Home Blog Page 8

14 Best Saddle Hunting Platforms (2025)

Jason Tome
-
0
14 Best Saddle Hunting Platforms (2025)

There are two main types of saddle hunting platforms; ring of steps platforms and single-piece platforms. Examples of both of these styles are shown in the following sections. With the exploding number of saddle hunters, a lot of new saddle hunting platforms have come onto the market. We’ll be diving into the many examples so you can determine which style of saddle platform is best for you.

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!

Saddle Hunting Platforms

Saddles are used in combination with platforms. Saddle hunting platforms are a must-have piece of saddle hunting gear. The purpose of the platforms is to give your feet something to rest and maneuver on while you’re in your saddle. Without a platform, you will not be able to effectively hunt out of a tree saddle.

Ring of Steps Platforms

Ring of step platforms are objects that are placed around the diameter of the tree (in a ring) at the height you want to stand. These objects are radiate out from the tree about 90º and are generally 4-7 inches long.

Ameristep Ring of Steps Platform (Screw-in)

These screw-in steps are a little noisy but are small and lightweight making them easy to carry. You only need 2 or 3 if you’re using them in combination with climbing sticks, they take up very little space compared to other saddle hunting platforms. These are ideal when you can get permission to use them.

I like the Ameristep screw-ins because they have a lot of foot room and a good grip. They usually screw in very easily with one hand, but a downside is periodically you’ll get a bad one and you’ll have to use some effort to get it started.

Tree Saddle Hunting Climbing Methods and Platforms
Tree Saddle Hunting Climbing Platform – Ameristep Ring of Steps

Check Amazon's Price

Cranford Ring of Steps Platform (Rope-Style)

These rope-style Cranford steps will work if you’re looking for a lightweight option on public land. Since they fold up, they are compact. You’ll only need 3 or 4 if you’re using the top of your climbing stick as a step. These are really lightweight and packable options for creating a platform. They won’t be as stable as their Ameristep screw-in cousins.

Check Amazon's Price

Wild-Edge Inc. SteppLadder Ring of Steps Platform

The SteppLadder steps can also be used to make a ring of steps platform. They use cam-over technology to get a really good grip on the tree without needing a buckle or strap. Compared to the Amieristep and Cranmore steps they are bulkier but do offer increased foot surface area. It can be time-intensive to place multiple steps because it is done one at a time to create a platform.

Wild-Edge Tree Steps
Wild-Edge SteppLadder Steps. Photo From Here

 

Bullman Outdoors Silent Approach Ring of Steps Platform

Bullman Outdoors ring of steps is one of the more popular rings of steps. They’re a little bulky but are pretty lightweight because they’re made of plastic. Once ratcheted down to the tree they provide a good amount of surface area compared to other rings of steps. They also have teeth for additional grip on your boots.

 

Check Amazon's Price

Eastern Woods Outdoors – Ring of Steps Platform (Squirrel Steps)

Eastern Woods Outdoors has a very popular ring of steps as well. These are small and lightweight steps that are made of aluminum. You can purchase silencing tape with the steps to keep them from making noise and is highly recommended. Another nice feature of these steps is that they use an over-center buckle (OCB) instead of a ratchet strap so you can get them really right without the noise.

Eastern Woods Outdoors Squirrel Step
Eastern Woods Outdoors Squirrel Step Ring of Steps. Photo from here

The over-center buckle (OCB) is a great option for those who don’t like the noise a ratchet strap makes (I’m in that camp). These buckles cam over one time but will tighten down just about as good as a ratchet strap. They’re great for a ring of steps because they tighten down well, are easy to set up, and are quiet.

Eastern Woods Outdoors Over Center Buckle OCB Buckle
Eastern Woods Outdoors Over Center Buckle OCB Buckle. Photo From Here

Cranford Saddle Scaffold Set Ring of Steps Platform

Cranford recently started making a ring of steps option. These steps are interesting because they fold up so they’re compact and they are a little more ‘winged’ so they are less apt to move with side pressure. They come with a ratchet strap, but you can buy an OCB buckle and replace the ratchet strap if you desire.

Cranford Saddle Scaffold Set - Ring of Steps
Cranford Saddle Scaffold Set – Ring of Steps. Photo from Here

One-Piece Saddle Hunting Platforms

One-piece platforms are newer to the market than the older-school ring of steps. There are now a handful of companies that make these platforms. As the years progress these companies have continued to innovate their products. With each new version, these platforms become better and easier to use. Some of the best options on the market are listed below:

Lone Wolf Custom Gear – The Kuhnert’s Ambush Platform

The Kuhnert platform uses cam-over technology to get extra tight to the tree. This is the largest platform in this review. The platform size is 16.5 x 14.5 inches and weighs 4.81 lbs with a weight limit of 300 lbs. You are able to angle the platform to your desired angle with the leveler. This platform also pairs well with Lonewolf climbing sticks, the platform has little tabs that allow you to use the platform strap to secure climbing sticks when on the move. A unique feature of this platform is that it comes with backpack straps making it very easy to carry.

The Kuhnert's Ambush Saddle Platform
The Kuhnert’s Ambush Saddle Platform. Photo from here

Out On A Limb – The Ridge Runner Platform

The Ridge Runner Platform is a new and great design. Because of its innovative shape, you can maneuver all the way around this platform so you can shoot at all angles (360º) easier than other platforms on the market. It’s also easy to get secure to the tree because it uses cam-over technology. It’s 18 x 8 inches and weighs 3.5 lbs. The traction on this platform is great, it has large notches that grip boots well, and utilizes an anti-skid finish. This platform also has a leveling system to get your platform where you like it. 

Out on a Limb Ridge Runner Platform for Saddle Hunting
Out on a Limb Ridge Runner Platform for Saddle Hunting. Photo From Here.

Tethrd – Predator Platform

The Tethrd Predator is one of the most well-known saddle hunting platforms on the market. It works well, it’s lightweight, and it’s sleek making it a favorite among saddle hunters. It uses cam-over technology to get extra tight to the tree. This platform is 12 x 13 inches and is 3 inches tall when packed up and weighs 3 lbs. The sides of the platform are grooved and have a small wing allowing for good side control and potentially shooting 360º around the tree. There is a way to level the platform which adds to the comfort.

Tethrd Predator Saddle Hunting Platform
Tethrd Predator Saddle Hunting Platform. Photo From Here

Trophyline – The EDP Platform

This platform comes in at 13.5 x 13 inches and weighs 3.81 lbs and has a 300 lbs load limit. It has a small step above the versa button for extra maneavering. Having a small step here allows you to maneauver for side shots and rest your feet while keeping the platform secure. The Lone Wolf Kuhnert also has this feature but is smaller. Overall it’s a very similar platform to the Tethrd Predator in shape and weight. 

Trophyline The EDP Platform For Saddle Hunting
Trophyline The EDP Platform For Saddle Hunting. Photo From Here

XOP Outdoors – Ultra Series Edge Saddle Platform

This platform is 13.75 x 11 inches which is pretty compact. However, somehow it is the heaviest platform in this review, coming in at 5.4 lbs. This is over a half-pound more than the 16.5 x 14.5 Lone Wolf Kuhnert Platform. Although this platform is heavy, it has a weight rating of 350 lbs which is more than any other platform in this review which can only hold 300 lbs. The layout of this platform is very similar to the Kuhnert’s Platform but is probably 1/3 smaller. The notching of this platform gives it a solid bite on your boots when maneuvering. It also has an easy hand-tightening leveling system.

For Just The Platform: Check Amazon's Price

For The Saddle Hunting Kit: Check Amazon's Price 

Hawk – Helium Hammock Apex Platform

The Apex platform is 12 x 11.77 making it the smallest overall in this review. Although it is the smallest platform it comes in at the 3rd lightest platform at 3.6 lbs and it is rated to 300 lbs. The build of the Apex is very similar to the Tethrd Predator platform. Unlike the Tethrd Predator though, this platform does not have much for grip and doesn’t have any winged protrusions to aid with 360º shooting. Other reviews also mention that this platform is not able to handle side-pressure as well as the Tethrd. That said, this platform is very affordable compared to other platforms. You can often find it for under 100$.

Check Amazon's Price

Platform Attachments For Climbing Sticks

Climbing stick companies have started creating their own platforms that are specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the tops of their climbing sticks. This makes the platform installation faster and easier than before. This style of platform is new to the market and it will be interesting to see how these evolve as saddle hunting continues.

Wild-Edge Inc. – WEI Perch Platform Attachment

This platform is an attachment that can be purchased separately for the Wild-Edge SteppLadder climbing steps. The platform fits like a puzzle piece into the SteppLadder step. This platform a convenient if you’re already using the SteppLadder steps. These attachments turn regular Wild-Edge SteppLadder steps into a mini-version of the Ridge Runner Platforms.

    Wild-Edge Inc. Perch Platform Attachment
    Wild-Edge Inc. Perch Platform Attachment. Photo From Here

    Eastern Woods Outdoors – The U.P. Ultimate Platform Attachment

    The U.P. Ultimate Platform by Eastern Woods Outdoors is a good example of a climbing stick company that has created a top-of-stick platform for their line of climbing sticks – the Ultralight Feathersticks. These sticks were one of the best climbing sticks in my comparison review of 17 climbing sticks.

    Ultralight Feathersticks Platform Attachment
    Ultralight Feathersticks Platform Attachment. Photo From Eastern Woods Outdoors

    More Saddle Hunting Resources:

    One of the best things about saddle hunting is there are seemingly endless combinations of saddle hunting gear. This allows you to fully customize your saddle hunting setups to what will work best for your style of hunting. Additionally, more saddle hunting companies are coming into the market and more innovations are occurring. It’s an exciting time to be a saddle hunter!

    Hopefully, this article has helped you find some useful saddle hunting gear for your setup. You can find more saddle hunting resources below:

    Saddle Hunting Articles:

    Best Places To Shop For Hunting Gear

    Some great places to find hunting gifts include:

    Find Me On:

    Best Saddle Hunting Gear | Enhance Your Saddle Hunting Setups

    Jason Tome
    -
    0
    Best Saddle Hunting Gear | Enhance Your Saddle Hunting Setups

    This article covers saddle hunting gear and accessories that will allow you to maximize your saddle hunting setup. There are a handful of ways to hunt out of tree saddles, and each way requires slightly different gear.

