In this post, I list the best climbing sticks for hunting currently on the market and compare their specs so you can choose which sticks will best suit your specific hunting style.
The best climbing sticks for you will depend on your own personal hunting style and the hunting equipment you choose to bring in the field. That said, some climbing sticks are all-around better than others. By the end of this post, you should have a good idea of which climbing sticks are best for your specific hunting setup.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!
Table of Contents
This Climbing Stick Review Credibility
No Affiliation
I’m am not affiliated with any of these climbing stick companies. I created this review based on my own curiosity and personal experience with the hope that this consolidated climbing stick specs and research and will help you more easily make your decision.
My Credentials
I’ve been saddle hunting and mobile hunting for over 6 years with success and have a good idea of what works in doesn’t work for the mobile hunter. In addition to personal experience, I have extensively researched and compared each of these climbing sticks and their specs to determine the best climbing sticks for hunting. Because I’m a gear nut, I’ve done this review for my personal interest but hope that it brings some value to you too.
I currently own the Original Lone Wolf 3-Step climbing stick models and have been using them since the beginning. I love them, but with the new innovations in climbing sticks, I am personally looking to upgrade. What better time to create a review on the best climbing sticks for hunting?
How Climbing Sticks Were Chosen For This Review
I don’t personally own all of these climbing sticks, so most of my information was gained via the internet and comparing multiple articles and videos, and finding the pros and cons of each individual stick.
After researching different climbing sticks using multiple online sources and cross-referencing them, I decided to review climbing sticks where multiple sources overlapped in recommendations. I also chose to review new and innovative climbing sticks that I believe have great potential.
To keep these climbing sticks on a level playing field I chose to do my best to review mostly 2-step 20″ step models for the ultimate mobility in the field. Not all steps are 20″ so it is important to notice the differences before purchase. I also included a couple of 3-step options worth mentioning.
Climbing Stick Comparison Chart
Below I have created a climbing stick comparison chart of all the climbing sticks mentioned in this post so that you can easily refer back to the specs of each climbing stick. Personally, I like to see what each stick looks like first and then look at the specs compared. I’ve linked to each of the climbing sticks below so you can easily find them.
Top 5 Climbing Sticks For Hunting
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | HAWK Helium | EWO Ultralight | Shikar FXD | Tethrd One | D'Acquisto Full Sticks |
| Award | Best Budget | Best Value | Well-Rounded | Best Mobile | Best Full-Sized |
| Price Per Stick* | 28.00 | 90.00 | 115.00 | 110.00 | 115.00 |
| Weight Per Stick (lbs) | 2.5 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 2.4 |
| Stacking Height Per 4-Sticks (in) | 9.3 | 10 | 8.1 | 7.3 | 4.6 |
| Stacking Length Per 4 Sticks (in) | 27 | 23.5 | 22.0 | 21.5 | 36.0 |
| Step To Step (in) | 17 | 18 | 20.0 | 17.3 | 14.0 |
| Footroom (in) | 3.5 | 4.9 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Availability | Shop Amazon | Shop EWO | Shop OOAL | Shop Tethrd | Shop Lone Wolf CG |
Full-Review Climbing Stick Comparison Chart
Scroll left and right →→ on this chart to see all of the information. You can also sort this chart by the information that is most important to you by clicking on the headings.
