Bringing the Climbing Stand Back in the Mix

[UTGrad]

I have largely stopped using my Summit Viper in favor of pre set or same day hang on stands. I am considering going back to a climber for the mobility and the ability to get very high comfortably and safely.

Anyone packing in and out a climbing stand these days? BTW, no interest in saddle hunting.

 

[Billboy]

Yup, still packing the API/Summit. I like the exercise...

 

[Lost Lake]

Yes.

Most of my hang on stands are set as rut stands. Not that I don't kill a few with bows from them, but during October I'm much better off grabbing the climber and staying mobile with the feeding sign.

I just get lazy as I detest carrying any type of stand to hunt, but I know it's what I have to do most times.

 

[UTGrad]

Yes.

Most of my hang on stands are set as rut stands. Not that I don't kill a few with bows from them, but during October I'm much better off grabbing the climber and staying mobile with the feeding sign.

I just get lazy as I detest carrying any type of stand to hunt, but I know it's what I have to do most times.

Yep I've gotten busted by some old nanners from my preset hang ons, so now they are expecting me to be there every time. I'll move them or take them down after season but for now I need to move but I want to get 25-30 ft. I will take the shot angle into account.

 

[DMD]

Me. I have not seen the need to join the saddle craze, and I don't care about hang on stands. In the midwest, where there are lot of small, scrubby trees - I can absolutely see the need for those two options. But, in East Tennessee - I find plenty of straight enough trees to use my climber. Reasons I choose a climber:

1. I can climb so fast and quiet. I can be up a tree long before someone can put sticks up a tree
2. Comfortable - I have no problem sitting all day if I choose to
3. I can change locations very easily
4. I have two stands - one weighs in about 11lbs, I use it for longer hikes in or if I get lazy. The other is my summit Goliath - it weighs probably around 22 lbs bare. I use it for shorter hikes. It's a little more comfortable than the other, but not by much. I love them both.
5. Simple - I'm just the type of person, the simpler, the better. Two cables around a tree and locked in and I'm ready to go. I honestly don't want a bunch of ropes, carbiners, straps, etc. to deal with in the woods.

That's just me - and confession, I've never tried a saddle. I have watched many videos of people using them and nothing about them has convinced me to switch. But...again, to each his own.

 

[deerhunter10]

No not anymore. I still have 3 of them. I usually hunt out of one a couple times a year but set it up before hand. Saddle is my mobile setup and it's legit.

 

[knightrider]

Nope sold everything i had and went to a out on the limb one stick and cruzr saddle, much lighter, easier, faster and more comfortable to me

 

[ZachMarkus]

Yes sir, most of my sits are in my summit open shot.

I have a set of tethrd one sticks and a lone wolf .5 that I use some. I tried 3 different saddles, they aren't for me.

 

[bowhunterfanatic]

90% of my hunts are from a Summit Viper. 98% of the time I carry it in and out with me. To be fair though, I don't have any crazy long walks and I'm primarily hunting flat land in West TN.

 

[ImThere]

I wish I wouldn't have sold all mine.

 

[tree_ghost]

I hunted opening morning from my LW sit climb. I actually really enjoyed it. Simple and fast

 

[UTGrad]

I wish I wouldn't have sold all mine.

I sold one before and ended up having to buy another one.

 

[REN]

I still carry mine in most mornings. Ive looked into saddle stuff but IMO its stupid over priced for the trade off. I just like the comfort of a climber, sure it can be a pain to carry 20lbs on your back in and out but I can get it attached and up a tree in 5mins.

 

[BSK]

Under no circumstances would I go back to a climber. Hated them back in the day. Hate them now.

 

[TN Larry]

I hunt out of a summit viper 90% of the time and almost always carry it in and out. The other is either in a ladder, on the ground, or in a shooting house.

I have thought about trying a saddle but so used to the climber and efficient on getting up and down a tree. I can normally find a tree to climb but a saddle could add to that. I can get higher in a climber which is important during gun season so I can see farther due to the terrain.

 

[Bphillips]

Still carry my summit in everyday and love. Easy and fast. That wrap around seat on that thing make you fight to stay awake it's so comfortable

 

[UTGrad]

Under no circumstances would I go back to a climber. Hated them back in the day. Hate them now.