    There are also gear add-ons, attachments, and modifications that can be implemented for an even more customized saddle hunting experience. We’ll be diving into those in this article so you can pick and choose what will best suit your personal style.

    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!

    Saddle Hunting Gear For Climbing A Tree

    Mobile Climbing Sticks

    There are many ways to climb a tree using a tree saddle. Climbing sticks are a great option, especially on public land. They are lightweight, mobile, very easy to use, and only take a few minutes to get high up into a tree. There are many climbing sticks to choose from and each has its own set of pros and cons. The best climbing sticks for you will depend on your own style. Climbing sticks are probably the most common way to climb a tree when saddle hunting.

    Lone Wolf Custom Gear Double Step Climbing Sticks Review Hands-on

    Climbing Sticks For Saddle Hunting

    Ameristep Screw-In Rod Steps

    Ameristep screw-in steps are another option for climbing trees when saddle hunting. However, they shouldn’t be used on public land or without permission on private land.

    These steps are great for stands that are productive year after year. You can prepare trees ahead of hunting season using these screw-in steps. This way you don’t need to carry or set up climbing sticks during the season. This makes getting set up in a tree saddle much faster, quieter, and easier.

    On average it usually takes about 12 steps to make one treestand plus 4 more for the platform ring for a total of 16 steps.

    Check Amazon's Price

    Cranford Rope Steps

    Cranford rope steps are a good lightweight alternative to Ameristeps when you don’t have permission or are hunting public land because they use a rope system to cinch to the tree. These are a very lightweight option for climbing trees.

    Check Amazon's Price

    Wild-Edge Inc. SteppLadder

    These are compact climbing steps that work great for saddle hunting. They are innovative in that to secure these steps to trees they use simple cam-over technology. Additionally, they are compact and fit inside of each other for easy portability. There are many ways to use these steps with mods and add-ons (more on that later) which makes them an interesting choice.

    Wild-Edge Tree Steps
    Wild-Edge SteppLadder Steps. Photo From Here

    Climbing Stick Mods

    AmSteel Rope Mod

    One of the most common mods for climbing sticks by saddle hunters is to replace the bulkier strap and noisier buckle with a very small AmSteel rope. This cuts back on noise and makes climbing sticks easier to transport. A great place to get these relatively inexpensive mods is through Custom AmSteel Products. They have solutions for many climbing sticks. You’re also able to choose the thickness of the rope and the length.

    Climbing Stick AmSteel Rope Mod
    Climbing Stick AmSteel Rope Mod. Photo From Here

    Top of Climbing Stick Platform Attachments

    Climbing stick companies have started creating their own platforms that are designed to be used in conjunction with the tops of their climbing sticks. This makes the platform installation faster and easier than before. Below is an example of this with the Wild-Edge Steppladder step used in conjunction with Wild-Edge’s WEI Perch Platform.

    Wild-Edge Inc. Perch Platform Attachment
    Wild-Edge Inc. Perch Platform Attachment. Photo From Here

    Stealth Strips

    Stealth Outdoors is a go-to for many hunters that are looking to silence their treestands or climbing sticks. They use a product called stealth strips that is well-known in the mobile hunting community. Stealth strips are fabric adhesive strips that are attached to noisy hunting equipment to prevent noise. They have kits put together for specific climbing sticks and treestand platforms so you get the exact amount of stealth strips.

    Stealth Strips For Silencing Saddle Hunting Gear
    Stealth Strips For Silencing Saddle Hunting Gear. Photo From Here

    Saddle Hunting Climbing Aiders

    Climbing aiders help hunters get extra height per climbing stick but with very little additional bulk or weight added. There are a lot of different methods of using climbing aiders. I suggest watching some YouTube videos to determine a style you might like.

    Ladder Aiders

    If you want to get high in a tree with the least possible climbing sticks, ladder aiders are a good choice. With multiple loop steps, you can really max out how far you can climb. I would recommend buying one set and figuring out a way to move it up with you for each ladder section, rather than buying one set for each climbing stick. There are a lot of YouTube videos on different climbing methods with ladder aiders.

    Check Amazon's Price

    Fixed Cable Aiders

    Another option is cable aiders, these are fixed cables that are attached to the bottom of a climbing stick. The cable aider is a loop that you use as an extra step. This gives you extra height out of each stick. The cable aiders can often be pushed back into the climbing stick or conveniently wrapped around the stick when not in use so it’s out of the way. The nice thing about cables is that they are easy to get your feet into because they stay open.

    Wire Rope Aider for Climbing Sticks
    Cable Aider for Climbing Sticks. Photo From Here

    Saddle Hunting Platforms

    Saddles are used in combination with platforms. Saddle hunting platforms are a must-have piece of saddle hunting gear. The purpose of the platforms is to give your feet something to rest and maneuver on while you’re in your saddle. Without a platform, you will not be able to effectively hunt out of a tree saddle.

    There are two main types of saddle hunting platforms; ring of steps platforms and single-piece platforms. Examples of both of these styles are shown in the following sections.

    Ring of Steps Platforms

    Ring of step platforms are objects that are placed around the diameter of the tree (in a ring) at the height you want to stand. These objects are radiate out from the tree about 90º and are generally 4-7 inches long.

    Ameristep Ring of Steps Platform (Screw-In)

    In addition to using the Ameristeps to climb a tree, you can also use them to create a ring of steps. They are a little noisy but are small and lightweight making them easy to carry. You only need 2 or 3 if you’re using them in combination with climbing sticks so they take up very little space compared to other saddle hunting platforms.

    Tree Saddle Hunting Climbing Methods and Platforms
    Tree Saddle Hunting Climbing Platform – Ameristep Ring of Steps

    Bullman Outdoors Silent Approach Ring of Steps (Strap on)

    Bullman Outdoors ring of steps is one of the more popular rings of steps. They’re a little bulky but are pretty lightweight because they’re made of plastic. They use a ratchet to tighten down to the tree, so you may want to look into an OCB buckle for more stealth. This ring of step option provides a good amount of surface area compared to other options.

     

    Check Amazon's Price

    Ring of Steps Over Center Buckle (OCB) & Strap

    An over-center buckle is a great option for those who don’t like the noise a ratchet strap makes (I’m in that camp). These buckles cam over one time but will tighten down just about as good as a ratchet strap. They’re great for a ring of steps because they tighten down well, are easy to set up, and are quiet.

    Eastern Woods Outdoors Over Center Buckle OCB Buckle
    Eastern Woods Outdoors Over Center Buckle OCB Buckle. Photo From Here

    One-Piece Saddle Hunting Platforms

    One-piece platforms are newer to the market than the older-school ring of steps. There are now a handful of companies that make these platforms. As the years progress these companies have continued to innovate their products. With each new version, these platforms become better and easier to use.

    These are probably the most comfortable style of saddle hunting platforms on the market. The tradeoff is, they’re bulky and heavy compared to a ring of steps. You also don’t have the same maneuvering freedom as you would with a ring of steps. 

    Some of the best options on the market are the Lone Wolf Custom Gear – The Kuhnert’s Ambush Platform, Out On A Limb – The Ridge Runner Platform, Tethrd – Predator Platform, and Trophyline – The EDP Platform.

    XOP Outdoors – Ultra Series Edge Saddle Platform

    This is an example of a single-piece platform looks like, and it has pretty good reviews on Amazon. However, I would make sure to check out all of the options above.

    Single Piece Saddle Platform - Saddle Hunting Gear

    Check Amazon's Price

      Saddle Hunting Gear Hangers

      Gear hangers are essential for saddle hunting. You’ll still need a place to hang your bow, quiver, and any other tools you like to bring with you to the field.

      Strap-On Gear Hangers

      Strap-on gear hangers for saddle hunting meet public land standards. You can hang multiple gear and gadgets from this tool below including your bow and quiver. Each hook slides so you can position it best. There are no ratchet straps involved, the buckle is small but strong, and quiet.

      Ring of Saddle Hunting Gear Holders

      Check Amazon's Price

      Screw-In Gear Hangers

      Screw-in hooks work well because sometimes you need to have your equipment in a specific spot that strap-on hooks can’t fit into. It’s also very easy to place your bow to raise your bow on these hooks. These are very inexpensive garage hangers you can find at any hardware store.

      Screw-In Saddle Hunting Gear Hangers

      Check Amazon's Price

      Saddle Hunting Clothes

      The Best Clothes For Saddle Hunting

      Having the right clothes when saddle hunting is important. You might want to make a few adjustments in your clothing arsenal before saddle hunting to ensure comfort.

      Coveralls

      Coveralls are great clothing options for saddling hunting because when you’re in a saddle clothes tend to ride up or down. This causes your skin to eventually show which is not good in warm or cold weather. You might spend a lot of time fidgeting unless you’re wearing coveralls. Scentlok makes great lightweight early-season coveralls, and I’ve linked a great cold-weather coverall below.

      Check Cabela's Price

      Lot of Pockets

      Clothes with many pockets are good for saddle hunting because, as you’ve seen in this post, there is a lot of pocket-sized gear that you’ll need to carry with you when hunting. For example, gear hangers, bow string, ring of steps, brush shears, rangefinder, bow release…etc.

      Knee Pads

      Some saddle hunters like knee pads because when your knees are pressed against a tree for many hours they can get sore. Especially, when the tree has rough bark. You might need to try a few pars to see what works best, but I’ve linked to a comfortable foam pair with good reviews below:

      Check Amazon's Price

      Conclusion

      One of the best things about saddle hunting is there are seemingly endless combinations of saddle hunting gear. This allows you to fully customize your saddle hunting setups to what will work best for your style of hunting. Additionally, more saddle hunting companies are coming into the market and more innovations are occurring. It’s an exciting time to be a saddle hunter!

      Hopefully, this article has helped you find some useful saddle hunting gear for your setup. Is there anything you think should be added to this list? Let me know in the comments below.

      Find Me On:

      Athlon Midas ED Review | Are These Binoculars Worth The Money?

      Jason Tome
      -
      0
      Athlon Midas ED Review | Are These Binoculars Worth The Money?

