Saddle hunting has completely changed how I approach public land whitetails. Instead of being locked into one tree all season, I can pick up my entire setup and move to where the deer are moving right now. But none of that mobility works without a solid set of climbing sticks to get me 17 to 20 feet up a tree in the dark, quietly, and safely.
After spending the last three seasons running different climbing stick setups through hardwood bottoms, pine plantations, and everything in between, I have learned what actually matters when you are shopping for the best climbing sticks for saddle hunting. Weight is obviously a big deal when you are hiking a mile off the road, but it is not the only thing that counts. Noise, grip, stackability, and how the sticks attach to the tree all make or break a setup.
In this guide, I am walking through eight climbing stick options that I have either used personally or spent significant time researching through real hunter feedback on forums like r/saddlehunting and saddlehunter.com. Whether you are a run-and-gun mobile hunter or someone setting up semi-permanent locations, there is a stick here that fits your style and your budget.
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XOP X2 Hunting Climbing Steps
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Tethrd Skeletor Climbing Sticks
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Hawk Helium 20in Aluminum Sticks
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Muddy Pro 20in Aluminum Climbing Stick
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XOP Aluminum 34in Climbing Sticks
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Guide Gear 20ft Rapid Climbing Sticks
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RiteAim Lightweight Aluminum Steps
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Tomaki Non-Slip Tree Climbing Sticks
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7075 Aluminum
26oz Per Stick
17in Step-to-Step
10in Step Width
Fits 6-23in Trees
350lb Rating
The XOP X2 was my go-to stick for the entire 2025 season, and I keep coming back to it for good reason. At just 26 ounces per stick, these are some of the lightest double-step sticks you can buy without going to a custom carbon setup. Four of them loaded on my saddle hunting pack barely register on the scale, which matters a lot when you are walking a mile and a half to your spot.
The V-bracket design on these sticks is outstanding. They bite into the bark and stay put, even on trees with looser bark like shagbark hickory. I have used them on trees ranging from 8 inches to about 20 inches in diameter, and the grip was consistent across all of them. The 10-inch step width gives you plenty of room for your boots, even with bulky late-season footwear.
Where the X2 really shines for saddle hunters is the XOP Slide Lock system. You can lock four sticks together in a tight stack that rides flush against your pack. No rattling, no loose straps flopping around. The integrated aider attachment points are a nice touch if you want to run a single stick with an aider for a true run-and-gun setup.
The only real downside is noise. Out of the box, the aluminum construction carries sound. I wrapped mine with stealth tape and swapped the cam buckles for amsteel rope mods, which made a huge difference. After those two simple modifications, these sticks are nearly silent in the woods. With 220 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the hunting community clearly agrees these are a top performer.
These sticks are perfect for mobile saddle hunters who want a lightweight double-step setup without spending premium money. If you are just getting into saddle hunting and want your first set of sticks that will grow with you as your skills improve, the XOP X2 is the one I recommend to everyone starting out. The 350-pound weight rating gives you confidence, and the lifetime warranty on cast parts means they will last for years.
They are also a great choice if you plan to experiment with one-sticking down the road, since the integrated aider points make that transition easy.
The XOP X2 has a 5-inch standoff from the tree, which is a comfortable distance for most saddle hunters. This gives you enough room to get your foot fully on the step without feeling cramped against the trunk. If you wear larger boots like Crispi or Kenetrek in size 12 or above, you will appreciate that extra space compared to sticks with a shorter standoff.
One thing to keep in mind is that the standoff distance affects how you position your saddle tether relative to the sticks. With a 5-inch standoff, I find my platform alignment works well on most tree sizes without having to readjust my tether height multiple times during setup.
Folding Dual Steps
DynaLite Rope System
StickLoc Pin Stack
2lb Per Stick
20in Deployed
24in Packed
The Tethrd Skeletor is what happens when a company that lives and breathes saddle hunting designs a climbing stick from the ground up. Every detail on these sticks was built for the mobile saddle hunter, and it shows the moment you pick one up. The patented DynaLite rope connection eliminates the need for heavy buckles entirely, which is a massive weight savings and noise reduction all in one move.
