The Best Climbing Sticks

Lightweight hang-on stands or tree saddles might be the focal point of mobile hunting setups, but climbing sticks are the cornerstone. You might as well hunt from an old climber if your sticks add double-digit weight to your setup. Luckily, companies are in an arms race to produce ultralight and ultra-quiet climbing sticks, and the market is better for it.

This fortunate dilemma leaves hunters with ample choices when it comes to lightweight climbing sticks. Combined, the MeatEater crew logs hundreds of sits in the saddle or stand each season, and we’ve tested or hunted with some of the best climbing sticks available. Whether you’re thinking of joining the cult following of saddle hunters or buying a lightweight hang-on tree stand, you’ll need a set of climbing sticks, and these are the ones we prefer.

Just about any climbing stick will serve the purpose of helping you ascend a tree. However, there are a few features that separate the clunkers from legit options.

It doesn’t matter how mobile you can get, if your climbing sticks are loud and difficult to set up, you’re not exactly being stealthy. While most options weigh between one to two pounds, you’ll want to consider whether the price difference in a pound makes sense for your budget and hunting strategy.

Whether you’re just joining the mobile hunting trend or you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, make sure you consider these attributes before pulling the trigger.

1. Stealth

Expensive, lightweight climbing sticks won’t do you any good if they ring like a gong every time you bump them. Most sticks require some type of aftermarket silencing. If you’re already spending several hundred dollars on some of the best climbing sticks, go ahead and spend another twenty to silence them.

2. Packability

While weight matters, you should also consider a stick’s stack height and how well it packs down. If you’re shopping for one-pound climbing sticks, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, heavier, full-sized sticks might take up a lot of real estate on your pack or snag on brush as you’re walking through the woods.

3. Light Weight

It’s not like saddle hunters have to count ounces like backcountry elk hunters, but the lighter the stick, the better. Whether you’re walking to your spot or hanging a set, lightweight climbing sticks make it easier.

4. Ease of Use

The best climbing sticks typically feature a quick rope attachment system that you could probably set up or tear down in the dark. Others have straps that require a bit more attention. Sticks with quick, convenient containment systems for their ropes/straps will also save you time and hassle in the woods.