When we unboxed the Guide Gear Full Step climbing Stick Ladder for Tree Stands (25′), it felt like getting an extra piece of confidence for our fall hunts – an extended bridge from the forest floor up into a better vantage.Over several outings we assembled the five-section ladder, hauled it into the stand tree, and climbed it in everything from calm dawns to brisk, late-season afternoons. That hands-on time is the basis for this review.
Right away the obvious selling points stood out: the 25-foot length gives us an extra five feet compared with typical 20-foot sticks, the tubular steel construction feels stout and reassuring underfoot, and the full, angled steps actually make the climb feel more natural than we expected. The ability to break the ladder down into five sections also proved useful for packing and storage. Still, a product like this is all about how it performs in the field – safety, comfort, and portability – so we put it through repeated setup, climbs, and takedowns to test those claims.
In the sections that follow we’ll walk through setup and transport, how the ladder feels while climbing, durability and load-handling, and whether the 25′ length and 300 lb capacity translate into real-world advantages for deer hunting. our goal is to give you a clear, experiance-based look at whether this Guide Gear climbing stick belongs on yoru gear list.
Our Overview of the Guide gear Full Step climbing Stick Ladder for Tree Stands
We found this climbing stick to be a straightforward solution for elevating our blind and staying stealthy during deer season. At 25 feet it gives us an extra five feet over the usual 20′ models, which makes a real difference for sight lines and concealment. Built from tough tubular steel with a 300 lb capacity, it feels reassuringly solid underfoot, and the full, angled steps make each transition up and down predictable and comfortable. The design also breaks down into five sections,so transporting and stowing it in the truck or the garage is uncomplicated.
- Height advantage: extra 5 ft for better vantage points
- Heavy-duty frame: tubular steel supports 300 lb
- Angled,full steps: easier,safer climbs
- Portable: disassembles into 5 sections
| Length | 25 ft |
| Material | Tubular steel |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lb |
| Sections | 5 |
| Step Type | Full,angled |
For those of us who hunt from trees,this model strikes a good balance between durability and portability. It isn’t the lightest option out there, but the solid feel and the secure footing are the trade-offs we’re willing to make for safety and stealth. If you want a simple, rugged climbing stick that gets you higher without fuss, take a closer look and compare specs before you buy – or see current pricing and details here: See latest Price & Details
Close Look at Build quality Comfort and Safety Features We Tested
We found the overall build impressively solid – the extra-strong tubular steel construction felt rugged without being overly heavy, and the advertised 300 lb capacity gave us confidence on each ascent. The extra 5 feet of reach (25′ total) really changes how we set stands and sightlines; it elevated us enough to stay stealthy while remaining stable. Portability was practical in the field: the stick breaks down into five sections for transport and storage, which made packing into our gear hauler and moving between trees much less of a chore. Below is a quick specs snapshot from our hands-on inspection:
| Feature | What We noted |
|---|---|
| Length | 25′ (extra 5′) |
| Material | Tubular steel |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Transport | 5 sections |
- Angled full steps: climbing felt natural; the angle keeps your foot planted and reduces slippage even with thick-soled boots.
- Step spacing and comfort: steps are wide enough for secure footing without feeling cramped on longer climbs.
- Safety in use: the rigidity of the steel and the snug fit of sections minimized wobble; we felt steady when transitioning on and off the stick.
During field testing we appreciated how the design balanced comfort and safety – the full steps reduce fatigue on repeated climbs and the sturdy frame instills confidence at height. We did notice that carrying the combined sections still requires a little forethought (strap or pack), but once erected the stick performed as intended for stealthy deer hunting and quick setup. Ready to see how it fits your setup? Grab one and try it out for your next season: Check Availability on Amazon
Detailed Insights and Our recommendations for Setup Use and Maintenance
For setup we focus on safe, repeatable steps so the climb is steady and quiet. As the stick reaches an extra 25′ – about 5′ more than standard sticks – we recommend assembling it on the ground first,then adding sections one at a time so alignment stays true. Key tips we follow:
- Assemble in order: connect the five sections sequentially and hand-tighten couplings before final seating.