*Price at the time of this post *Measurements Rounded To Tenths
Best Climbing Sticks For Hunting Mobile
*Please Note That Climbing Stick Specs Might Be Slightly Different Depending On Size And Specific Model So Keep That In Mind Before Purchase*
Timber Ninja C-1 (Carbon) Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: 120$ per stick
- Weight: 20″ 1.2 lbs / 24″ 1.4 lbs
- Lengths: 20 or 24 inches
- Carbon Fiber Tube
- Polymer Double Step
- Polymer Versa Button
- Grade 8 Hardware
- 300lb weight rating (3rd Party Tested)
Pros
- Light, Quiet, and Hunt Ready
- Quieter than most other sticks out of the box
- Optional Cam Buckle or Static Cord for attaching
- Optional Retractable Cable Aider Option (+15$)
Cons
- The most expensive climbing stick in this review
- Don’t nest perfectly, some wobble
- Stick is very close to tree
- Steps will flex
Timber Ninja A1 (Aluminum) Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: 85$ per stick
- Weight: 20″ 1.6 lbs / 24″ 1.9 lbs
- Lengths: 20 or 24 inches
- AluminumTube
- Polymer Double Step
- Polymer Versa Button
- Grade 8 Hardware
- Hunt Ready
Pros
- Optional Cam Buckle or Static Cord for attaching
- Optional Cable Aider Available (+15)
- Style Identical to Timber Ninja C1 (Carbons)
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Great price to weight ratio
Cons
- Aluminum (not carbon)
- Heavier than Timber Ninja C1 (Carbons)
- Option aider is not retractable (but still seems to work well)
- Doesn’t nest perfectly, some wobble
- Stick is very close to the tree
- Steps will flex
Tethrd One Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: 110$/stick (3-pack) or 120$/stick
- Weight: +/- 1 lb with the rope attachment method
- Length: Only One Size
- 18.5″ total height – Single One Stick
- 17″ step to step – Single One Stick
- 20.5″ total height – 3 Sticks Stacked
- 8.5″ Step footbed.
- Aerospace-grade Titanium & Aluminum construction
Pros
- Lightest climbing stick in this review
- Zero moving parts to eliminate fiddle factor
- Included vinyl sound tube barrier
- User-replaceable ropes
- Pack very well
Cons
- Tethrd does not offer a 4-pack for 110$ each
- Only one length stick offered (17 inches)
- Hollow, thus noisy unless spray foamed or stealth strips added
- Not a lot of foot room
- No aider options
Eastern Woods Outdoors – EWO Ultralight Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: $90 per stick
- Weight: 1.56 lbs
- Length: 18, 20, 22, 24 inches
- FeatherStick – 1″ machined 6061 aluminum tube with proprietary fluting to reduce weight and retain strength.
- Ultralight DoubleSteps (Angled or Straight) (2)
- Ultralight Stick Standoffs (2)
- AlumiButton
- Plastic End Caps (2)
Pros
- Many different size options
- Great Price to weight ratio
- Great build quality
- Solid all-around stick
Cons
- Stacking Height Is Pretty High
- Likely will need stealth strips to dampen noise
3-Step Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks (Originals)
Check Amazon's Price Check Cabela's Price
Specs
- Price: $52.50 per stick (set of 4)
- Weight: 2.5 lbs per stick
- Pivoting V-Brackets adjust to match the natural contour of the tree
- Fits 4″ – 22″ tree diameter. (Strap extensions available)
- 300-pound weight rating
- Single tube design
- Reversible Steps
- Stick Length: 32″
- Distance between steps: 15″
Pros
- Very affordable
- Long Stick Length
- Get extra high in trees with aiders
Cons
- Heavy (compared to two steps)
- Bulky (compared to two steps)
- Does not have double-steps
Lone Wolf Full Sticks – D’Acquisto Series Full Climbing Sticks (3-Step)
Specs
- 2.4lbs
- 28″
- 300lb weight rating
- Available in Standard length or micro
- Compact stick stacking system
- Asymmetrical concealment pattern
- No-slip step design
- Hammered titanium finish
- Increased foot clearance
- Rope fastening optional available
- Integrated climbing grip
- Reversible steps
- Micro versa attachment buttons
- Cam strap – 5 ounces
- Loop strap without buckle – 2 ounces
- Rope – 3 ounces (6mm)
