Lightest weight hang-on option

[PickettSFHunter]

I am looking for the best lightest option for climbing up to a hang on stand. This will be on public land where screw in steps cannot be used. Even with a 12 pound hang on, it looks like most sticks will still put me around 20 pounds total. I have a climber that is quite a bit lighter than that but there are very few straight, limb free trees where I am going. Any ideas besides the lightest sticks I can find?


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[ImThere]

Get some hawk helium's. Look up Davet1963 on YouTube and modify like his.
It's simple. Cut them down to about 23"
Carry 3 and use a aider. Should be a tad over 6 lbs.

then here's the kicker. Throw away the loc on and get a Tethrd Mantis or Aero hunter Kite

Then you carry 10 ~ 12lbs total.


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[lightsareout]

Lone wolf Assault (3lbs lighter than the alpha) + 4 sticks at 10lbs.

look at the Dan Infalt hunting beast sticks (just started selling; think they are sold out) which is a lighter stick.

I have the alpha, with 4 sticks and molle back pack straps; which I don't feel is heavy at all when on the hike.

 

[ImThere]

Lone wolf Assault (3lbs lighter than the alpha) + 4 sticks at 10lbs.

look at the Dan Infalt hunting beast sticks (just started selling; think they are sold out) which is a lighter stick.

I have the alpha, with 4 sticks and molle back pack straps; which I don't feel is heavy at all when on the hike.

What's your total weight your carrying?
Last I heard he's sold out.


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[lightsareout]

Lone wolf Assault (3lbs lighter than the alpha) + 4 sticks at 10lbs.

look at the Dan Infalt hunting beast sticks (just started selling; think they are sold out) which is a lighter stick.

I have the alpha, with 4 sticks and molle back pack straps; which I don't feel is heavy at all when on the hike.

What's your total weight your carrying?
Last I heard he's sold out.


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I've honestly never weighed it. I'll try and do so later today.

 

[CHRIS WILSON]

Millenium M7 microlite comes in at 8.5 pounds. A buddy of mine has one and really seems to like it.

 

[megalomaniac]

Is there still a Gorilla Silverback? I have one of those when I used to hike in a long ways, and with screw in steps, my total weight is around 11lbs. (I know you can't use screw in steps)

 

[hunter0925]

I didn't get the lightest stand but went with a millenium m60u. The m7 is a lot lighter but I liked the adjustable platform and seat of the m60u plus it has a bracket to hang by.
For steps I use the muddy aerolights with an aider and rope mod. I like the ability to have a step on both sides of the stick where the lone wolf only has 1 step per side. I wanted the hawk helium sticks but they were sold out for a long time.
I want to get 1 more setup and it will be a m7 and helium steps with aiders next time.

 

[ImThere]

Millenium M7 microlite comes in at 8.5 pounds. A buddy of mine has one and really seems to like it.

is that stated weight or on a scale? With the strap?


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[bigasports]

What I've researched on the M-7 is that its 8.5 pounds without mounting hardware (Naked) There are a ton of mods that guys are using with the stand also.

 

[TN Whitetail Freak]

I bought a Tethrd Mantis Saddle Ima try out once it arrives, probably will be November sometime. It with my XOP sticks should weigh right around 15 lbs plus another 10 lbs for pack and bow so total Im guessing Ill be around 25-30Lbs including everything. The hawks heliums appear to be the stick of choice for a lot of people but they are cutting them down and modding them. Also if you add an string step to each stick you increase the height you get and decrease the amount of sticks you need thus decreasing weight.

 

[bigasports]

I bought a Tethrd Mantis Saddle Ima try out once it arrives, probably will be November sometime. It with my XOP sticks should weigh right around 15 lbs plus another 10 lbs for pack and bow so total Im guessing Ill be around 25-30Lbs including everything. The hawks heliums appear to be the stick of choice for a lot of people but they are cutting them down and modding them. Also if you add an string step to each stick you increase the height you get and decrease the amount of sticks you need thus decreasing weight.

You mean the knaider/swaider climbing method with Wildedgeinc stepps. BTW if you guys havent used wildedgeinc stepps your missing out and its a very viable option to climb trees with less bulk and low weight, especially if you use the knaider/swaider method.

saddlehunter.com

 

[PickettSFHunter]

Thanks for sharing about those wildedge inc steps. I hadn't seen those. Still look alittle bulky and not that much lighter than hawk helium sticks but would appear to work very well for what I am wanting to do on barrier islands.


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[ImThere]

Thanks for sharing about those wildedge inc steps. I hadn't seen those. Still look alittle bulky and not that much lighter than hawk helium sticks but would appear to work very well for what I am wanting to do on barrier islands.


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Way less bulky than any sticks. Imho
Use a knaider/ swaider set up and you only carry like 4 of 5 steps to 25'


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[PickettSFHunter]

Thanks for sharing about those wildedge inc steps. I hadn't seen those. Still look alittle bulky and not that much lighter than hawk helium sticks but would appear to work very well for what I am wanting to do on barrier islands.