      This Athlon Midas ED review will help you determine if these binoculars are worth the money. I also compare these binoculars to the next generation model Midas binoculars (the Athlon Midas G2’s) so you know which are the best value for the money.

      This Review’s Credibility

      I am not affiliated with Athlon in any way. I bought these binoculars with my own money and have loved using them. Because I liked them so much I wanted to do a review of them. I did an initial review of these binoculars (and 13 others). The Athlon Midas binoculars were my favorites for the money.

      I felt a longer-term review would be helpful to add to that initial review. So this review reiterates my initial findings as well as my experience with the binoculars for about one year.

      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!

      How These Binoculars Were Tested

      As I mentioned, I did a much more in-depth initial review of 14 binoculars (which includes the Athlon Midas ED’s and Athlon Midas G2 UHD’s). These 14 binoculars were all at different price points ($200 to $2500). I compared them to see which were the best value. You can also watch my YouTube review of these binoculars here:

      14 Binocular Video Review (Includes Midas ED’s and UHD’s)

      Athlon Midas ED Review

      The Athlon Midas ED binoculars were amazing and outperformed even the most expensive binoculars. For the price, I could not tell the difference between the hyped direct-to-consumer Maven C1’s in the picture quality. They also did the same, and even better in most cases, in low light situations than the 350-500$ tier binoculars.

      The image from these binoculars is incredibly clear, crisp, and bright. The adjustable diopter is very precise, and the focus knob is easy to turn with one finger, which I appreciate for finding focus fast and when I have cold hands. The wide field of view is very convenient and helpful in many hunting situations

      These binoculars are incredible, they’re light and convenient and come in a great carrying case, have great lens caps that stay attached to the objective lenses, and the twist-up eyecups have the perfect settings for me. Absolutely fantastic pair of binoculars and they have a small price tag compared to the other binoculars in this test.

      Athlon Midas Long-Term Durability

      In this initial review of 14 binoculars, long-term use was not covered because the purpose of that review was to compare many binoculars that I only had a short time with. Thus, I was only able to gather first impressions of build quality.

      Now that I’ve owed the Athlon Midas ED binoculars for almost a year, and through one hunting season, I can talk more about their long-term durability and performance.

      Basically, I am still just as happy with these binoculars as the day I bought them. They perform just as I thought they would based on my initial review. Additionally, they are holding up really well in the outdoors. I haven’t dropped my binoculars and I haven’t abused them drastically in the field. However, they have held up just as I would have expected them too.

      Athlon Midas ED Review – Field Notes

      Build Quality Average, feels sturdy in hand.
      Bulk & Weight Slightly better than average, lower-profile
      Usability 1 finger focus knob adjustment, everything works well
      Field of View 426 FOV, very wide
      Brightness Excellent, bright white, amazing for the price
      Low-Light Excellent comparable to more expensive binos
      Clarity/Color Edge to edge is very well done for wide FOV
      Chromatic Aberration Slightly better than average, not very noticeable
      Price Inexpensive, one of the more affordable options, especially for what you get
      Warranty Athlon offers a very good lifetime warranty.

       

      Athlon Midas ED Binoculars - Best Hunting Binoculars For the Money
      Athlon Midas ED Binoculars

      Athlon Midas ED 8x42 Hunting Binocular Review Chart

      Check Amazon's Price

      Athlon Midas ED vs Athlon Midas G2 UHD

      Athlon Midas G2 UHD Review – Field Notes

      Build Quality average
      Bulk & Weight slightly better than average
      Usability average
      Field of View 426, tied with best
      Brightness excellent, bright white
      Low-Light great, comparable to more expensive
      Clarity/Color edge to edge is very well done for how wide
      Chromatic Aberration very little
      Price inexpensive
      Warranty lifetime

       

      Athlon Midas G2 UHD Binoculars
      Athlon Midas G2 UHD Binoculars

      Athlon Midas G2 UHD Hunting Binocular Review Chart

      Conclusion

      I compared both Athlon Midas binoculars to 12 other binoculars (see video above). It was clear after conducting this review that both the Midas G2 UHD and Midas EDs were the best value binoculars, for the money they were unmatched.

      You can’t go wrong with either one for the price. When compared to the Swarovski’s, there was a difference, but for hunting applications, there wasn’t a 10x difference in price. For the price difference, the Midas’s had, in my opinion, 80% of what the 1000$+ binoculars had to offer.

      If you’re interested in how to choose binoculars, you might like my post below:

       

      How To Confidently Choose The Best Hunting Binoculars

      Find Me On:

      5 Best Camera Arms For Hunting To Film Your Own Hunts

      Jason Tome
      -
      0
      5 Best Camera Arms For Hunting To Film Your Own Hunts

      This post covers the best camera arms for hunting currently on the market. Each camera arm is different and has pros and cons. The best camera arm for you will depend on your hunting style. This post will help you choose which camera arm is right for you by comparing each of these camera arms.

      I got my hands on the Muddy Hunt Hard, Muddy Outfitter, and Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm to try out. The other camera arms I have not been able to use, at least not yet. However, I’ve been able to consolidate reviews to make a good argument for the pros and cons of every camera arm in this review.

      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!

      How To Choose Camera Arms For Hunting

      The main specifications to look for when choosing a camera arm are:

      • Price
      • Weight/Bulk
      • Camera Weight Capacity
      • Arm Reach
      • Level Bubble
      • Fiddle Factor
      Levels Bubbles Are Important Features For Camera Arms To Ensure A Level Shot
      Levels Bubbles Are Important Features For Camera Arms To Ensure A Level Shot

      We will be going over each of the specs in the post below, and I have created a spreadsheet that will help you compare each camera arm so you can find the best camera arm for you.

      Use Camera Arm Ratchet Strap Quietly

      Camera arms usually come with ratchet straps to securely attach to the trees. Ratchet straps are loud if you don’t know how to operate them properly in hunting situations. Fortunately, ratchet straps can be used quietly so that you don’t spook animals when you’re setting up your camera.

      The trick to using your ratchet strap quietly is to make sure the locking plate does not slip in the gears when ratcheting or when reloading the ratchet. You can do this by pulling up on the locking plates as you tighten the ratchet. It’s not perfectly quiet, but it’s so much quieter than ratcheting regularly.

      Attaching Camera To A Camera Arm

      In the list of camera arms for hunting below, the companies often will have a camera head/mount that you can buy as an additional option with an additional cost. If you would like to purchase your camera head mount you can buy anything that will fit the thread size of the camera arm.

      Camera Heads For Filming Hunts

      Fluid heads are the go-to choice for filming hunts because they offer fluid motion and are good at keeping the camera in place when you’re going for the shot with the right friction settings. I’ve linked to a good-quality one below that won’t break the bank.

      Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Head
      Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Head

      Check Amazon's Price

      Camera Arm Comparison Chart

      Brand/ModelPriceWeight (lbs)Weight Capacity (lbs)Arm Reach
      Muddy Hunt-Hard555624
      Muddy Outfitter1004.51040
      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm1994.51038
      Fourth Arrow Pro3007.251842
      Lone Wolf Pocket Arm2501.6529

      Muddy Hunt Hard Camera Arm

      Muddy Hunt Hard Camera Arm For Hunting
      Muddy Hunt Hard Camera Arm

      Check Amazon's Price

      Muddy Hunt Hard Camera Arm Unboxing
      Muddy Hunt Hard Camera Arm Unboxing

      Pros

      The Muddy Hunt Hard Camera Arm is one of the less-expensive options on the market but still offers a lot of features. Also, unlike most camera arms, it comes with a camera mount. This means it is hunt-ready right out of the box and no other items will need to be purchased to start filming.

      It comes with a ratchet strap and a tree base so it has no issues securely attaching to trees. It has adjustments so that you can level the camera when it’s attached to the tree, a level bubble is included so you can be sure you’ve got a leveled camera shot.

      Muddy Hunt Hard Grip Twists Which Locks The Camera In Place
      Muddy Hunt Hard Grip Twists Which Locks The Camera In Place

      Cons

      It is a fairly heavy camera arm for its size coming in at around 5 lbs. The camera friction head has also been known to loosen when turning to the left because it loosens the screw on the camera mount. This makes it hard to keep your camera aimed in one spot on the left axis. You might need to do some simple DIY fixes to get it to perform optimally.

      Muddy Hunt Hard Camera Swivel Loosens
      Muddy Hunt Hard Camera Swivel Loosens

      Trade-Off

      The trade-off here is cost vs quality. This camera arm is very cheap which is great, but it might not perform perfectly in some cases until some changes are made.

      Muddy Outfitter Camera Arm

      Muddy Outfitter Camera Arm For Hunting
      Muddy Outfitter Camera Arm

      Check Amazon's Price

      Muddy Outfitter Camera Arm Unboxing
      Muddy Outfitter Camera Arm Unboxing

      Pros

      The Muddy Outfitter Camera Arm is one of the most popular camera arms for hunting. This camera arm is Muddy’s mid-sized camera arm. There are a lot of fine-tuning adjustments so that you can always get a perfectly leveled shot. This camera arm comes with a ratchet strap to secure the large tree-base attachment and is heavy which prevents camera ‘wobble’ or ‘shake’ for very stable footage.

      Using The Muddy Outfitter Camera Arm To Hunt Deer With Sony Camcorder
      Using The Muddy Outfitter Camera Arm To Hunt Deer

      Cons

      Because the base of these camera arms is bulky they can be less portable compared to other camera arms. They are also more awkward to hang in trees because of their bulk.

      Muddy Outfitter and Hunt Hard Camera Arm Box Comparison
      Muddy Outfitter and Hunt Hard Camera Arm Box Size Comparison

      Trade-Off

      The trade-off with having a lot of adjustability and steadiness comes at the cost of increased weight and bulk.

      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm

      Fourth Arrow Camera Arms For Hunting
      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm

      Check Amazon's Price

      Fourth Arrow Camera Unboxing
      Fourth Arrow Camera Unboxing

      Pros

      The Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm is one of the most popular camera arms for hunting. This camera arm is comparable to Muddy’s Outfitter arm in weight, both coming in at 4.5 lbs. The Fourth Arrow Camera Arm has increased in popularity in the hunting community because it is more compact and has less fiddle factor. The tree base attachment is well thought out.