Man, thats more the reason to like one!

just kidding BSK

 

[REN]

just blows my mind how much $ saddle kits are still for what you are actually getting. Minimal material, some ropes, carabiner and an aluminum platform thats tiny for $600 hahah. Thats not even adding in sticks and other stuff you may want. I get it liability or something may drive up the price but good lord ill just keep on using a climber until thats not silly

 

[Andy S.]

This will be year 30 hunting out of a climber. I still use a few of my original Ol Man climbers (steel version) during gun season.

 

[Outdoor Enthusiast]

I have a couple climbers, a couple ladder stands, and permanent box blinds. I also bought a hang on set with sticks last year.

I tend to start the season with a more mobile approach using my climber to get in different places. By the time I have hunted hard for several weeks I get lazier and tend to use some of my permanent stands.

 

[Andy S.]

I still carry mine in most mornings.

Same here. Carry it in and out most hunts.

 

[harv418]

I use all manner of stands. Currently have a lock on (Hawk), A climber (Summit - Steel), tent blind, and a Saddle system. Have even used my turkey vest.

Everything has it's place.

If I am sneaking into his bedroom, the Climber or the Saddle gets the nod. If I have a good scrape line set up, I will set up the lock on. Nice field view with a good honeysuckle edge, the tent blind is so easy to set up behind it and get a view of the field.

That being said, with my heavy Summit climber, I added a carry system that works GREAT. I can strap my small backpack to it, toss it on my shoulders and Hike in. Link below. https://a.co/d/hBDbfhC

 

[Outdoor Enthusiast]

just blows my mind how much $ saddle kits are still for what you are actually getting. Minimal material, some ropes, carabiner and an aluminum platform thats tiny for $600 hahah. Thats not even adding in sticks and other stuff you may want. I get it liability or something may drive up the price but good lord ill just keep on using a climber until thats not silly

I think they are closer to $900 these days for "kits". Seems ridiculously overpriced.

 

[deerhunter10]

just blows my mind how much $ saddle kits are still for what you are actually getting. Minimal material, some ropes, carabiner and an aluminum platform thats tiny for $600 hahah. Thats not even adding in sticks and other stuff you may want. I get it liability or something may drive up the price but good lord ill just keep on using a climber until thats not silly

I got mine very cheap with 5 sticks saddle and 2 platforms I paid 225 for mine. I'd never have one if I had to pay full price. It's a fad and fads are expensive. No difference then sitka or first lite there stuff is crazy over priced as well. All fads. What's funny is how many people I know with a saddle thats never used one. I don't use it much at all our farms are set up for the most part but there's always holes on plans.

 

[swampbadger]

yep i'm on public, I carry it in, I carry it out.

I'm really fast and quiet with my viper.

 

[ImThere]

Saddles are expensive! lol. I remember the original greens saddle i had it must have weighed 10lbs by itself! lol. The sit drag with rock climbers harness was a game changer and opened up the world of saddle hunting.

 

[30-06 type of guy]

just blows my mind how much $ saddle kits are still for what you are actually getting. Minimal material, some ropes, carabiner and an aluminum platform thats tiny for $600 hahah. Thats not even adding in sticks and other stuff you may want. I get it liability or something may drive up the price but good lord ill just keep on using a climber until thats not silly

I didn't pay half that. Bought mine with everything except sticks for $149. Found some sticks on sale $89.

 

[eyem4vols]

I love my Summit. I use the Titan. I had a SS Goliath years ago but recently upgraded to the Titan after my storage building was broken into and about 5k worth of hunting stuff was stolen.

 

[Rebels20]

All you climber lovers in east tn (greeneville) want a summit viper sd aluminum shoot me a message. I never use them anymore and hate to see it sitting around.

 

[knightrider]

Yep my set up is expensive, but under 10 lbs and i wear it all in and out of the woods atleast 4 days a week . I can be 20 ft up any tree in ten minutes and there is virtually no way i can fall. No sticks to fool with , no heavy cumbersome climber and zero noise!