using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

Do you guys still use portable tree stands even if the tree is soaking wet, it seems a bit dangerous climbing up a tree in the rain?

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

I guess it just depends on what kind of tree your climbing and what kind of climber your using , The climber I use has spikes on it so I wouldnt worry about it . The ones with the cables you might slip alittle or something but once all your weight is on it it shouldnt go anywhere .

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

i use a summit

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

I use my Lone Wolf climber on wet trees without any problems. I screw in a tree hook on the back side just below the traction belt on theseat portion so it can't slip down if you need to stand.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

Early you are the man! That has to be the tip of the year for me.
Thanks much pal.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

I use a Summit and don't have much trouble in the rain. It mostly depends on the tree you climb, if the bark is real smooth there is more chance to slip.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

Yea Tony, I learned that one the hard way!:DSeveral years ago I had a6pt coming my way. I went to slowly stand andmy pantspocket zipper caught the seat portion, lifted it enough, and it slid down and hit the platform. CLANK!! I swore that would NEVER happen again, and it hasn't.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

I have no problem in my Summit either...of course I am 350 pounds so I think I would get that thing to stick on a greased aluminum pole!

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

LOL... nice. I've got a climber (forget the name) that I've used for a few years now and I haven't had any trouble in the rain. The cable that goes around the tree is high enough so the bottom actually wants to swing in an arc down into the tree (best visual I could come up with) where the teeth hold it in.

Ken

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

I've used mine in the rain & snow. Everytime I lift the platform, & make sure I set that in a little bit harder to grab a better bite. Of course, the bark does make a difference. Say a large birch to an oak.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

that is a great idea, where did you get your tree hook?

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

if you set the strap good enough then it dont matter if the tree is wet or dry , atleast if you use a summit

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

i agree with everybody a summit doesn't have trouble but sticking to softer tree can help too

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

My climber is a Summit also,andI think you're right,but early in'sidea is awesome. That much more peace of mind when it comes to safety. Any hook would do the job, too. Even those cheap sets at Wally World would work. No need to spend $$ when59 centswill get the job done.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

I use a summit also never had trouble but I will admit being afraid of heights i wont climb as high when it rains heavy

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

Another Summit user here. I climb in all weather and have for years, but I have to agree with the other guys and say that the bark matters. Rain doesn't have an effect on my stand, but there are some trees I just won't climb...namely Maples

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

whats a namely maples? do deer like them?

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

Maples just a type of tree around here. They don't bear any fruit or nut. They're just kinda there LOL They have a really soft bark though. They're not a hard wood like an oak or cherry

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

i wish i had sum hardwoods is that where maples grow?

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

i personally carry a ratchet strap with me when i'm using my climber. wrap it around the tree, attach to each end of the seat frame, and snug it down. Doesnt go anywhere no matter how fast i stand up.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

Theycan, but they don't really have a specific area that they grow in.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

how about creek bottoms is it too wet for them?

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

AMEN to that!!! I also have a rachet strap on my stand that I wrap around the tree to secure my stand. This is the first thing that I do after I set my bottom section. I don't want my stand to move, slip or disengage. It is scarey enough being 20' up a tree. I really don't like it when the wind starts blowing and the tree starts to sway back and forth. I'm an thankful for that added security. I am thinking about bolting the strap to the stand like I saw somebody else do. Be sure to use a rachet strap and not one of those you just pull tight.

Hanging in there...
Reid

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

It has never been an issue with my Ol'man stand.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

Well first of all... I really hunt mostly out of a hang on stand... But from time to time, like opening day of rifle season I will hunt out of a climber sometimes... But no matter what kind of stand you use... If it's a decent one... It should be fine on a wet tree... The tree step idea is a pretty good Idea... I did that back in the early 80's when I use to hunt with the Baker/death trap treestand

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

my TREE LOUNGE- laughs at rain ,ice and snow,. its go incredible holding ability. im 6ft 260 pounds and would never use a baker style.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

I use the summit razor. I have had no slipping problems

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

Yeah i do, my lone wolf really digs in to the tree so it never slips.

RE: using portable tree stands in the rain?
 

I'm flattered.

I will tell you this, do not ever use a climbing tree stand made by Feild & Stream, I was out with it for the first time during 2008 bow season and got into the tree, and sat down then stood back up to get a feel for it and the whole top part slide right down to the platform what a reality check! Needless to say I got my money back. So from now on I never buy a tree stand on sale again.

Depending on the tree bark, my climber will often dig in just a hair more than on dry days (depending on how saturated the outer bark is). I still use extra caution when moving around though on a wet platform.

I never had any trouble with my older style API (not the bass pro models) or my two summit stands. Now my old loggy bajou is a whole different story. That thing was scarey in the rain. I remember one morning that was raining and I had reached about ten feet. In a blink of the eye, I was at the base of the tree again. I was pretty young then and apparently stupid also because I climbed back up. Looking back, nothing happened but back then I didn't use a safety strap even.

Them summits have good grippers, I wouldn't hesitate much with one. Loggy's on the other hand haven't any and on dry trees are exhilarating.

I pretty much don't hunt in the rain. Never had a problem coming down one after a rain.

[quote=early in;2216304............I screw in a tree hook on the back side just below the traction belt on theseat portion so it can't slip down if you need to stand.[/quote]


Always. Has worked for me the past 15 years. Additionally, I try to stay away from thin skinned trees, when possible, such as Poplar and Maple, even in dry weather.