      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm, Muddy Outfitter, and Muddy Hunt Hard Unboxing Comparison
      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm, Muddy Hunt Hard, and Muddy Outfitter Unboxing Comparison (left to right)

       

      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm, Muddy Outfitter, and Muddy Hunt Hard Tree Mount Comparison
      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm, Muddy Hunt Hard, and Muddy Outfitter Tree Base Attachment Comparison (left to right)

      Cons

      Because this camera arm can be a little more jittery when it is fully extended from the tree compared to the heavier models. That said if you make sure to fasten it down snug to the tree it is very stabilized, especially with light to mid-weight cameras. It is also noticeably louder because of its rougher finish. This brushing against this finish really echos inside the hollow camera arm.

      Trade-Off

      The trade-off for this camera arm is that you’re sacrificing stability to have a less bulky and more compact camera arm setup.

      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm Pro

      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm Pro - Camera Arm For Hunting
      Fourth Arrow Stiff Arm Pro

      Pros

      This pro camera arm is the big brother to the Stiff Arm. It is bigger and heavier than all of the other camera arms in this review for very stable video and that can support very heavy camera rigs. If you’re looking for the next step up in video quality and are using heavy equipment, this is the camera arm you’ll need. It’s still a very straightforward set up just like the regular Stiff Arm.

      Cons

      This arm is heavy and bulky, making it more difficult to set up and carry on long trips to the treestand. It is the heaviest camera arm in this review coming in a 7.25 lbs with everything included. This camera arm is for professionals with heavy camera rigs.

      Trade-Off

      The trade-off with having a lot of adjustability, steadiness, and the ability to hold very heavy camera rigs comes at the cost of increased weight.

      Lone Wolf Custom Gear Pocket Arm

      Lone Wolf Custom Gear Pocket Arm
      Lone Wolf Custom Gear Pocket Arm. Photo from here

      Pros

      The biggest features of the camera arm are how lightweight, low-profile, and innovative compared to other camera arms on the market. Coming in at 1.6 lbs with everything included, it is by far the lightest camera arm in this review and was designed with the mobile hunter/filmer in mind.

      This arm also has a very unique way of attaching to the tree without needing a large tree base. For example, once the strap is around the tree and connected to the base you will hand-tighten a screw located at the top of the base. This will push the camera base away from the tree, resulting in more pressure being placed on the strap. This results in a lot of leverage on the strap creating a very snug and sturdy fit against the tree.

      Cons

      Because the camera arm is very lightweight it can’t hold heavy cameras, it is only rated to 5 lbs. This camera arm has the smallest weight capacity of any of the arms in this review. It is also a fairly pricey camera arm for its size, so you will have to determine if the pros outweigh the cons for your hunting style.

      Trade-Off

      The trade-off with having a lightweight and portable camera arm comes at the cost of price and weight capacity in this case.

      Conclusion

      Hopefully, this post helped you gain some clarity on the right camera arm for you. By clicking on different headings of the Camera Arm Comparison Chart you will be able to filter the camera arms so you can easily compare specs.

      You might also like my other hunting camera gear-related posts:

      Best Video Cameras For Hunting | Filming Your Hunts (All Budgets)

      Find Me On:

      When Do Bucks Use Signpost Rubs? | 4-Month Trail Camera Study

      Jason Tome
      -
      0
      When Do Bucks Use Signpost Rubs? | 4-Month Trail Camera Study

      In this post, we are going to cover when bucks use signpost rubs. Information in this article is based on one trail camera left over a signpost rub from July 31st to December 31st to see what buck activity was like for these four months. I got some interesting information with this trail camera.

      This signpost was on a black ash tree that has been rubbed for many years and I was curious to see the buck activity of this signpost throughout the Maine hunting season. I left a camera in the woods for the entire hunting season without checking them until the season was over.

      When Do Bucks Use Signpost Rubs?

      Based on trail camera information and observations while tracking bucks in the snow it appears signposts were used by bucks for the entire 4-month observation period. That said, as the months progressed, there were some changes to how bucks used signpost rubs.

      Do Bucks Use Signpost Rubs In August and September?

      Surprisingly, bucks were found using the signpost rubs during the early part of the season frequently. That said, these bucks were young. It appears that younger bucks were more active at this time of year and often visted the signpost rub, even in velvet. For the most part, they didn’t rub their antlers on the signpost at this time but were scent checking it.

      It also appears that the young bucks that did visit the signpost were repeat visitors. It’s likely this signpost was located in these smaller buck’s core area because many pictures were taken of the same few small bucks.

      When Do Bucks Use Signpost Rubs In October and November?

      Local bucks started actually rubbing the signposts starting on October 1st. Before this, they were scent-checking by sniffing the tree.

      New bucks (non-local bucks) did not show up until the last week of October for the most part. The signposts were then used by non-local bucks periodically for the entire month of November. 

      Bigger bucks seemed to only become active starting during the last week of October. Based on this information it is unclear if big bucks prefer to only move and check signposts during the rut or if the signpost I was observing was not in a big bucks core area during the early part of the season when bucks don’t move much.

      My hypothesis is that big bucks were in the area and just preferred not to travel until the start of the rut (last week of October). This is unlike younger bucks which frequented the signposts much more often and throughout the entire 4-month period. I think bigger bucks know to conserve their energy for the right time of year.

      Unlike early in the season, none of the bigger bucks were captured on camera a second time. So it appears these bigger bucks were using the signpost to gauge deer activity while they were in the area briefly.

      Do Bucks Use Signpost Rubs In December?

      Signpost scent-checking by non-local bucks declined in December. With the rut winding down it appears there was less interest in the signpost. It appeared to still be used for scent checking but the signposts were not rubbed on and no big bucks were observed during the month of December.

      Signpost Rubs and Daylight Activity

      It also appears that the biggest bucks used the cover of darkness to their advantage when checking signposts. I expected to see big bucks using signposts just as often in the daylight as dark during the rut in the big woods. More data will need to be collected to determine if big bucks prefer to use signposts at dark.

      Conclusion

      I think more trail cameras on different signposts are needed to get a better idea when bucks use signpost rubs. That said, it is clear that bucks will use signposts all year long because they are a communication rub for bucks in the area. They also seem to act as communication hubs for new bucks entering an area during the rut. It also seems like big bucks are less likely to use signposts until the rut starts in late October.

      Find Me On:

      Signpost Rub Trail Camera Photos (July 31st – Dec. 31st)

      Below is every trail camera photo that was taken by the Moultrie trail camera I had placed over the signpost from July 31st to December 31st. I chose to keep every photo so you can see exactly how deer use the signpost rub throughout the year (This has been deleted because there were too many photos, please see YouTube video above for this information).

      Beaver Trapping Gear For Beginners – What You Need To Start

      Jason Tome
      -
      0
      Beaver Trapping Gear For Beginners – What You Need To Start

      In this post, you’ll learn what beaver trapping gear you’ll need to get started trapping beaver. For those new to trapping beaver, it can be overwhelming trying to find the right equipment in order to be successful trapping beaver. In this post, I will be going into detail on the equipment and strategy that I use in order to trap beavers successfully.

      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!

      Beaver Trapping Gear

      Beaver Trapping Gear For Beginners | Beaver Trapping 101
      Beaver Trapping Gear For Beginners | Beaver Trapping 101

      #330 Conibear Body Gripping Trap

      The first thing you’ll need is traps. #330 conibear traps are the go-to for trapping beavers because they are large (10″x10″) and have strong springs which are able to catch the largest of beavers. Since these traps have strong springs, they require a fair amount of strength to set. You’ll want trap setters for both safety and for making it much easier to set the traps.

      Bridger 330 Magnum Bodygripper Trap
      Bridger 330 Magnum Bodygripper Trap

      Check Cabela's Price

      Foothold Traps

      For foothold traps, you’ll want a large diameter trap because beavers have large back feet. To catch the entire foot, you’ll want something at least around 7 inches in diameter. The two traps that I’ve had really good luck with and that also have good reviews are the MB-750 and TS-85.

      MB-750 and TS-85 Beaver Foothold Traps
      MB-750 and TS-85 Beaver Foothold Traps

      Conibear Trap Setters

      Conibear Trap Setting Sticks

      These sticks are used to compress the springs of conibear traps like the #330 trap above. At first, these traps may seem tricky to use but once you get the hang of them these trap setters are much faster at setting traps than the caulking gun and are less tiring when setting multiple traps. They also make setting conibear traps much safer and easier.

      Beaver trapping gear - Conibear trap setting sticks
      Beaver trapping gear – Conibear trap setting sticks

      Check Amazon's Price

      Caulking Gun Conibear Trap Setters

      This conibear trap setter works very well for beginners because it’s the easiest, safest, and most portable option. The only downside is that they take longer to set multiple traps and if you are setting multiple traps you will tire your forearms out. I recommend learning how to use the trap-setting sticks.

       

      Beaver trapping gear - Conibear trap setters

      Check Amazon's Price

      Conibear Trap Safety

      This is a must-have piece of gear for trapping beavers with conibear traps. These are used to hold conibear traps in place once they are set so you can maneuver and place traps without being worried about setting the trap off on yourself. Once you get the trap where you want it you can take this safety off. I don’t set traps unless I have one of these. It’s not a bad idea to carry more than one in case you lose or drop one in the water.

      Beaver Trapping Gear - Conibear Trap Safety Mechanism
      Conibear Trap Safety Mechanism

      Check Cabela's Price

      Chest Waders

      Chest waders are a staple for trapping beavers because you’ll be kneeling down in the water when your setting traps. Hip boots won’t cut it most of the time or will at least make trapping much more difficult. Chest waders with buckles are much better than velcro because they stay on your shoulders better. I like neoprene because beaver trapping is usually in colder weather. Neoprene stands up well against the cold weather and water.

      TideWe Realtree MAX5 Waterfowl Wader Review

      Check Amazon's Price

      3-in-1 tool (Trowel, Hammer, Holes Sets)

      Since hole sets aren’t needed for beaver trapping it really only a 2-in-1 tool. That said, these tools were specifically designed for trapping because they reduce how many tools you need to bring into the field which helps cut down on weight which is important when you’re checking a lot of traps. So even a 2-in-1 tool is helpful.