What really sets the Skeletor apart is the folding dual-step design. The steps fold away from the tree, giving you more room for your feet when climbing. This sounds like a small thing, but after climbing 20 feet in the dark on a November morning, your legs will thank you for that extra foot space. The angled step design also reduces the fatigue that comes from staying on your toes for extended periods while setting up.
The StickLoc pin system is brilliant for transport. The sticks lock together into a tight 24-inch stack that rides on your pack without any straps or external accessories needed. I have seen guys carry four Skeletors stacked together on a molle attachment, and the whole package is clean and rattle-free.
At 2 pounds per stick, they are heavier than the XOP X2 per unit, but you are getting a more refined product with features that no other stick offers. The 4.8-star rating across 37 reviews tells you that the people buying these are serious about their gear and Tethrd delivered exactly what they wanted.
The DynaLite rope system is the single biggest selling point of the Skeletor. Instead of messing with cam buckles or straps, you wrap the rope around the tree, pull it tight through the tab, and you are done. No metal-on-metal contact, no buckles to freeze up in cold weather, and no rattling sounds when you bump a stick with your pack. The rope also conforms to uneven bark better than a rigid strap does, giving you a more secure fit on gnarly trees.
In cold conditions, the DynaLite rope stays flexible and easy to work with bare hands or light gloves. This is a huge advantage over cam buckle straps that can become stiff and difficult to manipulate when temperatures drop below freezing.
The StickLoc system uses built-in pins that align and lock each stick to the next one in your stack. No extra straps, no bungee cords, no aftermarket accessories needed. Four sticks lock together into a neat 24-inch column that you can attach directly to your pack's molle system or carry on a stick quiver.
If you run a Tethrd saddle and their Predator platform, the Skeletor integrates seamlessly into that ecosystem. Even if you use other brands, the universal design works with any saddle hunting setup on the market.
20in Aluminum
2.5lb Per Stick
300lb Capacity
Dual-Sided Steps
Silent Lock Cups
Bark-Gripping Teeth
The Hawk Helium sticks are the most widely owned climbing sticks in the saddle hunting community, and it is not hard to see why. With nearly 1,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.6-star average, these sticks have been proven in the field by hundreds of hunters. They hit a sweet spot between weight, price, and functionality that works for a huge range of hunters.
I ran the Hawk Heliums for an entire season before upgrading to a lighter setup, and I still recommend them to people who want a reliable stick without going deep into customization. The dual-sided steps with grip grooves are genuinely useful in wet conditions. I have climbed with these in a steady drizzle and never felt my boots slip, which is more than I can say for some higher-priced options.
The Silent Lock suction cups are a clever feature for stacking. Each stick nests into the next using suction, which keeps them together during transport. The downside is that when they are brand new, the suction cups can be stubborn to pull apart, especially in cold weather. After a few uses, they loosen up and work much better.
The bark-gripping teeth on these sticks dig in and hold well on most tree species. The 300-pound weight capacity is adequate for most hunters, though it is lower than some competitors that offer 350 pounds. The fold-up steps make them more compact for transport compared to fixed-step designs.
The dual-sided step design means you can approach the stick from either side while climbing, which is particularly helpful on awkward-angle trees where your approach angle changes as you go up. Each step has machined grooves that channel water away from the contact surface, maintaining traction even in heavy rain or when covered in wet leaves.
The aggressive bark-gripping teeth on the V-bracket bite into most hardwood bark without issue. On smooth-barked trees like young maples or birch, you may notice a bit more movement than you would like. Most experienced users add a section of bicycle inner tube or grip tape to the bracket for extra bite on smooth bark.
After a full season of heavy use, the Hawk Heliums hold up well overall. The aluminum construction is durable, and the fold-up step hinges stay tight. The main area of concern is the Versa Button strap system, which several users have reported needing to replace after a season or two. Upgrading to aftermarket amsteel rope or heavier-duty straps is a common modification that improves both reliability and noise reduction.