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Way less bulky than any sticks. Imho
Use a knaider/ swaider set up and you only carry like 4 of 5 steps to 25'


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I'll have to google that one. No idea what knaider swaider is but I'll look.


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[tree_ghost]

Yeah that knaider/swaider mod is pretty slick...


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I am running the LW sticks with the rope mod and a muddy bloodsport with ez hang bracket. Using 3 sticks and a moveable cinch aider i should be able to get 20' to platform height and I weight comes in a hair over 20lbs

 

[PickettSFHunter]

After watching several videos of the wild edge stepp ladder deal, I really am leaning heavily that direction. I'm not sure why they aren't aluminum and thus lighter (maybe a strength issue) but seem like what I need. I think 8 would do me, no need to get very high on the barrier island for the most part, IMO.


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[fairchaser]

After watching several videos of the wild edge stepp ladder deal, I really am leaning heavily that direction. I'm not sure why they aren't aluminum and thus lighter (maybe a strength issue) but seem like what I need. I think 8 would do me, no need to get very high on the barrier island for the most part, IMO.


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I watched this video. Why do they demo these climbing systems on straight limbless telephone pole trees that you can slap a climber on easily? For me, it's the odd trees that call for these special locons and tree saddles. As I watch these systems though I really can't imagine doing this quickly and quietly in the dark. There are just too many moving parts and straps. For me it's easier to try to figure out how to get rid of two pounds out of my backpack.

 

[bds240]

DIY Sportman has some videos on a 1 stick method. Not for me I will stick with 3 or 4 of my XOP sticks

 

[TN Whitetail Freak]

You mean the knaider/swaider climbing method with Wildedgeinc stepps. BTW if you guys havent used wildedgeinc stepps your missing out and its a very viable option to climb trees with less bulk and low weight, especially if you use the knaider/swaider method.

saddlehunter.com

Yea that's it, I'm still trying to learn on that. I've been trying to find a video on how to make one,

 

[PickettSFHunter]

After watching several videos of the wild edge stepp ladder deal, I really am leaning heavily that direction. I'm not sure why they aren't aluminum and thus lighter (maybe a strength issue) but seem like what I need. I think 8 would do me, no need to get very high on the barrier island for the most part, IMO.


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I watched this video. Why do they demo these climbing systems on straight limbless telephone pole trees that you can slap a climber on easily? For me, it's the odd trees that call for these special locons and tree saddles. As I watch these systems though I really can't imagine doing this quickly and quietly in the dark. There are just too many moving parts and straps. For me it's easier to try to figure out how to get rid of two pounds out of my backpack.

Attaching 3 or 4 sticks versus 8 or 10 steps... good point. More attaching involved with the steps. Looks like 150 bucks for 8 steps with shipping. 100 bucks for 3 hawk helium sticks with shipping. I can't make my mind up on this.


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[TheLBLman]

I watched this video. Why do they demo these climbing systems on straight limbless telephone pole trees that you can slap a climber on easily? For me, it's the odd trees that call for these special locons and tree saddles. As I watch these systems though I really can't imagine doing this quickly and quietly in the dark.

IMO, it is a marketing "scheme",
as it can be much more time consumptive, more complicated, and less safe trying to maneuver around limbs.

I can do it quietly, but not quickly.
To say the least, the learning curve is much longer for SAFELY using a hang-on with a tree with limbs (if you're not cutting off those limbs)
than compared to a simple climbing stand.

Using a hang-on with a tree with limbs (not cutting them off)
to be done safely, one must wear two (2) lineman's ropes with his safety harness.
This is because one has to be removed to go over limbs while climbing,
while the other has to be installed above the limb, before removing the other.

Even with much experience, this adds significantly to the climbing time
and is definitely more "complicated" than using a climbing stand.

It can be very easy to accidentally not have your lineman's rope properly secured
while you're doing this, especially when having to undo them and re-connect them multiple times while climbing.

That said, hang-on stands are sometimes the best and/or only choice.
It's nice to have options.

 

[bds240]

I went with the XOP sticks there 3.2lbs and 34" inches the selling point for me was the the fact that they nest and lock together, no bungie cords and they are dead silent when they are locked together. The hawks are 2.8lbs and 30" inches long, and you have to bungie them together. I'm sure there a great product, but my vote goes to the XOP's

 

[@fulldraw]

I got a great deal on a new XOP Vanish XT last year. Not as lite as the LW but works great. I use four LW sticks. Here's my setup from Saturday at FC. Only used three sticks due to having limbs. I was about 20' up on edge of field so this setup was my only choice due to lack of trees to climb with climber. Stand was setup in about 15 mins and I was down after dark in less than 10.

 

[fairchaser]

I watched this video. Why do they demo these climbing systems on straight limbless telephone pole trees that you can slap a climber on easily? For me, it's the odd trees that call for these special locons and tree saddles. As I watch these systems though I really can't imagine doing this quickly and quietly in the dark.

IMO, it is a marketing "scheme",
as it can be much more time consumptive, more complicated, and less safe trying to maneuver around limbs.

I can do it quietly, but not quickly.
To say the least, the learning curve is much longer for SAFELY using a hang-on with a tree with limbs (if you're not cutting off those limbs)
than compared to a simple climbing stand.