      Beaver Trapping Gear - 3-in-1 Tool

      Check Amazon's Price

      Beaver Lure/Castor Gland

      Beaver castor is secreted from their castor gland. They use castor to mark their territory. Since beavers are territorial, castor gland scent can be used to pique curiosity and their territorial instincts. This scent is best used in the spring when beavers are naturally leaving their scent on castor mounds.

      Check Amazon's Price

      Trapping Pack Basket

      A trapping basket helps carry gear and beaver catches. Basically, they’re for carrying more messy gear like rusty traps and beavers. I prefer to carry my smaller tools in a separate bag tool bag to keep things cleaner. You’ll really need one of these for bringing beavers back to the vehicle since you’ll have other tools you’ll be carrying. Otherwise, you’ll be making multiple trips to get everything.

      Beaver Trapping Gear - Plastic Pack Basket

      Check Amazon's Price

      Write-On Metal Trap Tags

      Trap tags are required by law so that the authorities can tell who traps belong to. Over time tags will wear or get mangled with use. This pack of 50 tags will last a while.

      Check Amazon's Price

      20-Gauge Wire

      Wire can be used for multiple purposes to secure traps in place. Mostly though, it is used to keep traps from being lost if a beaver doesn’t get caught properly. I’m usually using wire when the mud is too soft to hold T-Bar stakes. I also commonly use wire for under-ice sets. I will place a log horizontally across the chiseled hole where the trap was placed in. This way if a beaver chews through the pole your trap is attached to it won’t be lost and you’ll still get the beaver.

      Check Amazon's Price

      Wire Cutters or Pliers

      You’ll need something to cut the 20-gauge wire. Wire cutters or pliers will work. Pliers can also be used as a spare tool if needed, they can come in handy. I will use them instead of my fingers in colder weather for better dexterity when I’m wearing gloves.

      Check Amazon's Price

      Leatherman Multitool

      All trappers can make use of a Leatherman multi-tool. Made in the USA and with a 25-year warranty, this 14 in 1 tool is not only convenient but in my experience, it manages to reduce a lot of frustration when things go awry or fall apart. There have been many times where the leatherman has saved the day when doing repairs.

      Their hardiness in unideal situations makes them one of the best tools for trappers. They also have a lot of useful applications outside of trapping. Plus, you won’t have to buy regular pliers to cut wire.

      Beaver Trapping Gear - Leatherman Multitool

      Check Amazon's Price

      24-Inch T-Bar Stakes

      I use these stakes almost every time I set a trap. These are what I will use to anchor my trap most of the time instead of wire if the soil isn’t too soft. I will place one of these in one of the springs of the conibear traps to anchor it. I also use these on drowning sets to anchor the drowning rods to the ground. They are a must-have in my beaver trapping gear.

      AuSable Brand 24" x 1/2" T-Bar Trap Anchor Stakes - Landscaping, Camping & Trapping (12 PK.)

      Check Amazon's Price

      Long Rubber Gloves

      These gloves are great for beaver trapping because they go almost to your shoulders, keeping your hands warm and dry especially in the cold. They also protect you against any pathogens in the water and any potential beaver diseases. They are another must-have in my beaver trapping arsenal.

      Beaver Trapping Gear - Long Rubber Gloves

      Check Amazon's Price

      Hammer

      A hammer is needed for driving T-bar stakes into the ground. A 2 or 3 lbs hammer works well, especially for punching through the frozen ground along shorelines.

      Check Amazon's Price

      Hatchet

      A hatchet is pretty much a must-have tool because it will allow you to create trap poles and make stakes to secure trap into place. A lot of the time you need a hatchet to widdle down a stick to the perfect size so it will work for your specific application. Often, you can use the back of the hatchet as a hammer too.

      Check Amazon's Price

      Trowel

      A trowel can be used for moving earth to perfectly get a trap situated and for creating castor mound sets. Manipulating the earth around a trap to get a perfect fit is important because it’s the fine details that result in a successful catch or not.

      Check Amazon's Price

      14-Inch Bolt Cutters

      Bolt cutters are used to cut the chain of traps to add useful gear to the chains. For example, adding more swivels and trap anchors to the trap chain.

      Check Amazon's Price

      Trap Swivels

      When working with foothold traps you may need to add more swivels to the trap chain depending on your laws. Here in Maine, we need 3 swivel points on the chain and the traps only come with two. To add a swivel you must cut one of the chain links and replace it with a swivel. Bolt cutters are needed to add these.

      Check Amazon's Price

      Beaver Foothold Traps with Trap Chains and Swivels
      Beaver Foothold Traps with Trap Chains and Swivels

      Metal Shovel

      I always bring a metal shovel in the truck with me but I don’t always end up bringing it. A metal shovel is handy when there’s snow to remove a fresh layer of snow covering the under-ice traps. It’s also good for light chiseling if the ice isn’t very thick to get to my traps.

      Check Amazon's Price

      Chisel

      When it gets colder a chisel is needed to get to under-ice traps that have a few inches of ice. A chisel is needed when ice is too thick for a metal shovel. 

      Check Amazon's Price

      Jet Sled

      A jet sled is invaluable when there is snow on the ground. I even use mine on the bare ground when I have a lot of gear I have to carry a long way even though it’s harder to pull it’s still worth it. More gear is usually involved when trapping beavers when there is snow so a jet sled is worth every penny. It’s also easier for transporting beavers than with a pack basket.

      Must Have Beaver Trapping Gear - Jet Sled

      Check Amazon's Price

      H-Stand

      These stands are used to hold conibear traps up in very mucky/muddy soil. In this type of soil, traps will get buried by sinking into the ground. The H-Stands keep traps at a perfect height so that the beavers swim right through the trip instead of over the trap. 

      MB-330-SH 20

      MB-330-SH 20″ Support Stands

      First Aid Kit

      It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit when trapping, especially for beginners. Trapping gear can be dangerous if handled improperly by a beginner and even if handled properly accidents can happen. Having a first aid kit is a good idea.

      Check Amazon's Price

      Method of Dispatch

      Sometimes when trapping you don’t get a clean catch that results in a kill. In these circumstances, you’ll need a tool to dispatch the beaver. If you’re looking to keep the pelt in as good shape as possible you might buy some sort of club that is used to hit the beaver on the back of the head. Another option would be to use a small-caliber rifle which will also result in minimal pelt damage. A high-powered air rifle or .22 handgun would work.

      This .22 caliber Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen2 air rifle would have no issues dispatching a beaver up to 15-20-yards with an ethical shot to the head. You should have no issues getting closer than that with a beaver that is caught in a trap. This is one of the best air rifles for dispatching because it is one of the fastest air rifles on the market, shooting .22 caliber pellets up to 1300 FPS, and at an affordable price.

      Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen2 Air Rifle
      The Gamo Swarm Magnum 10X Gen2 Air Rifle shoots .22 caliber pellets up to 1300 FPS making it one of the best air rifles for small game and varmints on the market.

      Check Amazon's Price Check AirGun Depot Price 

      My YouTube Video: How I Use Some of The Above Trapping Gear

      Conclusion

      Hopefully, this post has helped you figure out what you’ll need for beaver trapping gear. This is the gear that I use when I am beaver trapping and it works well for me. If you can’t afford to buy everything on this list at one time, don’t worry. You can buy the essentials and slowly work your way to the other gear as you progress as a trapper.

      Looking For More Information On Trapping? Find Me On:

      How To Trap Beavers For Beginners (Sets & Gear)

      Jason Tome
      -
      0
      How To Trap Beavers For Beginners (Sets & Gear)

      This post will cover how to trap beavers for beginners. You’ll learn everything from beaver trap sets to gear/equipment that is needed to have success trapping beavers. I’m a licensed professional Animal Damage Control Agent (ADC Agent) and professional wildlife ecologist and have been successfully trapping beavers in my time as ADC Agent. I have some useful tips and tricks to help get you started. Let’s jump in…

      Study Local Trapping Laws

      As a beginner, you should first become very familiar with your local beaver trapping regulations. Going through the lawbook can be tedious, especially when you want to get outside and get your traps out, but following the law is very important when beaver trapping for both the beavers and the trapper.

      Some laws that might apply in your state:

      • Submerged Traps
      • Trap Tags

      Beaver Trapping Gear For Beginners

      You don’t need all of this beaver trapping gear to get started, but most of the gear is helpful to have when trapping beavers. Each area you trap in will be different therefore it is nice to have all the gear so you don’t have to keep going back to the store.

      • Chest Waders
      • Rubber Gloves
      • Trapping License
      • 2 or 3 lbs Hammer
      • Trowel
      • Shovel
      • Castor Gland
      • 16-Gauge Wire
      • Wire Cutters/Pliers
      • Hatchet
      • Pocket Knife
      • 24″ T-Bar Stakes
      • H-Stands For Traps
      • Trap Tags
      • Body Gripping Traps
      • Foothold Traps
      • Trap Safety
      • Trap Setters
      • Pack/Gear Basket
      • Jet Sled
      • Dispatch gun/club
      • Wooden Grade Stakes

      How To Trap Beavers For Beginners

      Determining What Trap To Use For Beaver Trapping

      I would suggest using #330 Conibear traps for beginners. These traps require very little work to make them ready for trapping beavers out of the box. Conibear traps are spring-loaded traps that will clamp down and often immediately kill a beaver by breaking its spine. These are very ethical traps when used right because there is often no suffering.

      Foothold traps are also an option by requiring you to make a drowning rod, which can be time-consuming especially if you don’t have the right tools. I’ve found these traps to work well when beavers have learned to avoid conibear traps.

      For foothold traps, you’ll want a bigger trap because beavers have large hind feet. I use the TS-85 and MB-750 models.

      Conibear #330 Trap Set For Trapping Beavers
      Conibear #330 Trap Set For Trapping Beavers

      Practice Using Your Gear Before Heading Out

      If you have little experience with beaver trapping gear, I would suggest practicing with the equipment first so it will be easy for you once you get in the field. This is a good idea because safely using traps takes time to figure out. It’s best to practice under ideal circumstances so you can be as safe as possible while you’re learning.

