

[@LizardKing513]

Really good demonstration, Clint. Rappelling down with a 30 ft rope and a figure 8 is the safest and faster way to get down, especially in the cold and dark. Not much extra weight either. Well worth it. When I need a few extra feet, I’ll one stick up the tree a little bit before setting the platform. Having the rappelling rope gives you that option if necessary.

[@557ronb9]

I find the figure 8 just a little wild and if not carful with cold hands you will hit the ground. I still carry figure 8 for back up. I have switched to a Madrock safeguard for 8MM and up. I use a Madrock lifeguard 10 MM and up and have a lot more control. You can stop anywhere on decent to get your gear on the last decent. " don't forget about your retravel line."

[@treeghost1978]

Great video Clint! I've been using this method with a few variations for a handful of years now. Works slick as can be. I've always struggled a little coming down in the dark. I hunt in Alberta, so alot of times when I'm ready to come down, I'm cold and stiff. Next season I'm gonna start rappelling out at the end of the day. Think that'll solve those issues.

[@truthfromthestand9994]

Alberta…I’d be cold and stiff too! This year I moved to one sticking almost 100%. If you’re planning to rappel, you might wanna give it a try.

[@557ronb9]

I live in Ontario and repel with Madrock. You are right... in the dark and when it is cold "when it is time to go---it is time to go"

[@Erieeyes]

Sweating just watching this

[@davidrussell631]

Y’all can use all the dangling step aiders you want. I’ve used single and double step strap aiders, and they are bad enough, but I’ll totally pass on multi-step aiders in the dark or with more than a couple layers of clothing and heavy boots on. The safest and easiest way to get the most out of your mini-sticks is to use cable aiders, and a foot cinching adjustable, moveable aider for the bottom of the tree, or even between sticks if needed. If you’ve bought a treestand in recent years, a strap likely came with the full body harness that came with it. It’s that adjustable strap that is designed to help prevent suspension trauma if you fall out of your stand and are left dangling. Yeah, again, dangling isn’t good. One of my sticks has a 22” cable aider and I set it as high as I can reach. Then I hang that strap I mentioned from the top of my stick. I lengthen it to comfortably get my foot in the cinch loop, and then move the buckle and raise my foot up at the same time. If I wanted to use it again I’d leave it on my boot, but I haven’t had to hunt higher than my three custom Helium sticks with cable aiders yet. I got them from Double Step, and ordered two of them a couple inches shorter than the 22” one for the bottom stick. I wrapped a little reflective tape in the center of them to help see them in the dark, but my point is that the cables and the cinch strap never dangle and make it hard to get your boot in them. Y’all be safe. Tree climbing, no matter how you do it, isn’t the safest way to pass the time lol.

[@justinward9039]

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and fast is sexy

[@jimaugenti704]

Thanks for the video. I've struggled with aiders before, but that one looks pretty good. I just ordered a saddle and will be experimenting with my 4 muddy pro sticks and see what I can do with my home made 2 step aider,( which has a paracord stiffener around the web to help hold it open) but might go to that Black Diamond 5 step to drop from 4 to 2 sticks. nicely done vid to consider viable options!

[@ronniecollins5650]

I made my aiders home made three step, but I used garden hose sections in the stirrups works great

[@Dark30Outdoors]

Slick setup! Very informative! Thanks!!

[@theoutdoorangler1173]

I purchased primal V steps as a substitute for wild edge steps, and I simply hate the function of either. They’re essentially the same thing. Camming them over is a pain and really ruin the cambium layer of the tree. That being said I still use them sometimes for far hunts. I place the step as high as I can reach using a 3 step aider and pop the aider and move it up. With 3 steps I get about 17 feet and 4 steps about 22 feet which isn’t too bad

[@truthfromthestand9994]

Yeah. I used those for a brief moment, they just weren’t for me. I was using the Kane method of climbing. Slick method just not a big fan of those types of steps. Which why I ultimately landed with 2 sticks and a 5 step aider. Good luck this season!

[@slydogg616]

Dude you seem to be fairly fit, is this really less effort than carrying a third or even fourth stick? I’m total dork for how other people climb but this seems strenuous but if it works for you roll with it. Big fan of the Podcast thanks for the content

[@truthfromthestand9994]

Ya. I’m in decent shape. Get after it every morning before work. It’s less about the weight and more about the bulk. It seems like a lot of steps as I’m talking through it. But it’s all second nature and is just as quick for me as just sticks. That and a lot of places I’m hunting I may only use one stick and be 8ft off the ground. I hate carrying excess gear. Especially when I’m freelance hunting and may end up scouting a few miles before setting up.

[@fairchaseoutdoors4181]

I can tell you right now that this method is way better than carrying 4 sticks. My cousin is hunting on a budget this year and I had 4 muddy pro sticks. Gave him 2, kept my 2 and we both have 5 step aiders and get right at 18’. We’re both over 6’ tall works PERFECTLY.

[@truthfromthestand9994]

@@fairchaseoutdoors4181 agree. Everyone should use what they're comfortable with and effective. This just happens to be what works for me too!

[@LumberJack-qb1dc]

Ya this is the exact method I use (different sticks, but same aider. And I use nite ize instead of 550 cord to secure/hang my gear while climbing, but overall it the exact same climbing method), and I’ve found it way easier to get further in, crawling under brush is easier because it’s not bulky at all, it really suits my hunting style.

[@carlparisi9749]

Why are people saying this is harder than using 4 sticks? If anything this method is using less energy is more quiet and possibly faster.

[@Prog27801]

Great set up. I like the bullman step for that little extra. Nice video Bro!

