Warning: climbing trees is a dangerous activity. This post is to give insight into how I hunt out of a treestand, but be sure to consult an expert prior attempting on your own. Full Disclaimer
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NEW Option: Tie a Multi-step Aider:
Alternative model for tying a three step aider using Amsteel Learn How
One of the bigger challenges when packing a stand in to hunt public land is keeping gear weight down. In recent years folks have been augmenting climbing sticks with “aiders”, lightweight climbing devices that allow you to climb higher without adding extra sticks.
This tutorial describes a method of tying an aider using tubular webbing. One end of the aider slips over your boot while the other end of loop is slipped over the top step of the climbing stick. Drive your toe in, lean into your lineman’s belt and pull yourself up.
DIY Replacing Your Climbing Stick Cam Buckles:
Hang Your Climbing Sticks Faster By Ditching Your Cam Buckle Straps for Amsteel Learn How
Materials Needed
- Hawk Helium Climbing Stick (or other comparable mobile stick)
- 1” Tubular Webbing
- Orange Paracord
- 6cm Caribiner
- Vet Tape
Tying the Aider
Step 1: Cut ~60in of tubular webbing
The tubular webbing will serve as the foundation for the aider. The length you need depends on many factors including:
- Your height
- Climbing stick length
- Distance you want between your sticks and aider
Step 2: Tie a large loop in one end of the tubular webbing
Using a water knot, tie a large loop, roughly 12in, in one end of the tubular webbing. Be sure to leave plenty of tag end so the knot doesn’t slip as it get tightened over time.
Step 3: Repeat the process, tying an identical loop in the other end of the aider
Tying a Safety Line
Since the aider is not permanently attached to climbing stick and its crucial you do not drop an aider, I use a safety line to ensure the aider is also attached to my boot, should it slip off my boot.
Step 1: Cut a 12in length of paracord
Step 2: Tie a figure eight knot in one end of the paracord to form a bight
Step 3: Attach the carabiner to the bight
Step 4: Tie a fixed loop in the other end of the paracord
Using a knot that ties a fixed loop, I use a Honda knot similar to what you tie in a lasso, tie a bight that is just big enough for the carabiner to slip through easily.
Step 4: Cover the carabiner with veterinarian tape
The step is optional, but I do this to cut down on noise should the carabiner bump into climbing stick
Attaching the Aider
Step 1: Step on the loop of either side of the aider
Step 2: Thread the tag end through the loop to make a slip knot around your foot
Step 3: Pull as tight as you can
Step 4: Wrap the safety line around your ankle
The safety line is used to attached the aider to your boot, just in case it slipped off your foot.
Step 5: Pull the carabiner through the bight on the safety line
Step 6: Clip the carabiner to the loop on the aider
Step 7: When not in use, stuff the aider in your boot until you get up the tree