      There’s more involved than just setting up the traps. There are ways to maneuver the traps when setting them up so that you completely reduce the risk for getting yourself caught in the trap. However, you might not learn these skills unless your practice first. Additionally, you should learn to use the safety equipment in conjunction with the traps to further prevent accidents in the field.

      Figuring Out Where To Trap Beavers

      Once you’ve bought your conibear traps it’s time to get them in the water. Beavers aren’t too secretive, they leave very obvious sign most of the time. You’ll often see some combination bank dens, food caches, beaver houses, and beaver dams. These are good indicators that beavers are using the area. You can often see these areas by using Google Earth imagery.

      Before you start trapping you will need to gain permission to trap on properties. Instead of asking permission first I often go on scouting missions without bringing my traps. The areas I have chosen to scout have been found using Google Earth imagery based on where I believe beavers would be found based on habitat. If an area looks like it has beavers, I will then go and ask for permission to trap on the property. Asking permission after I’ve scouted saves me time because what’s the point of asking permission if there are no beavers?

      That said, each scenario is different. I do ask for permission first if I’m planning to scout in a more populated area. Additionally, some states require you to get permission first before even walking on a property.

      Pinch Points / Stream Channels

      Using pinch points and skinny stream channels is the best way for beginners to trap beavers because there is a high likelihood that a beaver will get caught. These types of spots are still my favorite beaver sets. Beavers love skinny channels because they utilize them for traveling an area easily.

      I will set my #330 Conibear trap so that it is completely submerged, then I will place a stick on top of the trap (aka dive stick) so that beavers will want to naturally swim under the stick and into the trap. I will use other sticks to funnel the beavers into the trap and to keep them from getting around my traps. Basically, I want the beavers to think that the easiest way to get from Point A to Point B is through my trap. I have had great success with this method.

       

      How To Trap Beavers For Beginners
      How To Trap Beavers For Beginners

      How To Trap Beavers Under Ice

      My method for trapping beavers under the ice is very similar to trapping beavers without ice. I look for pinch points for small channels. Then I chisel a hole in the ice in the middle of the channel. I will do my best to block beavers from swimming on either side of my traps with sticks.

      The main difference is how you place your traps. To catch beavers in icy conditions the water will need to be deeper otherwise it will freeze all the way through and no beavers will use it. For this reason, you will find yourself placing traps in deeper water. To use your conibear traps under ice and in deeper water, you will need to create a pole to put your conibear trap on (see photo below).

      With a pole, you can adjust your trap to the appropriate height. Once you determine the correct height you can fasten your trap to the pole using wire. To create a pole you place the pole through both of the springs of the trap.

      How To Trap Beavers Under ice
      How To Trap Beavers Under Ice

      Trap-Shy Beavers

      If you continually trap beavers out of an area the remaining beavers will become trap-shy. It is impressive how smart they are at avoiding traps once they are onto you. To catch these trap-shy beavers it is important to mix things up. For example, you may need to deploy different trapping methods like using a foothold trap, or foothold downing sets (make sure they’re legal in your area).

      Camouflage Your Traps

      When beavers have smartened up to your traps and are trap-shy you will need to camouflage your traps a lot better. Using natural vegetation from the surrounding area will help keep your traps more camouflage.

      Lure & Attractors For Beaver Trapping

      Beaver Castor

      Beaver castor is secreted from their castor gland. They use castor to mark their territory. Since beavers are territorial, castor gland scent can be used to pique curiosity and their territorial instincts. This scent is best used in the spring when beavers are naturally leaving their scent on castor mounds.

      That being said, I try not to use castor scent unless it’s a last resort because I don’t want beavers to associate the scent with my traps. For example, if you catch one or two beavers using the scent, other beavers will learn that the scent is associated with dead beavers. Thus, they will start avoiding your traps. But if you don’t use scent and instead rely on pinch points, then you are more apt to catch them off-guard for longer. Especially if you move the traps around.

      Aspen Sticks And Shavings

      You can also shave sticks of trees that beavers will eat Aspen sticks that have been shaved down to show the bark can attract beavers both visually and entice them to toward food. I haven’t used this method as much because I’ve found sticking to pinch points has worked well for me. In areas where there are no good pinch points, sticks that have been shaved may work.

      Conclusion

      Hopefully, this post has helped you learn how to trap beavers. The process of learning to trap beavers is a lot of fun. The strategy behind setting traps and then seeing if your sets were successful is rewarding. 

      Looking For More Information On Trapping? Find Me On:

      How To Confidently Choose The Best Hunting Binoculars

      Jason Tome
      -
      0
      How To Confidently Choose The Best Hunting Binoculars

      To confidently choose the best hunting binoculars it is important to understand binocular terminology. This way you can make an informed decision based on what type of hunting you’ll be using the binoculars for. Once you understand the basic concepts of how binoculars and optics work, you can make the best decision for your particular hunting scenario.

       This post will help you find the right binoculars for any scenario and explain WHY.

      How To Choose Hunting Binoculars

      To get the most out of your hunting binoculars you will want to match binocular specs to what you plan to use them for. For example, weight, magnification, low-light capabilities…etc are all things to take into consideration when choosing binoculars. Each type of binocular has its pros and cons or ‘trade-offs’ and should be considered when buying binoculars. When these trade-offs are understood, you will be able to make the best purchase decision for your specific use, this way you’ll get the most value of your binoculars.

      What Do The Numbers On Binoculars Mean? (8×42, 10×42, 10×50…etc)

      The numbers on binoculars tell you the magnification and objective lens size. For example, on 8X42 binoculars, the magnification is 8X or 8 times the distance you can see with your naked eye.  The 42 stands for how big the lenses are in diameter measured in millimeters of the end opposite of which you look through. In other words, the measurement of the light-gathering end of the binoculars. So you could also think of the numbers on binoculars as (8x)(42mm).

      Parts of a Binocular | How To Choose Binoculars Parts of a Binocular | How To Choose Binoculars

      Binocular Magnification Explained

      Which Binocular Magnification Is Best For Hunting?

      Your goal should be to arrive at a perfect balance between binocular magnification and objective lens size that will best fit the type of hunting you will be doing.

      • 8x — The standard magnification. Brings images close enough to see clearly but not so close that shaky hands are an issue.
      • 10x — Those with steady hands or lots of experience tend to like the extra power, but shaky hands can be an issue for some.
      • 12x — Most will need to brace their elbows to avoid a shaky image at this magnification; it is generally reserved for specialty uses, like hunting out west where a lot of scanning is done.

      See Further!

      The main pro for binocular lens magnification is that you can see further. For example, an 8×50 binocular can see 8 times further than your naked eye, a 10×50 can see 10 times further than the naked eye…etc.

      Increased Binocular Magnification Considerations

      There are some considerations to take into account before you buy a high-magnification binocular.

      Perceived Shakiness of Hands

      Higher binocular magnifications are harder to use off-hand because of increased hand jitters. Of course, your hands aren’t actually shakier because of having a higher magnification, it’s just that higher magnifications enhance small movements resulting in increased perceived shakiness.

      A 12x magnification or larger really should have some sort of stabilization devices such as a monopod or tripod. The higher the magnification, the increased importance of better stabilization methods.

      Field of View

      Higher magnification binoculars also have a smaller field of view. With a higher-power lens, you may not see objects in your peripherals. While you’re busy looking into the deep depth of the landscape, there could be something 40 yards from you that you don’t notice. It will be harder to see with a higher power because your field of view is tighter.

      How To Choose Binoculars | Binocular Field of View Explained How To Choose Binoculars | Binocular Field of View Explained

      Binocular Magnification and Low-Light Performance

      As you increase binocular magnification the lenses of the binoculars become more narrow. The narrowing of the lenses reduces the light-gathering capabilities of the binoculars. The lens narrowing allows you to see further, but reduces light gathering capabilities, and also is the reason your field of view shrinks. You can offset this low-light issue caused by higher-powered binoculars by choosing a larger objective lens size.

      Binocular Objective Lens Size Explained

      Binocular magnification is not the only thing that should be considered when buying hunting binoculars, objective lens size is just as important.

      Objective Lens Size Explained | Objective Lens Size Comparison Objective Lens Size Explained | Objective Lens Size Comparison

      Objective Lens Size Explained Objective Lens Size Explained

      What Does Binocular Objective Lens Size Mean?

      The objective lens is the end of the binoculars that you don’t look through. This is the side that actually gathers light. It is important to know the objective lens size because it is the low-light gathering potential of the binoculars, giving you a better image in low-light situations and often a crisper image overall.

      On 8×42 binoculars, the 42 stands for the diameter of the lenses opposite of which you look through, measured in millimeters. In other words, it’s the measurement of the light-gathering end of the binoculars.

      As your objective lens size increases, you’re able to draw more light into the lens. This allows for better low-light capabilities. However, there are also some considerations to make before you buy hunting binoculars with big lenses:

      You have to be careful buying large-diameter lenses in conjunction with high magnification lenses. Glass is heavy. More glass = more free-hand shakiness.

      For example, A 10×50 is better than a 10×42 in low-light situations (all things being equal) but the 10×50 will be a heavier binocular. This is good for those who need to see better in low-light but may need to consider stabilization methods like a tripod to keep them steady.

      If you go with a 10×42 then you are sacrificing low-light capabilities because your lens size is smaller and can’t gather as much light but at least you can see further and it’s lighter and less bulky.

      It’s all a trade-off, you can fine-tune your binoculars to the exact situations which will allow you to choose the best binoculars for you.

      Will you be using them free-hand most of the time? Or will you be able to rest them on something or a tripod when hunting? These are some questions you should ask before buying binoculars.

      How To Calculate Binocular Low-Light Performance

      Exit Pupil Size

      The exit pupil size is an easy calculation that will tell you how well a binocular will do in low-light situations. A higher result means better low-light performance capabilities of the binoculars.