The anodized finish resists corrosion well, even when stored in a damp garage. I have seen two-season-old Heliums that still look and function nearly as well as they did on day one, which speaks to the build quality at this price point.
20in Aluminum
Rope Cam System
Built-in Teeth
Aluminum Bark Biters
300lb Capacity
10lb Total
The Muddy Pro has been around for a while, and for good reason. These sticks feature built-in teeth on every step and dedicated aluminum bark biters that grip the tree better than almost anything else I have used. If you hunt areas with hard, smooth-barked trees, the Muddy Pro gives you confidence that your sticks are not going anywhere once you set them.
The rope cam system is fast to deploy. I timed myself setting up all four sticks on a red oak, and it took right at five minutes from pack to platform. That speed matters when you are trying to get set up before first light. The flip-lock mechanism is intuitive and works well even with cold hands.
With 504 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, the Muddy Pro has a solid track record. However, some users have reported that the steps can rock slightly side to side, which creates a disconcerting feeling when you are 18 feet up. This is more of a perception issue than a safety concern, since the weight rating holds, but it is worth knowing about before you buy.
One thing to note is that these sticks are not currently Prime eligible, so shipping times may be longer than other options. The aluminum bark biters are a standout feature that makes a real difference on trees where other sticks slide. If you hunt a lot of ash or beech trees with relatively smooth bark, the Muddy Pro deserves serious consideration.
The rope cam on the Muddy Pro uses a simple pull-to-tighten mechanism that wraps around the tree and locks in place with a flip lever. It is faster than threading cam buckle straps and generates less noise during setup. The rope conforms to irregular bark surfaces better than rigid straps, which improves contact and reduces the chance of the stick shifting during your climb.
For cold weather hunters, the rope cam system works reliably down to single-digit temperatures. Unlike metal buckles that can freeze or become difficult to manipulate, the rope remains workable in extreme cold. Just make sure to store the sticks somewhere dry between hunts to prevent the rope from stiffening.
Out of the box, the Muddy Pro sticks can develop some noise from the step connection points and the flip lock mechanism. Most hunters who run these sticks apply stealth tape to the contact points and add a small amount of lubricant to the flip lock hinge. After these simple modifications, the sticks become remarkably quiet for aluminum construction.
The bark biters themselves are silent in operation since they press into the tree rather than sliding against it. The main noise source is the step platform, where boot contact can create a metallic ring on bare aluminum. A section of adhesive traction tape solves this issue completely.
34in Length
3.2lb Per Stick
Lock Tight Stack
Deep Stand-Off Bracket
350lb Rating
Set of 3
The XOP 34-inch climbing sticks fill a specific niche that a lot of hunters overlook. These longer sticks are not designed for the run-and-gun mobile hunter. Instead, they excel as semi-permanent setups where you want to climb higher with fewer sticks. Each 34-inch section gives you more reach per placement, which means fewer attachments and faster setup if you are setting up on trees you plan to hunt repeatedly.
I have used these on a couple of private land setups where I hunt the same trees throughout the season. The Lock Tight stacking system is outstanding. The sticks literally snap together without needing any straps, bungees, or external accessories. Three sticks lock into a solid column that is easy to carry from the truck to the tree.
The deep stand-off bracket gives you more boot clearance from the tree than most other sticks on the market. If you have ever felt cramped on shorter sticks where your heel hangs off the back, the XOP 34s solve that problem completely. The foot peg traction is aggressive and holds well in muddy, wet conditions.
The trade-off is that at 3.2 pounds per stick and 34 inches long, these are not the sticks you want to haul a mile into public land. They are best suited for hunters who have shorter walks to their trees or who primarily hunt private land where they can leave setups in place for extended periods.
The patented Lock Tight system uses interlocking channels that snap each stick to the next one in your stack. No straps, no bungees, no aftermarket carriers needed. The connection is solid and rattle-free, which is more than I can say for most stacking systems that rely on suction cups or friction fit.
This system also means faster setup and takedown. Instead of unstrapping each stick from a bundle, you simply unclip them from each other. Over the course of a season, those saved seconds add up, especially when you are trying to get down from a tree after an evening sit.