- Pick a solid anchor point: choose a straight, healthy tree and set the base on firm ground to reduce wobble.
- Step orientation: orient the full, angled steps upward and confirm each rung is locked before climbing.
These angled steps make footing more secure and the added height helps keep us stealthy above approaching game,but we still test the setup with body weight before committing to the stand.
For ongoing use and maintenance we treat durability and portability as priorities. The tubular steel construction supports up to 300 lbs,so we always respect that limit and inspect connections and welds regularly. Simple care extends life: wipe down after wet conditions, apply a light rust inhibitor to exposed metal, and store the stick dismantled to save space and prevent stress on joints. Quick reference specs:
| feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 25′ |
| Extra Height | +5′ |
| Capacity | 300 lb |
| Sections | 5 (dismantles) |
When we’re ready to buy or replace ours, we look for the best deal and reliable shipping – check current availability here: See current price and details.
Pros & Cons
After spending time with the 25′ Guide Gear climbing stick, we boiled down the highlights and drawbacks so you can decide if it fits our-and your-hunting setup.
Pros
- Extra reach: The 25′ length gives us an extra 5 feet over the common 20′ sticks, which means better vantage and more stealth options.
- Solid construction: Tubular steel feels stout underfoot and inspires confidence when we climb-rated to 300 lbs.
- Full, angled steps: The angled full steps make the climb feel natural and secure; we noticed less foot slip than on ladder-style rungs.
- Breaks down for transport: It dismantles into five sections, so it’s manageable to carry to tree stands and store in a truck or garage.
- Simple, practical design: No unnecessary frills-what you see is a dependable climbing aid built for getting up and down quietly.
Cons
- Heavier than aluminum: Steel construction gives strength but increases pack and carry weight-we felt it on longer approaches.
- Connector attention: Reassembling the five sections takes a little time and we double‑checked connectors for tightness each season.
- 300 lb limit: The rating is reasonable, but heavier hunters wearing full gear should keep the limit in mind.
- Metal can be noisy: in certain situations metallic clanks are possible-careful handling helps, but it’s not as quiet as some composite options.
- No integrated carry case: It would be nicer to have a dedicated bag or strap for transport; we improvised with a tarp and bungee cords.
We found the Guide Gear 25′ climbing stick to be a practical, no‑nonsense option: its reach and step design are real advantages for hunters, while the added weight and reassembly tradeoffs are manageable with a bit of planning.
| Why we liked it | What gave us pause |
|---|---|
| Extra 5′ reach for better shots | Noticeably heavier to carry |
| Full, angled steps feel secure | Assembly takes a few minutes |
| Sturdy tubular steel frame | 300 lb capacity – check if it’s enough for you |
| Dismantles into 5 sections for storage | No included carry bag; metal can clang if not handled |
Q&A
Q: What makes this Guide Gear climbing stick different from the more common 20′ models?
A: The obvious thing is length – ours is 25′, so it gives an extra five feet of elevation over standard 20′ sticks. That extra reach can help with sightlines and scent control without needing a taller stand. We found the extra height useful when the deer were using higher browse lanes.
Q: How sturdy is it? Will it hold a full pack and a hunter?
A: The ladder is built from tough tubular steel and is rated to 300 lbs.That rating should cover most hunters plus light gear, but it’s smart for us to account for boots, packs, and any additional equipment when judging load. Always follow the manufacturer’s load instructions.
Q: the product description says “full,angled steps.” What does that feel like when you climb?
A: The steps are full-width and set at an angle, which gives a flatter, more secure footing than small rungs. When we climb we notice less foot fatigue and a steadier feel – especially helpful when carrying a sling pack. Still, we treat every move carefully and keep three points of contact.
Q: How portable is a 25-foot climbing stick?
