Climbing Treestand

I just got back from a week long roadtrip in which I acquired, as a gift, an older model climber. I don't know the specifics of make and model, but it works and is in pretty good condition even after 10-15 years of use.

Any tips/tricks/tools I should know about? The uncle who I got it from used to go up 30ft; on THF I've read 15-25ft--what is your experience and what do you recommend?

I'm sure I'll figure this out on my own, but how do you juggle wearing both backpack and climber?

There is a rope attached to tie shotgun/rifle/bow to to pull up. The stand doesn't really have any rest or anything for a gun nor a place to attach/hold a bow. I don't have any issues just holding my weapon or keeping it lain across my lap, but what accessories would you recommend to increase accuracy and/or ease of use?

I'm really new to this and super excited about next season. Thanks for any help

There are screw in pegs for hanging equipment on, binos, backpacks, bow etc. Use several ropes to pull up pack, firearm or bow. Make sure to buy a safety harness with tie off. Buy a seat cusion. If hunting in cold weather dress accordingly. A lot more comments to come by others.

Pegs for the tree, correct? Have a cushioned seat and have 2 extra cushions, too. Thanks for input

Rope tied to backpack, pull it up like the gun.

I strap my backpack to the climber on my hike in. Then utilize ropes to pull up to the stand. I usually go between 12-20 feet depending on trees, cover and shooting lanes. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS USE A SAFETY HARNESS WHEN YOU ARE CLIMBING AND WHILE YOU HUNT!

Early on, I was too smart (read stupid) to think I needed a safety harness in a tree stand. On a sit one time, I was really tired and when the sun hit me, I went plumb asleep. Woke up halfway down and landed flat on my back and hip. Was 30 minutes before I could stand and walk out to the vehicle. In the following 30 years, I have NEVER been more than 6 feet up a tree without a harness!!!!

I bought a couple climbers dirt cheap and built ladders for them. Used 1" square tubing in 4' sections so I could take them apart. Not too many "climbing" trees in south Texas.

Google some videos on how to use it. Be aware that there are a lot of bad examples and can serve as a "what not to do" when using a tree climber.

So, find the make and model and try a search for the owner's manual. If you can't find that then just find an owners manual of another brand and read the safety section. Other comments are right on, DO NOT use it without a harness.

Speaking of the harness. You need to have it adjusted correctly on the tree. You also need to practice how to get back in in case you fall while wearing the harness WITH HELP nearby and at a low height. You can lose your legs if the circulation is cut off long enough.

These things are dangerous if you don't respect it.

I used one for a few yrs in Illinois. As most things we use are, it is a great tool if used properly. Practice with it before you take it hunting. Tie your seat to the bottom climbing portion. Last thing you want is to be 15’ up and your feet slip out and the bottom drops to the ground. DO NOT use without your harness. I was lucky. Mine slipped once and I was using my harness. When it slipped, i went fwd. my harness stopped me from
Falling out.

Lots of good info above. I've hunted on climbers 30+ years and love them.
HARNESS HARNESS HARNESS EVERY TIME, EVERY SINGLE TIME and have it adjusted correctly and with the foot relief stirrup and know how to use it.

As stated above tie the bottom part to your upper seat so while climbing it doesn't fall down the tree if you slip. Have your hand clippers and hand folding saw handy to trim small limbs as you climb up once you find that perfect straight tree in your perfect set up

Height up tree depends on your cover and wariness of game. Use multiple ropes to pull up gear

Even though you’re young and agile, I’d recommend against it. Years ago I had one of he original climbers- think it was a Baker? This was pre-safety harness awareness and all. It only had a screwed- down bungee cord to hold your feet. My feet slipped out once and there I was, like a bear, hanging on to a tree 15 feet up. Shredded a good jacket shinnying down. Another time I was demoing it to a friend on the only tree he had in the yard with no low branches- a hackberry. Slid down, stand and all, about 8 feet. He still laughs about that, me not so much. Then the final straw was when I tied a line to my rifle, leaned it against the tree I was climbing (was hunting a swamp and the ground was wet),got up about 6 feet and the bungee cord snapped and the stand slid down the tree without me and dinged my stock.
So I know they have improved a lot, but I’ll never use one again. Too many good ladders out there.

Hunting public to need a climbing tree stand in Texas?

Yes that's about the only reason I got it, to hunt the ETX forests.

Good information listed above. Get a great safety harness and NEVER use the stand without it.
Practice before hunting several times and you will learn where your ab muscles are.

I had one of those, too. The Baker was a deathtrap. You had to keep your weight at the outer edge. Too much near the tree and wham! hit the ground. If I still had one, I'd sell tickets to daredevils. Make them sign a release first.

I'd check that stand over real well for rust inside the tubing. They can be about to break and not show it on the outside. Climbers don't last forever.

AND DO NOT CLIMB WITHOUT A HARNESS. Put that sucker on and have it loosely strapped to the tree going up and down. You're most likely to fall when climbing, so just strapping it to the tree when sitting is the least helpful way to use it.

The one I have is a LOC-ON stand.

Make sure it is not recalled. A few have been.

And use a HARRNESS.

can we see a pic of the tree stand both parts

Be sure to keep the two pieces strapped together so the platform doesn't slide down the tree while you're 15 feet up.... that fall hurts the knees.

I haven't been around in awhile and I just saw this thread. A lot of good advice has been given. This is one of my favorite ways to hunt.

One thing I've found as well, it's better to use a climber on a tree that has rough, soft bark. That allows the climber to dig in and makes it a lot more stable. A tree that has a hard, smooth bark is a death trap.