Pros
- Long Stick Length To Get Higher In Trees
- Very compact (same profile as their shorter Compact Sticks)
- Get extra high in trees with aiders
- Thin rubberized coating for stealth
- Rubber bushings that prevent sticks from clanging together when pulling apart or putting together
- Much improved functionality upgrade over the 3-Step originals
- Lots of footroom
Cons
- Heavy (compared to two steps)
- Bulky (compared to two steps)
- Does not have double-steps
Lone Wolf Custom Gear Double Step Sticks
Specs
- Price: 100$ per stick
- Weight: 1.75 lbs for 20″ / 1.5 lbs for 17″
- Lengths: 17 or 20 inches
- American Made 6061 Metal™
- 250lb weight rating
- Compact stick stacking system – only 2.5″ profile for a 3-pack
- Asymmetrical concealment pattern
- No-slip step design
- Hammered titanium finish
- Increased foot clearance
- Rope fastening optional available
- Micro versa attachment buttons
Weights & Measurements (17″ length variant)
- Overall Step length for 17″
- Base stick weight – 1.5 lbs / 18 inches long
- Top step length – 10 1/2″
- Bottom step length – 4 3/4″
- Overall Step length – 17″
- Ultra-thin 1/2″ profile
Fastening Options
- Cam strap – 5 ounces
- Loop strap without buckle – 2 ounces
- Rope – 3 ounces (6mm)
Pros
- Pretty Light
- Ultra-thin 1/2’’ profile – very compact
- Best packing stick in this review
- Pack very well even with cable aiders
- Durable one-piece design
- Improved Standing Room
Cons
- No pivoting tree bracket
- The bottom can slip off tree, versa button too high on stick
- Will need to add noise dampening tape
- Might need larger straps than what comes with sticks
- Still not a lot of foot room
Lone Wolf Custom Gear Compact Sticks
Specs
- Price: 100$ per stick
- Weight: 1.5 lbs 17″/ 1.9 lbs 20″
- Lengths: 14, 17, or 20″
- American Made Metal™
- 300lb weight rating
- Available in Standard length or micro
- Patented Compact stick stacking system
- Asymmetrical concealment pattern
- No-slip step design
- Hammered titanium finish
- Increased foot clearance
- Rope fastening optional available
- Integrated climbing Grip
- Reversible steps
- Micro versa attachment buttons
- Cam strap – 5 ounces
- Loop strap without buckle – 2 ounces
- Rope – 3 ounces (6mm)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact -Each stick packs down to a 3/4” profile
- Pivoting tree bracket
Cons
- Does not utilize double-steps
- Some fiddle factor
The Shikar Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: about 100$ per stick
- Weight: 14″ – 1.38 lbs, 17″ – 1.5 lbs, 20″ – 1.63 lbs, 22″ – 1.75 lbs
- Available Lengths: 12, 14, 17, 20, 22 inches
- 100% American Made
- 300 lb weight rating
- 17 1/8 inches step to step
- Offered in both single and double steps
- Double step sticks are 27” when folded
- Width of steps are 4.5” to center of stick
- Rugged no-slip design on steps
- Each stick has a built-in aider attachment hole located at the bottom of the stick
- Variety of attachment methods available
- The optional platform available adds only 8oz to the stick.
Pros
- Different top step options available (step vs platforms)
- Different straps available
- Relatively customizable
- Rotating tree brackets
- Stack very well together, low profile
Cons
- Can only stack sets of 2 together
- Very long when stacked together
- Fiddle factor
- Steps will flex
Shikar FXD Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: about 115$ per stick
- Weight: 17″ – 1.44 lbs, 20″ – 1.56 lbs, 22″ – 1.63 lbs
- Lengths: 17″, 20″, or 22″
- 100% American Made.
- FXD sticks have shorter attachment button so standard pull straps are a tight fit.
- 300LB weight rating.
- 17 1/8 inches step to step.
- Comes 17″, 20″ and 22″ lengths.
- Offered in both single and double steps.
- Width of steps are 4.5” to center of stick.
- Rugged no slip design on steps.
- We offer a cable aider bolt kit upon request.
- Variety of attachment methods available.
- Optional platforms available to top of stick – adds as little as 8oz to the stick.
