The days of lugging heavy lock-on stands and long ladder segments are over. Treestand manufacturers utilize high-quality materials, such as ultralight aluminum, to produce superior products. Lightweight lock-on stands and climbing sticks have changed the game for serious hunters who like to be mobile.
Vantage Evolution
A few years ago, I purchased two lightweight treestands from XOP. I chose the Vantage Evolution model because the stand platform was small, the seat cushion was thick, and the stand weighed 10.9 pounds. Along with the stands, I also purchased the Quick Connect system. The Quick Connect system makes hanging and leveling the stand a breeze. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in that stand. Later in the archery season, I harvested a beautiful 8-point from that stand.
YouTube Hunt Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11Nf1V49tSw&list=PLv3FZ6P9KVadeiqejbNd9s_U5QRD7O4f4&index=18
Climbing Sticks
XOP makes a set of climbing sticks called the X2. The sticks are unbelievably light, weighing 26 ounces. They come in a pack of 4 and feature a side-lock system for easy stacking, an extra-large standoff distance of 5 inches, and they are aider-ready, allowing you to space them further apart. Each XOP stick is approximately 18 inches long, and its aggressive teeth provide a tight grip on the tree. The four sticks together weigh slightly over 6 pounds!
Aiders are a Huge Help.
I never used climbing sticks before, but I wanted to try them. After getting my XOP sticks, I purchased aiders from Rich Witner to space my steps out further. After my aiders arrived, I headed to the farm with my XOP stand and X2 sticks to see where to hang them. I was amazed at how easily I could carry the stand and the sticks into the woods. I honestly felt like I wasn’t carrying anything. After locating a study maple tree near the bean field, I set up the sticks and hung the stand in under 10 minutes. It was so easy!
As the archery season progressed, I quickly took down and relocated the stand and sticks deeper in the timber for the rut. Because of the X2 sticks, I could set up where I knew bucks were walking by. I located a cherry tree tucked into a hemlock and hung the set. I arrowed my #2 target buck, Krazy 8, on my second sit!
The lightweight XOP products have taken my hunting to another level. I now have the confidence to hang and hunt new areas, and I don’t have to worry about carrying too many things into the woods simultaneously. The X2 climbing sticks are a game-changer because I can climb almost any tree and hang a stand. XOP introduced a black Midnight edition X2 step for 2025, and these steps are truly incredible.
YouTube Video XOP Sticks/Stands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOgT4Nc2d-M
*Always use a safety harness when hanging and taking down stands.
