Best Climbing Sticks for Saddle Hunting (2025 Guide)
Stay mobile. Stay quiet. Get elevated fast.
My Saddle Hunting Set up.
When you’re saddle hunting, your climbing sticks aren’t just gear — they’re mission-critical. Whether you’re deep in public land or slipping into a permission spot before dawn, the sticks you choose will either help you move light and fast or slow you down, rattle in your pack, and burn precious time.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the best climbing sticks for saddle hunting in 2025. These picks are field-tested, highly rated, and designed for serious mobile hunters who care about weight, packability, grip, and noise control. Whether you’re running one-sticking setups or full four-stick rigs, this roundup is built to help you make the right choice.
Image credit: tethrd.com
Quick Pick: Best Overall — Tethrd One Sticks
If you want ultralight, bombproof, and purpose-built for saddle hunters, the Tethrd One Sticks are the gold standard. Built from aerospace aluminum with a carbon fiber shaft, they come in at just over one pound per stick. The attachment system is dead silent, and the built-in angled steps give you solid footing, even in wet boots.
They’re not cheap — but if you’re investing in a lifetime rig that’ll shave weight and boost stealth, this is it.
👉 Check current pricing on the Tethrd One Sticks
What to Look for in Saddle Hunting Climbing Sticks
Before we get into the sticks themselves, here are five things that matter most in the field:
Weight: You’re carrying these on your back. Every ounce matters.
Packability: Nesting, stacking, and tight profiles keep things slick in the woods.
Grip & Step Size: Bigger boots and cold mornings need secure steps.
Noise Discipline: Metal-on-metal contact ruins hunts. Period.
Attachment System: Rope mods, amsteel, or cam buckles — fast and quiet wins.
Top Climbing Sticks for Saddle Hunting (2025 Picks)
1. Tethrd One Sticks — Best Overall
At just over a pound per stick, the Tethrd One Sticks are built for the hardcore saddle hunter. The carbon shaft paired with aluminum step design makes them insanely light without sacrificing strength. They nest tight, deploy fast, and stay dead silent — even when wet or cold.
If you’re running and gunning all season, this is the top-shelf option.
PROS:
Ultralight (just over 1 lb each)
Carbon shaft = no clanking
Angled steps offer confident footing
One of the quietest stick systems out there
Cons:
High-end price point
May be overkill for brand-new saddle hunters
2. Latitude Carbon SS Climbing Sticks — Best Ultralight Carbon Option
The Latitude Carbon SS sticks are 100% carbon and built for stealth. Each stick is sub-20 oz and extremely compact, ideal for mobile setups. If you’re already investing in minimalist gear, these are worth a serious look.
Pros
Full carbon = zero noise
Light and strong
Stackable and slick to carry
Cons:
Two-step design limits step spacing
Still a high-dollar option
3. Hawk Helium Sticks — Best Budget Option
If you’re new to saddle hunting or just looking for value, the Hawk Helium sticks are hard to beat. At around $100 for a 3-pack, they offer great weight savings, decent grip, and wide availability. Plan to mod them for silence.
Pros:
Affordable
Lightweight aluminum build
Easily modded for better performance
Cons:
Loud out of the box — needs stealth mods
Strap system is clunky
4. Lone Wolf Custom Gear D’Acquisto Series — Most Packable
These CNC-machined sticks are ultra-thin and stack like a dream. Perfect if you’re carrying sticks inside your pack or want the slimmest possible profile. They’re strong, quiet, and available in various lengths.
Pros:
Extremely compact and flat
Machined for tight stacking
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Cons:
Pricey
Can be slippery without grip tape or stealth mods
5. Trophyline Wingman — Best for One-Stick Saddle Hunters
The Trophyline Wingman is a dedicated one-sticking platform, with a built-in step and platform combo. If you’re climbing with one stick and a rappel system, this is a top-tier option. It’s durable, secure, and comes ready for real use.
Pros:
Purpose-built for one-sticking
Integrated platform
Bombproof construction
Cons:
Not a great choice for multi-stick setups
Takes time to learn if you’re new to one-sticking
*Honorable - one-sticking - mention: Eastwood outdoors Ultimate One-stick -camo addition (what I use for one-sticking)
Which Stick Setup is Right for You?
On a budget or just getting started? Go with Hawk Heliums.
Want the lightest system? Tethrd One Sticks or Latitude Carbon SS.
Need packability above all else? Lone Wolf Custom Gear is king.
Going full ninja? One-stick with the Trophyline Wingman.
Final Thoughts
Mobile hunting is exploding, and climbing sticks are at the core of the setup. You can have the lightest saddle, the best platform, and perfect camo, but if your sticks are clunky, loud, or heavy, you’re at a disadvantage.
If you’re going deep and want gear that won’t quit, Tethrd’s One Sticks should be at the top of your list. They’re not cheap, but they’re built for guys who climb trees 50+ times a season and want gear that doesn’t get in the way.
Whether you’re chasing pressured bucks in the Midwest or dialing in your early-season plan, the right stick setup can be the difference between filling tags or eating tag soup.