[@truthfromthestand9994]

Thanks man. That bullman step is nice to have when it’s needed. I can usually get away with just two sticks. This time of year with the leaves...I don’t think I’ve climbed higher than 12 ft with the cover. But when the leaves drop its’s nice to have that little extra boost when needed.

[@Prog27801]

Truth From The Stand I notice the more I use my 3 sticks with 4 step aider I end up setting my 3rd stick so low for the same reasons with the underbrush and cover. I may have to try the 2 stick and one step idea. Certainly less bulk required.

[@truthfromthestand9994]

@@Prog27801 that with a bllman or an ameristep and you'll be set!

[@timwaldroup9654]

Definitely should have worked a WE stepp in the setup as well

[@coewhat]

Missed the part of how you got the first strap up so high…oh, because you edited and cut that part out , THANKS!!

[@truthfromthestand9994]

It’s not hard. Fling it up the tree. Top of first stick is usually placed where I can wrap my first knuckles around the top step. Or lean the second stick agains the tree and stand on it. Not rocket science.

[@Allegiance_Outdoors]

How did you attach the Amsteel to the top of the aider? Thanks, and great video!! Also, do you take the pouches off of your saddle when running the tool belt?

[@truthfromthestand9994]

I made a loop with the amsteel using a fid set. And pouches stay on.

[@Allegiance_Outdoors]

@@truthfromthestand9994 might be a dumb question but to you just keep it open or close the tool belt up above the pouched on the saddle or do you stow the saddle in it on the way in? Any suggestions for a good video for how to make the loop? Thanks!

[@truthfromthestand9994]

@@Allegiance_Outdoors I close it above the saddle. And I don’t make vids of making amsteel loops. I watched a KZbin vid to learn how.

[@Allegiance_Outdoors]

@@truthfromthestand9994 can you refer me to the vid you used? Also, what is the finished diameter of the loop with the Beast Double step! Thanks!!

[@Allegiance_Outdoors]

@@truthfromthestand9994 wasn’t suggesting it was your video, just wandering if you could point me to the one you watched to do learn how to do it. Thanks.

[@tomfleisher90]

Have you ever considered one sticking and rappelling down?

[@truthfromthestand9994]

Yeah. I did some one sticking last year. I’ll have a video on it soon. I like it. But for me it’s applicable in situations.

[@Dennisgoyette]

Cutting Long wolf sticks, ouch! Their sister company sells the mini version haha

[@truthfromthestand9994]

Yeah, these were made prior to the new company and were old sticks I had laying around. I’ve been using them for two seasons. They’ve worked great!

[@chadsyl23]

Nice work!

[@zacharyadkins2834]

Who’s video did you watch to learn this in order to make this video?

[@kennethrogers1129]

Cool, but the 2 Tether system has my attention these days

[@joepople7667]

For the life of me, I can't understand why any of this is easier or more comfortable than a 13lb Summit Viper Elite. And I climb for a living.

[@jeremylong6229]

Pretty simple it weighs less than 13 lbs less bulk on your back and opens up more shot options than a climbing stand

[@GRockBlues]

@@jeremylong6229 I doubt his whole set up weighs less than 13 lbs...he definitely has his system down but it just seems like A LOT of movements to remember...and...seems easy in the warm weather with no heavy clothing on....I think it would be more difficult in colder weather

[@jeremylong6229]

@@GRockBlues my saddle hunting setup is 13 lbs and its not near as minimalist as others I've seen... takes a couple times to get used to it like anything else

[@GRockBlues]

@@jeremylong6229 thats the beauty of saddle hunting ...everyone can tailor their method to their own abilities and liking...I meant I didnt think the guy in the video has a set up thats less than 13 lbs...I wasnt referring to you...certainly meant zero disrespect towards anyone...sometimes comments and such dont come out in the context we mean them to...Peace and best wishes!

[@jeremylong6229]

@@GRockBlues no harm done. I don't know what his setup weighs (don't even remember what it consosts of since watching the video lol)

[@bwiz1234]

I wont use aider 2nd stick. As i dont tether till.2nd top.stick, aiders always kick out , ur foots never perfectly in

[@stdavis22]

lone wolf hand climber seat...climbing method and platform in one. weighs 4 pounds...done

[@brandonwarren5758]

Is it just me, or does saddle hunting seem really complicated?

[@truthstands4ever]

It doesn't have to be, it's a lot less complicated if you just use 4 sticks. I agree though, this method seems way too complicated to me. Probably makes sense to start with 3 or 4 sticks, then possibly "graduate" to this method once we're more comfortable with the whole concept. I've never used a saddle, so it definitely looks complicated to me. Especially with all the mods needed for this style.

[@renaecampbell5780]

These setups look great... Once you're at height.. but, at 530am and after shooting light, climbing and descending would truly suck. I'll stick with 4 sticks and a lock on, and climbing sticks and a lock on. Jmo, too many moving parts

[@renaecampbell5780]

How much trouble do u have navigating the 5 step aider in the dark?

[@truthfromthestand9994]

None really. It take a few practice runs but I’ve been using this for two years. And I climb fine in the dark. I used 4 sticks for a long time. I’m quicker and quieter with this set up by far. But it’s not for everyone.

[@truthfromthestand9994]

What’s your favorite way to climb?

[@GRockBlues]

spurs and rappel down

[@mthomas8338]

Now your sweatin

[@bowhuntingfiend7098]

Man you be talking fast....too much Skill Brew coffee???

[@truthfromthestand9994]

Got the yips🤷‍♂️

[@nathansdad04]

The Rube Goldberg climbing method. Smh

[@fishingphanatics473]

use a linesman belt, I stopped watching