Brad, you need to make your way to Missouri one of these upcoming years and jump in the truck and head out to Colorado with us.
Going back and re-reading through the thread... I'll expound on this a bit. Another neat thing about the LW hand climber is that when you pack it together, there'll be two bungee-cord strings that'll be running vertically in a "V" shape from top to bottom on the outside of the platform when it's on your back. I've got a VERY heavy GWW 100% wool bomber jacket and also a wool vest that I pack in/out with me when the temps start really dropping. Obviously, I don't want to wear these items when I'm hiking in or out ... so the nice thing about the bungee-cord strings that are already there is it allows me to stuff my jacket or vest between them and my stand. They stay snug all bungee-corded up, and on the back side of my stand. PERFECT way to haul them in and out with me and not get overheated.
Greg, that sounds awesome. I need to let the boys (youngest just turned 1) get a few years older before my hunting trips head out of state for a week. Hunting Elk at least once is something on my to do list for sure. I'm not bringing my Summit though Greg even if I have VS abs by then.
I am kind of the opposite of Greg in that I use my LW Alpha and 4 sticks 90% of the time and the hand climber the rest. I have, and do, sit all day in either. I don't necessarily "sit" all day as I like to stand but I have sat for longish periods also. I do not find the Alpha uncomfortable but it is not relaxing by any means. There were times in my life when I had to sit for hours and hours in the most uncomfortable positions, hours on a plane in full gear for jumps while in the army/cramps shooting through your body as one example, so when on stand and I get a little uncomfy I just reflect on my good fortune and feel much better :D . One other thing is that on my all day sits a majority of the time I move sometime in the middle of the day. Usually not too far but to another ridge or across the ridge I am on, something like that. That helps with stretching muscles out.
Brad, I am almost 55 years old. If an old guy like me can carry a few pounds a little ways, anyone can.
This is what I was getting at with my earlier question. I've had problems with even my Summit Viper slipping a couple of times, but once was a wet red oak and the other was a hickory tree. Both times they were the closest thing to a suitable climbing tree around. With trees like white oak and sweet gum I sometimes feel like I'm not going to break the stand loose from the tree.
What a great thread guys, keep it up. Props to everyone! I've really enjoyed reading this. I just got my LW sticks and Alpha 4 days ago. I've been putting it up and taking it down a lot. Getting better, but not as great as I'll need to be. To be honest, if I could put both sticks/stand or climber in the same tree....I'd probably go with the climber. It makes tearing down, much simpler, if nothing else! Again, great thread!
I need to find a place to practice putting up my stand. I noticed the first season of climbing up and down trees every hunt had a significant impact on me (I hunt on public land and never leave my stands out). Anybody have any suggestions for being prepared in this regard?
I think this is really, really key. I have a perfect tree here at work. I think being able to do it "second nature" will be huge come hunting season. I've never done this enough - but that changes this year!
BigStick... practice makes ANYTHING easier and less strenuous... Aside from that, I think I recall reading in the fitness thread in the off-season forum that you're working on getting in better shape. THAT'll honestly have more payoff than anything in terms of reducing "impact." I've actually immersed myself into getting ready physically for the Oct 1 and will be in tip-top shape by then.
Brad I bought a sit n climb from a member here 2 years ago and I have not looked back. I actually have a extra top piece so if you can just find the bottom you are welcome to have it. This fall I may be to heavy for the damn thing. 6' and 251lbs. grrr T
I have the same issue with finding trees to practice climbing near my home. I drive around the hood just looking for a tree to climb that no one will freak out about. I've been climbing a little fishtail palm in my backyard.
I have the summit viper, I dont mind carrying it in on a long distance all that much its just when you have to up, over, under, and throu certain obsticals it likes to grab everything so you just have to be mindful.
Brad I must add that I bought the sit n climb for mostly the timber company lands up north. I use the LW and Sticks down my way. T
I feel like I've put a two-a-day in at football camp. Sunday I usually stay home and sleep to football.
