Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting Best lightweight strap-on type tree steps?

Gotchya.

You have quite a few options then. And some of it depends of tree shape too.
My thoughts below will skew more safety than convenience. I took a fall from a tree some 20 years ago that should have seriously crippled me (or worse) so "lightweight" is further down the totem pole for me.

Lone Wolf, Muddy and API (probably others) make seemingly the same thing for multiple steps that don't connect to one another. They're nice because they'll work with irregular shaped trees.
My preference (and take this for what you paid for it), are the Non-Typical Rapid Rails (aluminum). They're a little bulkier/clumsier but they provide far more metal to hang onto.

If the trees are of the straight variety, I much prefer heavier and sections that fit into one another for both stability and ease of installation on the tree. They're easily assembled on the ground, stood up and can be secured as you climb. Yes, more weight to initially pack in but if you're used to ladders stands, this option will feel much more sturdy/safer. I don't worry about brand names for this purpose - I just want the ability to add additional length to the originally purchased set. Also, I much prefer the sticks that do not have the staggered step but a rung on both sides of the vertical post at the same height.

One other thing to consider (likely stating something you already know) - make sure you have enough stick to climb above your stand to step down onto the platform. I have a friend or two that love to put their stands well above the last rung on the stick, then turn gymnast to get onto the platform - no thank you.