Using a hang-on with a tree with limbs (not cutting them off)
to be done safely, one must wear two (2) lineman's ropes with his safety harness.
This is because one has to be removed to go over limbs while climbing,
while the other has to be installed above the limb, before removing the other.

Even with much experience, this adds significantly to the climbing time
and is definitely more "complicated" than using a climbing stand.

It can be very easy to accidentally not have your lineman's rope properly secured
while you're doing this, especially when having to undo them and re-connect them multiple times while climbing.

That said, hang-on stands are sometimes the best and/or only choice.
It's nice to have options.

I agree LBLman. I have a lone wolf alpha and climbing sticks but I will install it in advance if I must use it. I'd rather use a climber even if I have to saw a few limbs. I see these guys on hunting public use locons and do hang and hunts but there is always two of them.

 

[bigasports]

Thanks for sharing about those wildedge inc steps. I hadn't seen those. Still look alittle bulky and not that much lighter than hawk helium sticks but would appear to work very well for what I am wanting to do on barrier islands.


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The Wildedge Stepps are way less bulky than sticks. They pack together nicely in the bag that comes with them. I will throw that bag in my backpack and hike on in. When I carry sticks, I have them on a sling over my shoulder. I don't like the fact that sticks move around and will catch on things.

Let me add...... I do use both climbing systems. The sticks are def faster because you typically carry 3-4. I use a aider with my sticks. The Wildedge stepps for me at first were a pain because their is a learning curve with putting them on the tree and tying the knot. But like many things, with practice I got it down pretty good. I fell in love with how well they pack up and no bulk. I use the stepps as my saddle hunting platform also. If any of you guys would like to put your hands on the stepps I'm in Spring Hill and your more than welcome to come check them out for yourselves.

 

[bigasports]

You mean the knaider/swaider climbing method with Wildedgeinc stepps. BTW if you guys havent used wildedgeinc stepps your missing out and its a very viable option to climb trees with less bulk and low weight, especially if you use the knaider/swaider method.

saddlehunter.com

Yea that's it, I'm still trying to learn on that. I've been trying to find a video on how to make one,

Here are a couple threads on the knaider/swaider

https://saddlehunter.com/community/inde ... rial.7406/

https://saddlehunter.com/community/inde ... ost-133235

 

[TheLBLman]

Here's my setup from Saturday at FC.
Only used three sticks due to having limbs.

Question for you

When you hunted that tree at FC,
were you using two lineman's belts?

If not, were there time intervals (limb maneuvers)
were you were not secured (in case your foot slipped, grip lost, etc.)?

Let me add, in my younger days, I either didn't use or seldom used the "safety" devices I use today.
Then one time, a screw-in step (that was "supposed" to support 500 lbs.) broke, while I was installing a hang-on,
and I fell about 22 feet.

On two other occasions, a safety harness has kept me from falling over 20 feet,
and one of those was when a Summit Climber simply "broke", pitching me forward.
So, I've experienced 3 "fails", 2 of which the safety harness saved me from serious injury,
and none of those 3 fails were due to my own carelessness ---- all were something breaking that didn't seem likely.

I'm just bringing up safety concerns because I see so many climbing without security,
and any of us can have something break (that shouldn't) or make a careless error.

 

[Mike Belt]

Last year after completing a hunt I was climbing down and had made it to about 4 feet from the ground. The tree I was in was one of those with a broad base where I had to place the stand on the tree at that point because it was too large from there to the ground. I had my safety harness on at all times but had to take it off in order to get off the stand at that point. Just as I finished unhooking it a rusty bolt hidden under the cable cover of my stand broke and I got pitched out backwards away from the tree hitting the ground while landing on my back. It smarted. A few years ago I was going up a tree in a brand new stand using it for the first time. I got about 12 feet up and the swing arm bracket broke. Luckily I had my harness on and was able to shimmy down the tree. Stands can break. Wear your harness.

 

[@fulldraw]

Here's my setup from Saturday at FC.
Only used three sticks due to having limbs.

Question for you

When you hunted that tree at FC,
were you using two lineman's belts?

If not, were there time intervals (limb maneuvers)
were you were not secured (in case your foot slipped, grip lost, etc.)?

Let me add, in my younger days, I either didn't use or seldom used the "safety" devices I use today.
Then one time, a screw-in step (that was "supposed" to support 500 lbs.) broke, while I was installing a hang-on,
and I fell about 22 feet.

On two other occasions, a safety harness has kept me from falling over 20 feet,
and one of those was when a Summit Climber simply "broke", pitching me forward.
So, I've experienced 3 "fails", 2 of which the safety harness saved me from serious injury,
and none of those 3 fails were due to my own carelessness ---- all were something breaking that didn't seem likely.

I'm just bringing up safety concerns because I see so many climbing without security,
and any of us can have something break (that shouldn't) or make a careless error.

I wear a black diamond harness and use a hss tree rope strap with extra loop to move around limbs to stay connected to the tree. To be clear the rope is attached to carabiners and used as a lineman's belt until I'm on the platform. Then it's used in the traditional sense.