Best Climbing Sticks In 2025 Tested With Reviews

Are you looking for the best climbing sticks to quickly and safely access your tree stand or tree saddle? We have tested 8 sets of the top climbing sticks and found the XOP Climbing sticks to be the best for tree stand and saddle hunting.

List Of Climbing Sticks We Tested

How We Tested Climbing Sticks

Our staff of hunting experts used each of these climbing sticks to access their tree stands and tree saddles. They compared each set of sticks and rated them on a number of criteria, such as weight, step size, portability, noise, versatility and climbing comfort.

Weight

Weight varies dramatically from brand to brand and even though heavier weight can meen good quality, you should consider where you are going to be hunting and plan accordingly. If you are going to be trekking miles through thick cover to set up your treestand, you don't want to be lugging any more weight than necessary. You would be much better off with lightweight climbing sticks. Each of our staff members rated the weight of each stick on a scale of one to five with five being the best.

Step Size

The smaller the steps are, the harder it is to climb trees safely and comfortably. We have some guys on staff that insist on the double step design because it makes climbing more comfortable when they can place both feet at the same height.

Make sure that the steps have enough room for your boots and have some kind of teeth for traction and added safety.

Each of our staff members rated step size on a scale of one to five with five being the best.

Portability And Stackability

Portability consists of how easily the tree sticks stack together and attach to your tree stand so you can easily carry them long distances to your hunting spot. We also took into cosideration how tightly they sacked and how quietly they could be transported. Each staff member rated portability on a scale of one to five with five being the best.

Noise

Noise is one of the most important issues with climbing sticks. We tested both the noise level when setting up the sticks on the tree and also the any noise made while climbing the sticks.

In our testing, single sticks were much quieter than stick ladder types. Each staff member rated each stick for noise on a scale of one to five with five being the best.

Versatility

All sticks will work on perfectly straight trees with no branches or limbs in the way, but what about crooked trees and trees with lots of limbs?

Each of our staff members rated each set of these sticks for versatility, taking into consideration multiple problem trees, and being able to get the sticks into these trees and access the tree stand or saddle.

Each one was rated on a scale of one to five with five being the best.

Climbing Comfort

Each set of climbing sticks were rated on how well they attached to the tree. Was there slippage or any movement? Were the steps a comfortable distance apart? Were the sticks far enough away from the tree so that the toes of your boots don't hit the tree?

Each of our staff members rated the sticks on a scale of one to five with five being the best.

Below you will find the results of our testing with complete reviews of each set of sticks.

Who Are We?

We are a team made up of real deer hunters. We are outdoor writers, contributors, field testers and pro staff that have used each of these climbing sticks to access our hang on tree stands and tree saddles. We then rate and review them based on our findings.

If you have done a google search for the best climbing sticks, then you have seen numerous pages that were clearly not written by deer hunters. Some of these pages don’t even make sense!

They are written by internet marketers trying to sell you on the climbing sticks that they make the most money from.

Don’t be fooled!

We are real hunters with many years of hunting experience and actually use all of the products that we rate and review.

Below you will find our reviews of the 8 climbing sticks that we have tested so that you can determine which ones are best for you.

You may have seen others online recommending Tethrd One Climbing Sticks. We tried them last year and were not impressed. It also came as no surprise to us that the Tethrd One Sticks were recalled last year!

You can see the Tethrd One Climbing Sticks recall here: Tethrd One Recall

I am sure Tethrd One has corrected the problem and it is now safe to use a new Tethrd One Stick, but we are going to give them a little more time before we try them again.

Below you will find in-depth reviews of all 8 sets of tree climbing sticks that our staff uses during the hunting season.

Reviews And Recommendations

Best Overall: XOP Climbing Sticks

XOP climbing sticks and tree stands are very similar to Lone Wolf hunting products and here's why.

XOP stands for Extreme Outdoor Products and the company was started by the original founder of Lone Wolf Products. He sold Lone Wolf and when the patents were up and the non compete period was over, he founded XOP and began making similar products.

The big difference?

Lone Wolf products are made in the USA and XOP products are made in China.

XOP has designed some really awesome products, but we prefer products made in the USA when we can get them.

Now you know the back story. Let's take a look at the XOP set and what sets them apart from other climbing sticks.

XOP climbing sticks are constructed from 6061 aircraft grade aluminum with heat treated steel fast strap buttons that make hanging them quick, effortless and safe.

They also have a pivoting bracket system that follows the natural contour of the tree and a patented arch step technology that forms to your boot for secure tree climbing.

The V brackets have a deep stand off for more room between your boot and the tree. If you have ever used climbing sticks with a short standoff, you know how hard it is to comfortably climb when your toes are hitting the tree with each step.

The pivoting steps are also reversible with relative ease.

They also have a patented self locking mechanism that locks the sticks together making them easy to carry without the need for a separate strap to hold them together.