      Exit Pupil Size = (Objective Lens Size ÷ Magnification)

      Binocular Magnification, Objective Lens Size, and Exit Pupil Size Relationship Chart

      Binocular Magnification (x) Objective Lens Size (mm) Exit Pupil Size (Low-Light Performance) Type of Binocular
      7 50 7.14 Full
      8 25 3.13 Compact
      8 28 3.50 Compact
      8 32 4.00 Mid
      8 42 5.25 Full
      8 50 6.25 Full
      10 25 2.50 Compact
      10 28 2.80 Compact
      10 30 3.00 Mid
      10 42 4.20 Full
      10 50 5.00 Full
      12 42 3.50 Full
      12 50 4.17 Full
      15 50 3.33 Full
      15 56 3.73 Full
      20 50 2.50 Full
      20 70 3.50 Full
      20 80 4.00 Full

      So as you can see, all things being equal, 7×50 binoculars will have the best light gathering capabilities out of these examples by far. If lens magnification and size are all that matters, then why not buy cheap binoculars, right? Not so fast. Not all binoculars are created equal. 

      Testing Binoculars in Low-Light

      Types Of Binoculars & Objective Lens Size

      There are three types of binoculars: compact, mid-sized, and full-sized. binoculars are categorized into these types by their objective lens size. For example:

      • Objective Lens Size 30mm or less — These are referred to as compact lenses, these lenses sacrifice some light-gathering performance for their smaller size and lighter weight. They are good when weight is a factor.
      • Objective Lens Size 42mm — These are mid-sized lenses, they are big enough to provide bright images even in low light, still quite small and portable, and offer good free-hand stability.
      • Objective Lens Size 50+mm — These are large full-sized lenses that are heavy. They can be tricky to use freehand because of their weight. They’re generally reserved for low-light situations or to help offset the reduced light as a result of highly-magnified lenses.

      What Makes Some Binoculars Better Than Others?

      Understanding magnification, lens size, and how they relate to each other are the most important aspects to know when learning how to choose binoculars, but there are some finer details to know.

      Quality Glass = Better Light Transmission

      Not only does light have to get into the binoculars, but the light also needs to pass through the glass effectively. If a binocular has poor glass quality it will not be able to utilize the light efficiently. Thus, it will not perform as well as a binocular with glass that transfers light more efficiently.

      Lens Coatings

      You don’t want any reflection from your binoculars. Reflection from your lenses will deflect the light that you want entering your lenses. The best lenses will have coatings on them so that reflection is minimized to the furthest extent possible. This will allow as much light as possible to enter the binoculars so that you can see better in low-light.

      Extra Low-Dispersion (ED) & High-Definition (HD) Glass

      Extra low-dispersion glass (ED) also known as High-definition (HD) is, as the name implies, focuses the light color spectrum better. This reduces chromatic aberration. Chromatic aberration is the color-fringing (weird fuzzy coloring) that can occur at the edges of contrasting objects or landscapes. ED glass can also improve overall image clarity.

      glass quality is important to understand for buying the best binoculars for hunting for the money Photo from Gear Expert

      What Makes Binoculars Expensive?

      Quality-made binocular glass makes a difference in how binoculars will perform. The best binocular glass isn’t created by automated manufacturing to the same extent, at least not yet. To achieve the best binocular glass, is made in-house with a lot of research and development. Because of this binoculars take longer to produce and require more employees, this is the reason some binoculars are so much more expensive than others.

      Best Binoculars For The Money

      Fortunately, high-quality binoculars are more affordable now that binocular manufacturing technology has improved. If you have an old pair that you’ve been using, it’s probably time to upgrade. You’ll notice a tremendous improvement. I tested 14 binoculars, at different price points ($250 to $2500), to determine the best binoculars for the money. I cover everything from entry-level to high-end binoculars and everything in between in the video below.

      I tested 14 binoculars, at different price points ($250 to $2500), to determine the best hunting binoculars for the money. I cover everything from entry-level to high-end hunting binoculars and everything in between.

      Are Expensive Binoculars Worth The Money?

      There is a point of diminishing return when buying binoculars. You can obtain 80% of the quality by spending 10x less money.  For example, the Athlon Midas binoculars cost +/- 250$, whereas the Swarovski EL’s cost +/- 2500$. So for 10x less money, you can still have at least 80% of what those expensive binoculars offer.

      For me, if 250$ binoculars are even 70% comparable to 2500$ binoculars, that’s good enough for me. I put my binoculars to the test in all types of weather and through rough habitats and I don’t want to be worried about losing, dropping, scratching, or forgetting expensive binoculars.

      Conclusion

      I hope this article has helped you determine how to choose binoculars for your specific uses. That said, it’s a great idea to head to the store to get some of the binoculars in your hands and up to your eyes so you can get a better feel for how they will work for you.

      I have also tested just about all of these binoculars in this review, hopefully, it has narrowed your search for the right binocular quicker. Out of the 14 binoculars I tested, I believe the Althon Midas binoculars are currently the best for the money. I currently use the Midas binoculars and would recommend them to anyone beginner or expert.

      I found the Athlon Midas binoculars to be the best value binoculars because they offer, in my opinion, 80% of the value when compared to the most expensive binoculars that cost 5x-10x more money.

      Find Me On:

      Jackery Explorer 1000 Review | Real-World Remote Camping Review

      Jason Tome
      -
      0
      Jackery Explorer 1000 Review | Real-World Remote Camping Review

      In this Jackery Explorer 1000 review, we’ll dive into the specs, pros, and cons of this Jackery portable power station so you can decide if it will best suit your portable power needs.

      Portable power stations have come a long way in the past decade. In the past, batteries couldn’t do much more than charge your small devices a few times. Now, these more efficient batteries can last a lot longer and power larger devices. For this reason, they are becoming more popular and are now a tool to consider instead of, or in tandem with, a gas-powered generator.

      The Jackery 1000 is a great option for camping, off-grid living, glamping, overlanding, tailgating…you name it. Pretty much if you need lots of power and there’s none around, the Jackery 1000 will likely be able to keep up with what you’re asking of it.

      With that being said, let’s jump into what this power station is capable of.

      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!

      This Review’s Credibility

      My Credentials

      I’m a professional ecologist, registered hunting guide, and outdoor content creator. I’ve personally owned the Jackery Explorer 1000 for about a year now and have used it a few times for off-grid remote-style camping and remote hunting trips. As a content creator, I need to be able to keep my camera gear and laptop charged while in remote settings. 

      In the video below, I briefly show my Jackery Explorer 1000 camping setup while I am on a remote Maine moose hunt. If you click on the video it will automatically bring you to the part where I show my Subaru Forester camping setup and Jackery portable power station set up with solar panels.

      I spent a lot of time researching portable power stations to determine which would be the best for me. With all of the other options on the market I ended up choosing the Jackery Explorer 1000 and I’m going to share why I made that choice.

      No Affiliation

      I am not affiliated with Jackery in any way. This Jackery Explorer 1000 review is based solely on my personal experience with this portable power station in the field.

      Jackery Explorer 1000 Review (Field-Tested With Solar Panels)

      Why I Chose The Jackery Explorer 1000 For Remote Camping

      I chose the Jackery 1000 because after researching the best portable power stations, I determined that this model of Jackery was the best value power station based on the specs and online reviews. I usually don’t need the best equipment on the market at really high price points, but I also don’t like to buy cheap equipment that is going to break which causes more frustration.

      Based on my research the Jackery Explorer 1000 was very well built, could power/charge a lot of devices at once, could charge devices even while in use, was super easy to use, and had 3-different ways to charge it.

      What I Liked About The Jackery Explorer 1000 While Remote Camping

      Having 3-ways to charge is important for me because there isn’t always enough sun to get a full charge. That said, having solar panels was an awesome option to recharge the Jackery battery while I was away from camp. This way the Jackery would get significantly charged by the time I got back to camp at the end of the day.

      When I’m creating content in remote settings I need to be able to recharge all my gear at night so that it’s good to go in the mornings. Buying the Jackery battery helped me save some money because instead of buying a BUNCH of batteries for my camera gear (camera, drones, power banks…etc), instead, I could just have one big battery and just recharge the few batteries I needed for each day.

      The Jackery never let me down when it came to charging batteries for all of my camera gear. I’m usually gone for one-week trips and it’s not uncommon for me to have enough battery just from using solar for the whole week. That said, I haven’t used it for larger appliances yet, I’ve used it mostly for just camera gear and my laptop.

      I also lost my AC charger and asked Jackery if they could send me a link so I could buy a new one, they got back to me right away and shipped one to me for free which was awesome! Their customer service is really great, and many others have said the same thing.

      Pros

      • Very easy to operate
      • 3-way to charge the battery
      • Solar Panels Are Awesome
      • 2-Year Warranty
      • Great Customer Service
      • Free 30-Day Returns
      • Free Shipping
      • Quiet compared to a generator

      What I Didn’t Like About It

      The Jackery 1000 Internal Fan

      There is not much I can say about things I didn’t like about this power station, however, there were a few areas I would like to see improved. The fan was my biggest complaint because when charging equipment the fan would periodically kick on for about 3 seconds and then shut off. The fan is pretty quiet so this might not be a problem for most people, but I car-camp so I’m often sleeping in my car. With the battery inside the car, it would wake me up once in a while. It wasn’t a huge deal but enough so that it’s worth mentioning.

      The Jackery 1000 Temperature Operating Limits

      Another thing I found out after purchasing the battery is that it has temperature operating limits of between 14º F and 104º F. This is a pretty good range for most people, but I live in Maine and it can get cold. Additionally, the inside of vehicles tend to get hotter or colder than the outside environment, so you might need to be careful if you store your Jackery battery in your car all day.   

      Charge Cycles – How Many Years Will The Jackery Explorer 1000 Last Before It Needs To Be Replaced?

      Like all battery-operated portable power stations, the batteries will eventually become less effective over time. Jackery claims that this battery should handle approximately 500 charge cycles (from empty to fully charged).

      This does not mean your battery will stop working after 500 charge cycles, it just means it won’t be able to hold as much charge as it did when you first bought it.

      Of course, how well you maintain your battery will also play a role in how long it will last (like storing it properly). I wish that this number was higher, other batteries on the market have much higher charge cycles.

