When getting into your deer stand you want a set of good and secure steps. So don’t mess around, spend the money on getting the best.
When looking for climbing steps consider the following; easy to handle and install, lightweight, secure when locked down, quite when climbing, good foot placement, ease of foot placement, and good foot/toe to tree distance.
From my 30+ years of hunting experience and using just about every type of climbing step/stick/ladder, here is what I have found and experienced;
1. Screw in type steps can damage the tree and snap off during extreme cold weather.
2. Sticks can be noisy and give poor foot/toe to tree distance, especially for the first step or two and where the tree is crooked.
3. Ladder or one piece sticks do not work well for crooked trees or working around limbs. Can also make noise when climbing.
4. Rails are great, but the straight across foot rail give you a little false since of security.
5. The best are Rails with a bow-out step, great for foot placement, extra room from toe to tree, great since of security when climbing. Just the best all around.
**Top Deer Stands for 2024.
Rivers Edge RE727, Grip Rail
32-Inch Climbing Aid 4 Pack, Tree Stand Climbing Aid, Permanent Non-Slip Coating
The Big Foot™ Grip Rail™ offers security, versatility and portability when making the climb to your treestand in a convenient 4 pack. The Grip Rail™ is wide enough for two feet at every step and handrails on both sides for added security. In addition, the ladder steps are covered with Tractionite™ permanent non-slip coating for superior grip. The Grip Rail™ doesn’t have any bolted parts to shift, squeak or come apart when using. Each section is independent to create more climbing options but nest together for compact and easy transport
Muddy Stagger Steps
Muddy Stagger step solid steel construction, 1 or 3 pack
The Muddy Stagger steps are the best I have found for safety and ease of use. These steps lock on security, can handle the weight, and work on straight, crooked, or leaning trees. Don’t let the staggering bother you as they work better than the stackable sticks and give you a muck larger step that bows out for ease of climbing.
Guide Gear 20′ Rapid Climbing Sticks
Guide Gear 20′ Rapid Climbing Sticks, 4-Pack (5′ Each)
The Guide Gear 20′ Rapid Tree Climbing Sticks make it quick and easy to climb up to your favorite hunting spot. These hunting climbing sticks are made from sturdy welded steel construction that’s strong and able to support a 300-lb weight capacity.
The portable climbing sticks feature cam buckle straps for secure attachment. The powder-coated steel offers maximum durability and protection against rain, snow, and hot weather conditions. 4-Pack climbing stick kit includes (4) 5′ sections for a total length of 20′. The climbing sticks are lightweight and a breeze to install.
Hawk Helium 30″ Lightweight Aluminum Treestand Climbing Sticks
Fold Up Steps and Boot Grabbing Grooves (1-Pack/3-Pack)
The Hawk Helium 30″ Climbing Sticks may be the lightest, most portable climbing sticks on the market! The Helium sticks offer aircraft-grade aluminum construction with weight-saving cutouts making each 30-inch section a scant 2.9 pounds. Dual sided Traction-grabbing steps offer unmatched stability on both sides when ascending or descending. To create a streamlined package for transport the steps fold up and sticks nest tightly together w/ our silent lock technology suction cups. To add to stealth and ease of setup, a NEW versa button silent strap setup has been added to each stick to limit noise during set-up and TreeDigger Teeth bite into bark for added confidence when climbing.
Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber
The Millennium is a 20ft stick and can handle larger diameter trees
Get in and out of your treestand with ease (Millennium M210 20-foot Stick Ladder). The Sticks Stand-offs hold the ladder away from the tree to provide more boot room as you climb the nonslip steps. The dual top step adds security for getting into and out of your Stand. Sturdy yet lightweight steel, TOUGH construction with a durable powder-coat finish. Includes 7-foot cam-buckle strap for extra-large trees.
Primal Aluminum Rip Rails
Safely Climb Trees 9″-18″ in Diameter
Introducing the Primal Treestands Aluminum Rip Rails! Lightweight and quick to set up with Quick Connect buckles. These Step Rails will work for trees that conventional climbing sticks just will not work in. Rip Rails allow you to walk around the side of a tree or over irregularities in a tree to ensure your tree stand is in the right spot for the right time.