Key Features:

• Aircraft grade aluminum construction
• Single tube design
• 350 pound capacity
• Stick is 34 inches long
• There is 15 inches between each step
• Each stick weighs 3.2 pounds
• Reversible steps

Test Results Average Score: 4.75

• Weight: 4
• Step Size: 5
• Stackability: 5
• Noise: 5
• Versatility: 4.5
• Climbing Comfort: 5

Here's a great video taking an in depth look at the XOP climbing sticks.

Best Lightweight: Hawk Helium

The Hawk sticks are a solid stick built from aircraft grade aluminum at price anyone can afford, making them our choice for best value.

Each stick is 30 inches long and utilizes cutouts to bring the weight down to 2.9 pounds.

It consists of three anti slip steps, but this stick has all three steps on both sides of the stick making it easy to stand with both feet at the same level.

These sticks attach to each other with a suction cup design formula that has failed numerous times and is almost useless. You will need to strap these together, but the price is right.

The silent use versa button and strap system is noiseless when attaching to the tree and the tree digger teeth really bite into the tree bark for a solid connection to the tree.

Key Features:

• Quality aluminum construction
• TreeDigger™ teeth 
• Suction cup attachment system
• 300 pound capacity
• Stick is 30 inches long
• There is 10 inches between each step
• Each stick weighs 2.9 pounds
• Dual steps
• Locking pegs

Test Results Average Score: 4.25

• Weight: 4.5
• Step Size: 4
• Stackability: 3
• Noise: 5
• Versatility: 4.5
• Climbing Comfort: 4.5

Here's a great video showing the key features and value of the Hawk Helium lightweight climbing sticks.

Best For Saddle:  Novix Mini Sticks

The Novix sticks are a must have for the mobile hunter. Weighing in at just 1.4 pounds apiece, these sticks are the ultimate in portability.

Each stick is 17 inches long and carries a weight rating of 300 pounds.

It features reversible steps and a pivoting bracket similar to the XOP climbing sticks that enable you to use it in just about any tree.

If you are the type of hunter that is mobile and looking for the best portable climbing sticks to take deep into the woods, you need to check out the Novix sticks.

Key Features:

• Single tube design
• Lightweight aluminum construction
• Easy to install
• 300 pound limit
• Stick is 17 inches long
• There is 15 inches between each step
• Each stick weighs 1.4 pounds, 5.8 pounds for 4 sticks
• Pivoting V-bracket
• Reversible steps

Test Results Average Score: 4.66

• Weight: 5
• Step Size: 5
• Stackability: 4.5
• Noise: 4.5
• Versatility: 4.5
• Climbing Comfort: 4.5

Here's a video showing the key features of the Novix Sticks.

Best For The Money: Muddy Pro Sticks

Muddy sticks have gotten a bad rap because they were recalled back in 2012, but these are new models significant improvement and are deemed safe.

We really like these sticks because they are super lightweight aluminum at only 2.5 pounds each and the specially designed rope cam system is really easy and quiet to use with Silent Lock technology.

The aluminum bark biters give you a really solid attachment to the tree and the steps have built in teeth for easy gripping with your boots in all weather conditions.

Each stick is 20 inches long with 10 inches between steps and carries a weight rating of 300 pounds.

The sticks stack together nicely and are compatible with most lock on treestands.

Key Features:

• Dual step design
• Silent Lock technology
• Easy to install
• Steps have built in contraction teeth for extra grip
• Rated for 300 pounds 
• Each stick is 20 inches long
• There is 10 inches between each step
• Each stick weighs 2.5 pounds
• Fiberguard powdercoat for a non slip grip
• Quiet cam system rope attachment method

Test Results Average Score: 4.08

• Weight: 4.5
• Step Size: 4
• Stackability: 4
• Noise: 4
• Versatility: 4
• Climbing Comfort: 4

Here is a video showing you some of the key features of the Muddy Sticks.

Best Climbing Stick Ladder: Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber

The difference between this type of climbing stick and the others that we have reviewed so far is that these sections all attach and make one stick that its 20 feet long.

Some guys like this style of climbing stick and some don't. It all depend on your individual preference.

The Millennium Treestands M210 Stick Climber has a foot ground stabilizer to keep it from going into the ground and a double top step for standing on or gripping with your hands when stepping in or out of your treestand for maximum stability.

It also comes with 7 foot cam buckle straps which gives you a super tight grip on very large trees without the need for extension straps.

It is a bit heavy at 17 pounds with SteelTough construction and finished with a heavy duty coating. Maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds.

Key Features:

• Dual top step 
• Extra long 7 foot cam buckle strap for big trees
• Lightweight SteelTough construction
• Non slip powder coat finish to prevent rust
• Deep standoff for easy climbing without toes hitting the tree
• Boot gripping steps have raised ends so your foot doesn't slide off

Test Results Average Score: 2.9

• Weight: 2
• Step Size: 4
• Stackability: 3
• Noise: 2
• Versatility: 2
• Climbing Comfort: 4.5

Runner Up Best Stick Ladder: Muddy Ascender Climbing System

The Muddy Ascender is another example of the stick ladder. It consists of 5, 48 inch sections that connect together to make it 20 feet tall. Each section has its own cam lock straps.

