Hey guys, So i picked up a set of climbing sticks on Amazon and there is absolutely no way I'm getting into the woods quietly with those strapped to my back. There are 5, 4' sections weighing in at 20 lbs so that's a no-go since I hunt primarily public land. What would be a recommendation for climbing sticks? I want something light, easy to strap on to my back, and most importantly quiet. Most of my hunting occurs .5 - 1.5 miles from my car so there is a lot of walking involved. I also am on the market for a new tree stand. This also must be quiet and easy to hang. Lone Wolf is the obvious answer but I don't know if I can spend $250 on a tree stand as I am just out of college. It has to be a hanging stand as well because SW Minnesota has gnarly trees that are impossible to use a climber. Any suggestions?? Thanks guys!
Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks and a Millenium M-50 Hang-On with an Extra Cam Loc Receiver. The M-50 runs around $150 bucks and they come with one cam loc receiver in the package. An extra one runs $21. I like the chain Cam loc receivers better. You can buy one stand and multiple cam loc receivers and take the stand to each location as needed. Climb up the tree and drop it in. Quiet, simple and effective. They are the most comfortable tree stands I have ever sit in. I own 4 Milleniums and I love them all.
I have some similar climbing sticks, and what works for me to keep them quiet is to use the tethers that are attached and get them all as tight as possible. Takes a little preparation and a little practice to figure out how to get them quiet but it can be done. It does suck carrying in all that weight!
To tack on to sharpeyesam's post, here is Muddy's stand system which is similar. I'll be getting the stand a few receivers this summer and climbing up with tree spikes HANG ON STANDS - Vantage - Muddy Companies
Myself, I don't like the lone wolf sticks because they only have one step per side. I like the muddy sticks better Sticks - Hunter Sticks - Muddy Companies With that said I like the lone wolf stand better than the muddy stands. LW is roomier and you just cant beat the molded platform. And I like the ez hang system better than the super mount on muddys. The ez hang is very simple, quite, lighter,easy to hang and cheaper so its more affordable to have multiple sets ready for a stand.
I also like the Muddy Sticks and the Millenium M100 or M150 not really a fan of the M50. I think the Ol Man Aluminum Roost Stand deserves a mention. It's affordable and pretty comfortable with a sling seat and footrest yet still weighs in at only 15 lbs. I found one for $130 but normally go for a little more. Amazon.com: Ol Man Roost Aluminum Hang-on Tree Stand: Sports & Outdoors I also am a fan of the Cranford EZY Rope Tree Steps, these are very light and I throw 3 or 4 of them in my bag to use at the base of the tree. I put them from the base to about head high, an easy way to get an extra 4 or 5 feet without another stick, they are pretty easy to put on but I prefer the sticks once my feet are off the ground. EZY Climb - Tree Steps Tree Step
The Muddy Outfitter Lite is not a bad little 15 lb stand. Seats a bit small for my liking but not bad for a couple hour sit. Still have 4 at the Diks SG near my hous marked down to $69. Online they list for $79. Muddy Outdoors Outfitter Lite Hang-On Stand - ****'s Sporting Goods