If you are strictly a mobile hunter who covers ground and hangs trees on the fly, the 34-inch XOP sticks are probably not your best option. The length makes them awkward on a saddle hunting pack, and the weight adds up quickly. However, if you are a hybrid hunter who runs some semi-permanent sets and some mobile setups, having a set of these longer sticks for your stationary locations makes a lot of sense.
Keep in mind that the set only includes 3 sticks, so you may need a second set or to supplement with shorter sticks if you want to reach 20 feet. With 17 inches of step-to-step on shorter sticks versus 34 inches on these, the math works out differently for your climbing height.
Steel Construction
24.2lb Total
20ft Total Reach
300lb Capacity
4-Pack
Cam Buckle Straps
The Guide Gear 20-foot climbing sticks are the most budget-friendly option in this lineup, and for hunters who are just testing the waters of saddle hunting or elevated hunting in general, they offer solid value. You get a 4-pack of steel sticks that gives you 20 feet of total climbing reach for less than what some premium single sticks cost.
I will be upfront about what you are getting here. These are steel construction, which means they are heavy at 24.2 pounds for the set. If you are walking any significant distance to your hunting spot, that weight is going to be noticeable on your back. But for hunters with short walks or those hunting from an ATV-accessible location, the weight penalty may be acceptable given the savings.
The construction is genuinely sturdy. Welded steel joints and powder-coated finish hold up well to the elements and repeated use. The cam buckle straps provide secure attachment to the tree, though I would recommend upgrading them to something more robust if you plan to use these sticks heavily over multiple seasons.
The main drawback beyond weight is noise. Steel-on-steel contact creates squeaking during climbing, which is exactly what you do not want when you are trying to be quiet in the woods. Applying stealth tape to contact points and tightening all hardware before the season starts will help mitigate this issue significantly.
One advantage of the Guide Gear sticks is that they are straightforward to assemble and deploy in the field. The cam buckle system is intuitive even for first-time users, and the fixed-step design means there are no folding mechanisms to deal with. Each 5-foot section connects to the next with a simple bracket system.
The 300-pound weight capacity is adequate for most hunters, though it is on the lower end compared to aluminum options that offer 350 pounds. The sticks work best on relatively straight trees with diameters between 8 and 18 inches. On crooked or very large trees, the rigid steel sections do not conform as well as rope-attached aluminum sticks.
Steel climbing sticks make sense for hunters on a tight budget, for those who hunt from easily accessible locations, or for people setting up semi-permanent stands where the sticks will stay in one tree for extended periods. The durability of steel is excellent, and you do not have to worry about the corrosion or bending issues that can affect lower-grade aluminum over time.
For anyone doing serious mobile saddle hunting with long hikes, I would point you toward aluminum options instead. The weight savings of aluminum will make your hunts more enjoyable and allow you to stay out longer without fatigue. But as a starter set or a backup, the Guide Gear sticks get the job done reliably.
Aluminum
1.87lb Per Stick
V-Bracket Design
350lb Capacity
Sliding Lock Clips
2-Year Warranty
The RiteAim climbing sticks are one of the newest entries in the saddle hunting stick market, and they bring impressive specs to the table. At just 1.87 pounds per stick, these are the lightest option in this entire roundup. For ultralight backpack hunters who count every ounce, the RiteAim sticks are worth serious consideration.
The V-shaped gear bracket design provides a solid grip on tree bark. The grooved steps maintain traction in muddy and wet conditions, which I appreciate during late-season hunts when everything is slick. The non-slip raised ends on each step keep your boots from sliding off, even when climbing with frozen, stiff-soled boots.
The sliding lock clips are a smart design choice for transport. Instead of using straps or suction cups to keep the sticks together, the clips slide and lock the sticks into a compact bundle. This system is genuinely silent, which is a big advantage over suction cup systems that can pop apart unexpectedly.