They use plastic caps and nylon washers throughout to eliminate metal to metal contact and make it as quiet as possible.

It is constructed of steel DX tubing which is really strong and durable, but also really heavy at 33 pounds.

It utilizes double steps which measure 11 inches overall and have a non slip finish.

The Ascender also has a 8 inch standoff between the steps and the tree which makes it much easier to climb when you are wearing large boots.

Key Features:

• Nylon washers and plastic caps for noiseless use
• Rated for 300 lbs
• Strong steel DX tubing construction
• Easy to assemble
• 8 inch standoff provides extra space between the tree and the steps
• Non slip powder coat finish

Test Results Average Score: 2.75

• Weight: 1
• Step Size: 4
• Stackability: 2
• Noise: 3
• Versatility: 2
• Climbing Comfort: 4.5

Here is a video showing the features of the Muddy Ascender.

Climbing Sticks Comparison Table

Climbing Sticks Buying Guide

In this section we will teach you all about the different types of climbing sticks, as well as what you should consider when shopping for the sticks and stick systems.

We will also go through all of the frequently asked questions so that when you are done reading this article you will possess all of the knowledge necessary to make a well educated and informed decision on which sticks are right for you.

Tree stand climbing sticks are used to access hang on treestands, they are not used with climbing tree stands, ladder stands or 2 man ladder stands.

They are also used with tree saddles depending on your hunting style.

Although here is a deer stand placement tip for guys that like to use climbers:

Some of our guys like to hunt out of climbing stands in multi trunked trees, because it is great camouflage and very easy to hide in the middle of 2 or 3 tree trunks. The problem is that you can't fit a climber around the base of a multi trunked tree because the tree trunk base is huge. So these guys use a climbing stick or two to get five or six feet up and then climb into their climber and up they go.

RELATED: How To Maintain Your Tree Stands And Climbing Sticks

Types Of Climbing Sticks

There are basically two climbing methods and two types of climbing sticks on the market that you will be choosing from. Single and ladder style climbing sticks.

Some say that there are three types and throw tree steps into the mix, but tree steps are not climbing sticks, they are individual metal steps that either strap on or screw into the tree.

Single 

Single climbing sticks are the top choice for most situations. They are individual sticks with two or three steps on them, which you attach to the tree. You attach as many as you need to achieve the height that you want.

These sticks can be used in almost any tree, whether crooked and gnarly, or straight and are a better alternative for most hunting situations.

Ladder Style 

Ladder style sticks consist of a metal tube in the center with steps on each side. The ladder sections are pre assembled on the ground and then set against the tree and attached as one unit.

This style of climbing sticks is usually less expensive and can be quite noisy due to the friction where the sections connect.

This style can also only be used on fairly straight trees with no branches or limbs in the way.

RELATED: Best Tree Stand Harnesses Tested With Reviews

Things To Consider When Buying Climbing Sticks

In this section we are going to go through all of the things that you should consider when you are shopping for good climbing sticks.

Height

This should be your first consideration. How high do you want to be and how many sticks is it going to take to get you that high.

Most climbing stick systems are designed to go 20 feet high.

Keep in mind that your tree sticks should extend above your tree stand so that you are stepping down onto the stand. This is a safety factor and the best way to enter your stand. Most tree stand accidents happen when you are entering or exiting your stand. Don't be a statistic.

So if you purchase a 20 foot climbing stick, your treestand should only be about 15 to 16 feet off the ground, which is about as low as you should go in most instances.

If you want to go higher than that, you are going to need the individual climbing sticks and you will have to purchase the correct number of them that you need to reach your height you want. This number varies by manufacturer and model.

RELATED: How To Hang A Hang On Tree Stand

Weight Capacity

This should go without saying, but we are going to say it anyway. Make sure that you stay under the rated weight limit for the sticks you choose.

Remember, they are not talking about how much you weigh when you step on the scale in your skivvies. They are talking about the actual weight, which is your overall weight, fully dressed and any hunting gear that you will have on your person.

RELATED: Lightest Hang On Tree Stand

Durability

As hunters, we want our hunting gear to last a long time so that we can safely and confidently use it year after year and our tree climbing systems are no different.

The best climbing sticks that are the most durable are going to be the ones that are made from aluminum.

Aluminum steps will not rust like steel, so even though you may think that the steel is more sturdy, it will not be as durable in the long run.

Price

This should go without saying, but you get what you pay for when it comes to climbing sticks. If you choose a lower priced set of sticks, you are giving up some of the features of the higher priced sticks. Always buy the best that you can afford.

Final Thoughts 

We hope that we have answered all of your questions about the top climbing sticks available today.

Our staff has tested each of the climbing sticks reviewed above and the XOP Sticks were the clear winner for accessing your saddle or hang on tree stand.

We even polled our readers and the overwhelming answer was XOP.

The ultimate choice for saddle hunting are Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks, because of their small size and super light weight, which our saddle hunters preferred.

Whatever your hunting style, we are confident that any of these tree sticks will get you safely up a tree for your next hunting trip.

Hunt high and hunt safe.

Related: Hunting Accident Statistics