      Cons

      • Periodic Loud Fan Noise When It’s Working Hard
      • Temp Operating Limits 14 F and 104 F
      • Only 500 Charge Cycles (To 80% Capacity)

      Jackery Explorer 1000 Specs and Overview

      Jackery Explorer 1000 With Two Jackery Solar Panels
      Jackery Explorer 1000 With Two Jackery Solar Panels

      Unboxing – What Comes With The Jackery Explorer 1000?

      • Jackery Battery
      • Duel Solar Panel Charger/Splitter
      • AC Charging Cable Block Charger (Outlet Charger)
      • DC Charging Cable (Car Charger)
      • Two 100W Solar Panels
      Gear That Comes With Jackery Explorer 1000
      Gear That Comes With Jackery Explorer 1000

      Build Quality & Design

      The Jackery 1000 is has a strong hard plastic housing which no doubt also serves to reduce the weight if this power station. The power station weighs in at 22 lbs, which is not bad considering how much you get out of it for power vs other models on the market. This power station is a rectangular cube in shape and has a nice carrying handle on top for easy transporting.

       

      Jackery Explorer 1000 Front View
      Jackery Explorer 1000 Front View

       

      There are also fan vents located on either end of the Jackery which aid to keep the battery cool under intense charging loads. You can see the perforated sides of the Jackery which draws cool air in from one side and blows the warmer air out the other side.

       

      "<yoastmark

       

      "<yoastmark

       

      "<yoastmark

      Ports and LCD Screen

      The front of the Jackery battery is the only side that you’ll be interacting with the device because everything is located on the front (except for the built-in flashlight). The other sides (top, back, and bottom) are solid plastic.

      Jackery Explorer 1000 Plugs and Ports
      Jackery Explorer 1000 Plugs and Ports

       

      Jackery Explorer 1000 LCD Screen Close Up
      Jackery Explorer 1000 LCD Screen Close Up

      3 AC Ports

      • (Pure Sine-Wave 110V, 1000W)

      5 DC Ports

      • 12V, 10A Car Outlet Port
      • Two USB-C Ports
      • Two USB-A Ports

      Two Inputs For Charging

      • Outlet Charging Input Port
      • Dual Solar Panel Input Port

      Jackery Explorer 1000 Battery Specs

      Capacity: 1002Wh Capacity / 1000W of Power (2000W Surge Power)

      Charge Cycles: 500 cycles to 80% capacity

      Charge Time: 7.5 to 17 hours depending on charging method

      How Long The Jackery 1000 Last On A Full-Charge?

      The Jackery Explorer 1000 has 1002 Wh of storage capacity. Using this number you can approximately calculate how long your Jackery will last while charging any device: Working time = 1002Wh* 0.85 / operating wattage of your device (approximate only).

      Below are some approximate run times for different appliances to get you in the ballpark. Of course, these times will vary depending on device energy consumption.  

      Jackery Explorer 1000 Run Times For Different Appliances Infographic
      Jackery Explorer 1000 Run Times For Different Appliances (approximate only)

       

      How Long Does It Take To Fully Charge The Jackery 1000?

      • 7.5 hours via AC wall charger
      • 14 hours via DC Car charger
      • 17 Hours via one solar panel
      • 8 hours via two solar panels

      Jackery Solarsaga 100W Solar Panel Review

      Jackery Solar Panel Unfolded
      Jackery Solar Panel Unfolded

      Check Amazon's Price

      From my time using the Jackery Solarsaga solar panels, I don’t have any complaints, they just work really well. They’re very well-thought-out and make using them very easy, fast, and enjoyable.

      For example, they’re super compact and can be folded up into basically 2 ft squares. When they’re folded they hardly take up any room because they’re so thin. This makes them easily packable when you’re not using them or when there’s no sun.

      They also have magnets in the orange end pieces (shown in the photos below) which keep them together, and the magnets work really well.

      When you’re ready to use them you just pull the magnets apart to open the panel, then pull out the built-in solar panel stand, then plug the cord (located inside a pouch on the panels) into the Jackery Explorer 1000. The photos below will show you more exactly what I am talking about:

       

      Jackery Solarsaga 100W Solar Panel Plugged Into Jackery Explorer 1000
      Jackery Solarsaga 100W Solar Panel Plugged Into Jackery Explorer 1000. This is how you plug in a single panel, for double panels you would use the splitter attachment that comes with the Jackery Explorer 1000 and plug it into the back and red input (below).

       

      Jackery Explorer 1000 With Two Solar Panels Plugged In
      Jackery Explorer 1000 With Two Solar Panels Plugged In via splitter

       

      Back of Unfolded Jackery Solar Panel
      Back of Unfolded Jackery Solar Panel With Built-In Stand

       

      Jackery Solar Panels Width
      2 Jackery Solar Panels Folded – Thin Width For Easy Transport

       

      Jackery Solar Panels Folded Length
      Jackery Solar Panels Folded Length – 2ft Long (magnets hold the panels together and work well)

      Conclusion

      Hopefully, this real-world Jackery Explorer 1000 and Solarsaga 100W solar panel review has helped you determine if this portable power station system is right for you. I believe it is one of the best portable power stations for the money right now. You can get this power station without the solar panels but I’ve found them very useful, especially for longer trips.

      Find Me On:

      17 Best Climbing Sticks For Hunting Compared [2025]

      Jason Tome
      -
      0
      17 Best Climbing Sticks For Hunting Compared [2025]

      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!

      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

      Hawk Helium 20'' Hunting Climbing SticksEWO Ultralight Climbing Stick For HuntingShikar FXD Climbing Stick For HuntingTethrd One Climbing StickD'Acquisto Series Full Climbing Sticks
      ModelHAWK HeliumEWO UltralightShikar FXDTethrd OneD'Acquisto Full Sticks
      AwardBest BudgetBest ValueWell-RoundedBest MobileBest Full-Sized
      Price Per Stick*28.0090.00115.00110.00115.00
      Weight Per Stick (lbs)2.51.61.61.02.4
      Stacking Height Per 4-Sticks (in) 9.3108.17.34.6
      Stacking Length Per 4 Sticks (in) 2723.522.021.536.0
      Step To Step (in)171820.017.314.0
      Footroom (in)3.54.94.03.54.5
      AvailabilityShop AmazonShop EWOShop OOALShop TethrdShop Lone Wolf CG
      *Price at the time of this post

       

      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.

      Brand Price Per Stick Weight Per Stick (lbs) Stacking Height Per 4 Sticks (in) Stacking Length Per 4 Sticks (in) Step to Step (in) Footroom (in)
      Timber Ninja C-1 (20" Sticks)120.001.29.320.018.03.5
      Timber Ninja A-1 (20" Sticks)85.001.69.320.018.03.5
      Tethrd One Stick (18.5" Sticks)110.001.07.321.517.33.5
      EWO Ultralight (20" Sticks)90.001.610.023.518.04.9
      Lone Wolf Stick 3-Step Original (32" Sticks)52.502.59.039.515.04.0
      Lone Wolf Full Sticks (3-Step D'Acquisto) (28" Sticks)115.002.44.636.014.04.5
      Lone Wolf Double Step (17" Sticks)100.001.54.920.517.03.6
      Lone Wolf Compact (17" Sticks)100.001.54.824.817.04.9
      Shikar Climbing Sticks (20" Sticks)100.001.54.830.520.04
      Shikar FXD (20" Sticks)115.001.68.122.020.04
      Beast Gear Sticks (24" Sticks)100.001.710.024.522.03.9
      Muddy Pro Sticks (20" Sticks)47.503.010.027.518.34.4
      Novix Minis (17" Sticks)42.501.49.124.515.04.1
      Stacked Outdoors (21" Sticks)37.502.410.321.117.05.9
      API Outdoors Hunt'n Sticks (2-Step Mod) (20" Sticks)33.332.39.525.520.04
      XOP Mini 2-Steps (22" Sticks)32.502.510.532.015.05.3
      HAWK Helium 20" Climbing Stick (20" Sticks)28.002.59.327.017.03.5
      *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

      Timber Nijas C-1 (Carbon) Climbing Sticks
      Timber Ninjas C-1 (Carbon) Climbing Sticks. Photo from here

      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

      Timber Ninja A1 (Aluminum) Climbing Sticks
      Timber Ninja A1 (Aluminum) Climbing Sticks. Photo from here

       

      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

      Tethrd One Climbing Stick
      Tethrd One Climbing Stick. Photo from here

      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

      EWO Ultralight Climbing Sticks
      EWO Ultralight Climbing Sticks. Photo from here

      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)

      Lone Wolf Full Sticks – D’Acquisto Series Full Climbing Sticks (3-Step)
      Lone Wolf Full Sticks – D’Acquisto Series Full Climbing Sticks (3-Step). Photo from here

      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

      Lone Wolf Custom Gear Double Step Climbing Sticks Bolt Bracket

      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

      Lone Wolf Custom Gear Compact Sticks
      Lone Wolf Custom Gear Compact Sticks. Photo from here

      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

      The SHIKAR Lightweight Climbing Sticks

      The SHIKAR Lightweight Climbing Sticks
      The SHIKAR Lightweight Climbing Sticks. Photos from here

      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

      The SHIKAR FXD (Fixed) Climbing Sticks & Saddle Platform Steps
      The SHIKAR FXD Climbing Sticks. Photo from here

      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

      Beast Gear Climbing Sticks
      Beast Gear Climbing Sticks. Photo from here

      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
      • 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

      Check Amazon's Price

      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

      Novix Mini Climbing Sticks For Hunting
      Novix Mini Climbing Sticks For Hunting. Photo from here

      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

      Stacked Outdoors Climbing Sticks For Hunting
      Stacked Outdoors Climbing Sticks For Hunting. Photo from here

      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)

       

      API Outdoors Hunt'n Climbing Sticks
      API Outdoors Hunt’n Climbing Sticks

      Check Cabela's Price

      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

      XOP Locking 2-Steps Short Climbing Sticks
      XOP Locking 2-Steps Short Climbing Sticks. Photo from here

      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

      Check Amazon's Price

      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.

      Find Me On:

      1...789...13Page 8 of 13

      Welcome to Jason Tome Outdoors. I am a Professional Ecologist, Registered Maine Hunting Guide who writes and films helpful and authentic outdoor lifestyle content for those interested in the outdoors.

      Quick Access

      Company Info

      Social Networks