However, the RiteAim sticks do have some growing pains as a newer product. The bolts connecting the folding mechanisms can loosen over time, so applying lock-tight during initial setup is a smart move. The 2.75-inch standoff is on the shorter side, which means less boot clearance from the tree compared to sticks with a 5-inch standoff like the XOP X2.
The RiteAim comes with double-layer Oxford nylon webbing straps, which are decent quality for the price but not as durable as amsteel rope or heavy-duty cam straps. Plan on inspecting the straps before each season and replacing them if you see any fraying, especially at the attachment points where they wrap around the tree.
A common upgrade path for RiteAim owners is to replace the stock straps with amsteel rope loops, which eliminates the metal buckle noise entirely and drops a few more ounces from the total weight. The transition is straightforward and well-documented in the saddle hunting community.
Where the RiteAim really earns its keep is on backpack hunting trips where weight and packed size are critical. Four of these sticks weigh less than 7.5 pounds total and collapse into a slim package that slides easily into a saddle hunting pack or attaches to the outside without adding significant bulk.
For public land hunters covering a mile or more on foot, that weight savings translates to being able to carry more water, extra layers, or other gear without exceeding your comfort threshold. The sliding lock clips keep the bundle tight and silent throughout the hike, even through thick brush and rough terrain.
Aluminum
17in Reach
V-Bracket Design
350lb Capacity
Sliding Lock Clip
Upgraded Straps
The Tomaki climbing sticks sit right in the middle of the pack in terms of price and performance, which is exactly where a lot of hunters want to be. These aluminum sticks offer a well-rounded feature set with the V-shaped bracket design, upgraded straps, and a 350-pound weight capacity that matches the top-tier options in this roundup.
I like the non-slip raised ends on each step. It is a small design detail, but when you are climbing in the rain with wet boots, those raised edges give you confidence that your foot is not going to slide off the platform. The V-shaped gear bracket strengthens the fixation on the tree, and I found it holds well on both rough-barked oaks and smoother-barked maples.
The sliding lock clip system works similarly to the RiteAim, keeping the sticks secured together during transport without rattling or clicking sounds. The upgraded straps are noticeably better than the thin straps that come with some budget options. They held up well through my testing without showing signs of fraying at the edges.
At 5.22 kilograms for the 4-pack, the Tomaki sticks are on the heavier side compared to the ultralight options. This is not a deal-breaker for most hunters, but if you are doing long hikes on public land, you will notice the extra weight compared to the RiteAim or XOP X2. The 4.6-star rating across 119 reviews confirms that most buyers are happy with the trade-off between weight and build quality.
The Tomaki sticks have good potential for hunters interested in the one-sticking technique. The 17-inch reach per stick is adequate for one-stick climbing with an aider, and the V-bracket holds securely enough to support the repeated repositioning that one-sticking requires. The upgraded straps provide confidence during the repetitive attachment cycle.
If you are transitioning from a multi-stick setup to one-sticking, the Tomaki is a reasonable option to learn on before investing in a dedicated one-stick platform. The sliding lock clips make it easy to carry a single stick on your belt while keeping the others stored on your pack as backup.
The upgraded straps on the Tomaki sticks are a step above the entry-level options. They use a wider webbing material with reinforced stitching at the stress points. During my testing, the straps maintained their grip without slipping, even on trees with loose, peeling bark. The attachment buckle operates smoothly and does not require excessive force to secure.
The sliding lock clips are simple but effective. They slide into position and hold the sticks together with enough tension to prevent rattling, but not so much that they are difficult to separate in the dark. For hunters who set up before first light, this balance of security and ease of use is important.
Picking the right climbing sticks comes down to understanding your hunting style, your physical capabilities, and the terrain you hunt. Here is what actually matters when you are making this decision.
If you are hiking more than a quarter mile to your trees, weight should be your top priority. Every ounce you carry in climbing sticks is an ounce you cannot spend on water, food, or extra clothing. The lightest sticks in this roundup, the RiteAim at 1.87 pounds each, save you over 4 pounds total compared to the Hawk Helium at 2.5 pounds each. Over a mile-long hike through rugged terrain, that difference is significant.
