Pivoting V-Brackets keep the sticks firmly planted
Get in and out of your stand, safely and easily with the 17" Mini Sticks by Lone Wolf Portable Treestands. These three sticks are designed to stack together perfectly and lock tightly after using the included fastening straps. And when you’re not quite sure where you’re going to put your stand, know that they will nest easily on your backpack. With all three weighing only 4-1/2 lbs., you’ll hardly notice you’re carrying them. The Pivoting V-Brackets keep the sticks firmly planted against the tree. Fits 4" to 22" tree diameters. Single 17" Extensions sold separately. Per three. Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
I bought a set of these this year to use with my tree suit (kind of like a tree saddle). I've been using them just this year, probably been up a tree about 10 times with them. I bought them instead of the full size sticks because I can easily strap them to my backpack and still get through the thick cover. lI weigh 180 and am 6 foot tall.
The thing I like about them is that they are definitely good and sturdy on the tree, well made, and light. The disadvantage is that a three pack won't get you up high enough up any tree w/o limbs. If you get these plan on paying the extra forty plus for a fourth stick, so they actually are more expensive for the height than the regular sticks. They also do leave marks on the tree, which may not be avoidable... I'm happy with my purchase all in all.
Hints for use:
To get max height: put the first stick on from the ground as HIGH as you can reach. I use my chin to hold the stick on the tree while I strap it on. Then put one at about waist height, and when you step on it, from there you can put the third one on. Then step back on to the ground, get the 4th stick and your hoist rope, and go up with a safety belt. You will end up putting that fourth one up about 12-13 feet depending on how far you step. Not super high, but above the honeysuckle where I hunt sometimes. I don't think you can go up higher unless you aren't wearing a safety belt, which isn't a risk my family can afford me to take.
Hint for carry: Pay attention to the instructions as how to stack them. But only wrap up the first two sticks. Once they're all stacked up, use the third stick's strap to wrap around the other sticks to keep them quiet. Then use the last stick's strap to secure the bunch to your pack. That way you don't have to buy a carry strap, and it's quieter than just the buckle lock that comes with them.
Lone Wolf Mini Sticks are a great product if you are hiking back into your stand. They attach to the stand easily and are very light compared to other steps. They are quick to set up and solid when in place on the tree. I would recommend getting a fourth stick or carry an additional steps to get higher up in the tree. The only downside is that the steps are small but that builds into their light weight. If you are planning on leaving your steps out in the field and not carry them in I would recommend Buck Steps or another product with bigger steps.
I would rate these mini climbing sticks as very good. Light and easy to carry. However, to get up to the 15 feet as advertized When wearing heavy clothes, as needed to hunt northern MN, you will need to purchase that 4th climbing stick. The three pack they sell is just not enough. The Attachment to the tree is easy and rock solid. My real concern has been the very clear and loud metalic clang if you happen to bump them together. Which I seem to do everytime I use them. I am sure the deer love that warning tone. Rubber armour coating like my binoculars have would be a great addition