Climber or hang on with sticks for beginner?

[Lowslungcj]

I hunt the southeast and a climber has worked for me most hunts with both my bow and rifle. With my rifle I love have the rail to rest the gun on for a secure hold. There have been a few times that I would have preferred to climb a different tree with my bow but it’s always worked out for me to find a different tree.

I haul my aluminum summit viper stand every season and my public land spots typically require a .5-1.2 mile walk. If you get a summit climber then look into Hazmore Outdoor for their straps, replacement seat, and bow holder. Hazmore’s accessory kit made a world of different to my climber!

Shoot on Thursday night I walked in about 850 yards and it was so late I sat on the ground. I used my climber as a frame for a make shift blind made from deadfall. I had a buck walk up to me 6 yards away which was a deadly mistake on his part …….. with a lock on or saddle I wouldn’t have been able to make that blind which secured my ability to harvest that buck!

 

[bergie]

It’s going to depend on the type of trees in the area you’re hunting. I’d vote climber with a good harness (if we’re talking pine trees or something reasonably straight). I don’t care for heights and a climber is safer for me or at least in my head it is.

Edit to add. Summit would be a good place to start and also they’re easier to set up for me.

Couldn't agree more. I have the summit viper and where I live it would be hard to not find a good conifer to climb up. I know it's a little heavy and a little bulky but the comfort factor sitting in it all day makes it work the extra effort.
Climbing up and down and sitting in the tree I feel super safe as well.

 

[Rcycs24]

I think the lock on and sticks are the most versatile and the lightest. Climbers can be bulky. XOP’s Rubicon to me has all of the features of some of the pricier setups, mainly, the seat will lock to form a shelf during transport…super handy for carrying your pack. Plus it’s about 10lbs and runs $2-250 vs similar more expensive setups. At XOP you can get a complete setup of sticks/stand for what you might pay for just the stand at some other brands