A: It dismantles into five sections, so when taken apart each section is roughly one-fifth of the total length – convenient for packing and carrying to a setup site. It’s not tiny, but breaking it down makes it manageable for most hunters to transport in a truck, on a UTV, or with a partner.
Q: How long does it take to put together and install on a tree?
A: Once you’ve done it a time or two, assembly and mounting onyl take a few minutes. The sections lock together and you lift and cinch them in place. We recommend practicing at home to get the process smooth before you head to the stand.
Q: Which trees will this work on?
A: It works best on relatively straight, sturdy trees.As trees vary, we check trunk diameter, bark condition, and firmness before installing.If in doubt,pick a different tree. the stick is versatile, but a rotten or heavily tapered tree is a no-go.
Q: Is it noisy when you climb? Will it spook game?
A: Any metal ladder can make noise if parts rub or step surfaces are dirty.In our experience the angled full steps are quieter than some narrow rungs,but we still use soft-soled boots,move deliberately,and pre-fit components tightly.Some hunters add thin rubber or tape to reduce clinking – just avoid covering tread surfaces so your feet don’t slip.
Q: Can I use this with any hang-on tree stand or ladder stand?
A: It’s intended to elevate you to hang-on stands and many ladder-stand setups, but compatibility depends on your stand’s attachment points and rung spacing. We always dry-fit before committing: check how your stand mounts relative to the top of the stick and verify you can secure the stand safely.
Q: What safety practices should we follow when using this ladder?
A: Always use a full-body safety harness that’s anchored to the tree, keep three points of contact while climbing, inspect the stick and tree before each use, avoid climbing in bad weather or icy conditions, and don’t exceed the 300 lb capacity. We also recommend a buddy system when possible and practicing rescues or getting down safely.
Q: How do we maintain and store the stick?
A: Keep it clean and dry, store indoors if possible, and inspect welds, pins, and step surfaces for wear or corrosion. Tighten or replace any loose hardware before the season. If you hunt in wet conditions, a light corrosion-protective spray on metal parts can help longevity.
Q: Are replacement parts or a warranty included?
A: That varies by retailer and manufacturer batch. We don’t have specifics here, so we advise checking the product listing or calling Guide Gear (or the seller) to confirm warranty terms and availability of replacement pins, straps, or sections.
Q: Is assembly hardware included, and do we need special tools?
A: The design typically uses built-in locking pins or bolts to secure sections.No major tools are usually necessary for routine assembly in the field, but a small set of hand tools can definitely help with maintenance. Confirm the exact contents of the box on the retailer page before purchase.
Q: any tips for packing the stick to the stand location?
A: Break it into its five sections and stow them in order. We sling sections in a carry strap or load them in a truck bed. If hiking in, share the load with a partner or use a gear sled/ATV. Carrying one section at a time and assembling at the tree keeps noise and strain down.
Q: would we recommend this stick for a beginner hunter?
A: It’s a practical option for beginners who want extra height and a stable climbing surface. Because it’s metal and rated to 300 lbs, it’s forgiving in terms of strength, but beginners should invest time in learning safe climbing technique, practice assembling and mounting at ground level, and always use a safety harness.
If you’d like, we can add a short ”quick checklist” for using the stick in the field (what to pack, pre-climb inspection points, and a safety tie-off reminder).
Elevate Your Lifestyle
We’ll leave the final verdict simple: the Guide Gear 25′ climbing stick gives us extra height without asking us to compromise on stability. Those full, angled steps and the tough tubular-steel build (300 lb capacity) make climbing feel purposeful and secure, the extra 5 feet opens up better sight lines for deer hunting, and the five-piece breakdown keeps it more packable than a single 25′ pole. It’s not the lightest option on the market, but for hunters who prioritize a steady, elevated stand and straightforward setup, it hits the mark.
Ready to take a closer look or grab one for your next season? View the Guide gear 25′ climbing Stick on Amazon and see current pricing,specs,and reviews.
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