For hunters with short walks or ATV access, weight matters less, and you can prioritize other features like step width, standoff distance, or build quality.
The attachment method determines how quickly you can set up, how much noise you make doing it, and how well the stick stays put. Amsteel rope attachments, like the Tethrd Skeletor's DynaLite system, are the gold standard for saddle hunters. They are silent, lightweight, and conform to any tree shape. Cam buckle straps are the most common and work well but add weight and can create noise if the buckle contacts the stick. The rope cam system on the Muddy Pro splits the difference, offering speed without the metal-on-metal contact of traditional buckles.
Nothing ruins a hunt faster than clanking metal when a buck is circling downwind. Aluminum sticks are inherently noisier than carbon, but you can make almost any stick quiet with the right modifications. Stealth tape on contact points, amsteel rope replacing metal buckles, and tight hardware all contribute to a silent setup. The Tethrd Skeletor is the quietest out of the box because it was designed without any metal buckles from the start.
Most saddle hunters run either 3 or 4 sticks. A 4-stick setup with standard 17-to-20-inch sticks gets you approximately 17 to 20 feet high, which is the sweet spot for most whitetail hunting. A 3-stick setup works if you use aiders or are comfortable hunting at 12 to 15 feet. The one-stick method uses a single stick with an aider to climb to any height, but it requires more skill and practice to execute safely. If you are new to saddle hunting, start with a 4-stick setup and experiment from there.
One-sticking is exactly what it sounds like: using a single climbing stick and an aider to climb the entire tree. You attach the stick, climb up using the aider, remove the stick, reattach it higher, and repeat. This method saves significant weight since you are only carrying one stick, but it requires practice and a quality aider setup. Sticks with integrated aider attachment points, like the XOP X2, are the best choice for this method.
The one-stick approach is best suited for experienced saddle hunters who are confident in their climbing skills and want to minimize their pack weight for deep-backcountry hunts.
Most saddle hunters use 3 to 4 climbing sticks. A 4-stick setup with standard 17-to-20-inch sticks gets you approximately 17 to 20 feet high, which is ideal for most whitetail hunting. A 3-stick setup works if you use aiders or are comfortable hunting at 12 to 15 feet. Advanced hunters may use the one-stick method with an aider for maximum weight savings.
The best climbing system depends on your priorities. For overall value and performance, the XOP X2 climbing steps are tough to beat at 26 ounces per stick with a V-bracket design that grips bark well. For premium performance, the Tethrd Skeletor offers a patented DynaLite rope system that eliminates metal buckles entirely, making it the quietest and most refined option available for saddle hunters.
Yes, climbing sticks are essential for saddle hunting. Unlike climbing treestands, a tree saddle has no built-in climbing mechanism. You need climbing sticks, a ladder section, or climbing steps to reach your hunting height. Climbing sticks are the most popular choice because they are portable, packable, and allow you to hunt from virtually any straight tree.
Both are excellent premium options. The Tethrd Skeletor features a patented DynaLite rope system and folding dual steps, making it extremely quiet and user-friendly. Beast sticks are known for their exceptional grip and solid feel with a more traditional design. The Skeletor is better for hunters who prioritize silent operation and a buckle-free system, while Beast sticks appeal to hunters who prefer a more traditional but equally capable platform with outstanding bark grip.
After running through all eight of these climbing stick options, my top recommendation for most saddle hunters remains the XOP X2. It hits the ideal balance of weight, price, and performance that works for the widest range of hunting situations. If budget is not a concern and you want the most refined, quietest stick on the market, the Tethrd Skeletor is worth every penny of its premium price.
For hunters just getting started, the Hawk Helium or the Guide Gear sticks give you a functional setup without a big investment. And for the gram-counting ultralight hunters out there, the RiteAim at 1.87 pounds per stick is the lightest option that still delivers reliable performance on the tree.
Whatever you choose, invest some time in making your sticks quiet before the season opens. Stealth tape, amsteel rope mods, and tight hardware will transform any set of climbing sticks into a silent climbing system that will not cost you a deer this fall. Good luck out there this 2026 season.