Pros
- Stack and pack pretty well
Cons
- They don’t side stack in pairs of two like regular shikars
- The steps will flex
- V-Bracket will grip into tree before stick is fully set
Beast Gear Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: $100 per stick
- Lengths:
- Beast Standard Stick
- 24″ total height (22″ between steps)
- 2.2 lbs with fastening strap
- 1.9 lbs without fastening strap
- Beast Mini Stick
- 20″ total height (18″ between steps)
- 2 lbs with fastening strap
- 1.7 lbs without fastening strap
- Beast Standard Stick
- No Moving Parts
- Antler ™ Foot Design
- Non-staggered In-line Stacking™ Design
- 9″ Double-Sided Angled Step™ Design
- Made from 6061 Aluminum
- Delrin ® Beast Button
- Grade 8 Bolts
- 300 lb weight rating
- Patent Pending Design
- All sticks include a fastening strap
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Strong build quality
- Great all-around stick
Cons
- They don’t pack very tight
- They set pretty close to the tree
Muddy Pro Climbing Stick
Specs
- Price: $47.50 per stick
- Weight: About 3 lbs per stick
- Length: 20 Inches
- Each Step has Built-In Teeth for Extra Grip
- Aluminum Bark Biters Attach to Tree
- Aluminum
- Width: 9.25”
- Rope Cam Attachment System
- Weight Rating: 300 Lbs.
Pros
- Inexpensive to buy
- The rope cam system is fast and quiet (Cam Cleat)
Cons
- Heaviest climbing sticks in this review
- Noisy
- Bulky
Novix Mini Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: 42.50$ per stick
- Weight: 1.4 lbs per stick
- Length: 17 inches
- Weight rating 300 lbs
Pros
- Pivoting V-Bracket
- Double-step model available
- 3-step stick model available
Cons
- Short step to step length
Stacked Outdoors Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: $37.50 per stick
- Weighs 2.35 pounds
- 21″ long
- 17 ¼” step to step distance
- Longer tree straps than our competitors
- Tree straps include large hand loop for easier grip and tightening
- Heavy-duty cam buckle and polyester strap
- Constructed of a fiber-reinforced custom polymer
- Weight limit 300 pounds
- Meets industry standards recognized by TMA (Treestand Manufacturers Association)
Pros
- Not super noisy
- Best foot room of any stick in this review
- Double step
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Bulky even when stacked
- Heavy
- Big
- Some flex
API Outdoors Hunt’n Sticks (2-Step Mod)
Specs
- Price: $33.33 per stick
- Weight: 2.34 lbs
- Length: 32 inches
Pros
- Can be moded to a 20″ stick easily
- Very inexpensive
- Double Steps
- Solid build
Cons
- Still a bit heavy and bulky
XOP Locking 2-Steps Short Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: $32.50 per stick
- Weight: 2.53 lbs per stick
- Length: 22” Length of each stick
- Weight Rating: 350 pounds
- Material- 6061 aluminum
Pros
- Patented Lock tight stick stacking system so no strap is needed
- Pivoting V-Bracket
- One of the most inexpensive sticks in this review
- Good amounts of foot room
Cons
- Advertised as 2 lbs but are closer to 2.5 lbs per stick
- Unnecessarily long, tall, bulky, and heavy
- 22-inch stick, but only 15 inches step to step
HAWK Helium 20″ Climbing Sticks
Specs
- Price: $28.00 per stick
- Weight: 2.5 lbs per stick
- Construction – Aluminum
- Stick Length – 20″
- Step Width – 10″
- Weight Rating – 300 lbs.
Pros
- Least expensive climbing sticks in this review
- Uses suction cups to stack sticks together for fast and quietly use
Cons
- Suction cups can have issues
- Foot room isn’t bad but isn’t great
Conclusion
Hopefully, this post has helped you determine which are the best climbing sticks for your hunting style. There are different sizes of most of these climbing sticks, so it is worth looking into if you see some sticks that intrigue you.
