Bought my first Portable Tree Stand.
#23
I have got several lock on stands that I rarely use anymore. I have found my climber to be much more useful and comfortable. Since I'm comfortable, I hunt longer and am able to sit still much longer.
However, when I hunt out of lock on stands I use either Cranford EZ Steps:
www.ezyclimb.com/treesteps.shtm
Or:
The Treehopper Tree Step Bolts. The Treehopper system allows you to remove & reinstall all your steps much easier and quicker than conventional style steps. I tried these out at the Buckmasters Expo a few years back and was impressed. I will usually combine the step bolts and the Cranford steps.
http://www.treehopperllc.com/catalog...nfo-below.html
Another thing you might want to consider for portability would be the Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks or the Muddy Climbing Sticks. I had a set of the Lone Wolf's but sold them to a friend.
However, when I hunt out of lock on stands I use either Cranford EZ Steps:
www.ezyclimb.com/treesteps.shtm
Or:
The Treehopper Tree Step Bolts. The Treehopper system allows you to remove & reinstall all your steps much easier and quicker than conventional style steps. I tried these out at the Buckmasters Expo a few years back and was impressed. I will usually combine the step bolts and the Cranford steps.
http://www.treehopperllc.com/catalog...nfo-below.html
Another thing you might want to consider for portability would be the Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks or the Muddy Climbing Sticks. I had a set of the Lone Wolf's but sold them to a friend.
#24
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,607
I'll admit, for the longest time I wasn't a fan of hang-on stands. But a year or two ago my hunting group started buying a bunch and hanging them. They all use the same bolts so anyone can use them as long as you have the steps. That is a extremely favorable situation in my opinion. Everyone has a pair of steps and they just hunt whichever stand they want.
I do have a Summit Viper Climber and while it is EXTREMELY comfortable and easy to use, I normally hunt deep in the woods and it's just too heavy to carry far. So it normally goes with me on shorter hunts.
I'd prefer to use ladder stands as I feel must more safe in them, but I hunt mainly on public land so that's not feasable.
That being said, many-many years I hunted from the ground, backed up against a tree. I've killed A LOT of deer that way so I think some of this stand envy is more from a hunter's standpoint.
I do have a Summit Viper Climber and while it is EXTREMELY comfortable and easy to use, I normally hunt deep in the woods and it's just too heavy to carry far. So it normally goes with me on shorter hunts.
I'd prefer to use ladder stands as I feel must more safe in them, but I hunt mainly on public land so that's not feasable.
That being said, many-many years I hunted from the ground, backed up against a tree. I've killed A LOT of deer that way so I think some of this stand envy is more from a hunter's standpoint.
#25
I'll admit, for the longest time I wasn't a fan of hang-on stands. But a year or two ago my hunting group started buying a bunch and hanging them. They all use the same bolts so anyone can use them as long as you have the steps. That is a extremely favorable situation in my opinion. Everyone has a pair of steps and they just hunt whichever stand they want.
I do have a Summit Viper Climber and while it is EXTREMELY comfortable and easy to use, I normally hunt deep in the woods and it's just too heavy to carry far. So it normally goes with me on shorter hunts.
I'd prefer to use ladder stands as I feel must more safe in them, but I hunt mainly on public land so that's not feasable.
That being said, many-many years I hunted from the ground, backed up against a tree. I've killed A LOT of deer that way so I think some of this stand envy is more from a hunter's standpoint.
I do have a Summit Viper Climber and while it is EXTREMELY comfortable and easy to use, I normally hunt deep in the woods and it's just too heavy to carry far. So it normally goes with me on shorter hunts.
I'd prefer to use ladder stands as I feel must more safe in them, but I hunt mainly on public land so that's not feasable.
That being said, many-many years I hunted from the ground, backed up against a tree. I've killed A LOT of deer that way so I think some of this stand envy is more from a hunter's standpoint.
#26
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,607
I have some-and they do help. But I'm only 5'8 130 so when you add the treestand, backpack with all my clothes and such in it and a gun you're talking carrying 65-70 lbs on my back. Not something I care to do on a mile/mile and a half hike back to where I'm going.
#27
You might check on a waist/kidney style belt that might help take some weight off your shoulders.
#28
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Northern Chautauqua Co. N.Y.
Posts: 2,976
I took the stand back to Wal-Mart tonight, it just was'nt practicle for what I needed to use it for. It did come with it's own padded backpack straps, yet it weighed 29lbs. I am a Big guy, 6'6" and 240 but carrying that much along with my Bow or MLer and all the rest I bring with me just would'nt cut it.
Im going to Dicks Sporting Goods tomorrow to look for something that suits me.
(BP)
Im going to Dicks Sporting Goods tomorrow to look for something that suits me.
(BP)