It's a fair question, and one every mobile hunter should ask before trusting a piece of gear with their setup: do climbing sticks break? The short answer is yes — they can. Here's what actually fails, and how we designed the patent-pending APEX Ladder System to take those failure points off the table.
Where climbing gear fails
Cracked carbon. Carbon is stiff and light, but a hard knock or an over-tightened strap can start a crack you may never see coming.
Bent or fatigued aluminum. Thin aluminum saves weight but can bend under load or fatigue after enough seasons.
Worn straps and buckles. An attachment system is only as strong as its weakest cam buckle or strap — and those wear over time.
How steel changes the equation
Solid 1/2" steel doesn't crack like carbon or bend like aluminum. Our rope-and-standoff attachment uses a 1,900-lb-rated line instead of plastic buckles, and the patent-pending V-Press crossbar spreads load across multiple grip points. It's built to be the part of your kit you never think about.
Inspect everything, every time
No matter what you climb on, inspect your gear before and after every hunt, and retire anything that shows wear or damage. Your saddle, tether, and lineman's belt are your safety system — climbing steps are a climbing aid, not fall-arrest equipment.
Peace of mind, in writing
Every APEX Ladder System is backed by a 1-year warranty. If you want gear that won't leave you second-guessing, start with the 5-Pack or 10-Pack.
Safety Warning & Liability Disclaimer
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION — read in full before assembly or use.
The Apex Ladder System by S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear is a portable climbing and access system intended for recreational, hunting, camping, hiking, utility access, and non-life-safety firefighting access only. This product is not designed, manufactured, or intended to function as life-safety, rescue, or fall-arrest equipment and must never be relied upon as such.
Climbing, elevated access, and outdoor activities are inherently dangerous and involve risks that may result in serious injury, paralysis, or death. By purchasing, possessing, assembling, or using the Apex Ladder System, you acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks associated with its use, including but not limited to falls, equipment failure, environmental conditions, improper installation, misuse, or user error.
The user is solely responsible for proper installation, anchoring, inspection, maintenance, and determining fitness for use. The Apex Ladder System must be inspected before and after every use and removed from service immediately if any wear, damage, defect, or abnormal condition is observed. Appropriate safety harnesses, lineman’s belts, and fall-protection equipment should be used at all times.
Any alleged defect must be reported in writing to S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear within five (5) days of discovery and prior to further use of the product. Unauthorized repairs, modification, or continued use void all claims. The sole remedy for any approved claim shall be repair, replacement, or refund at the sole discretion of S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear, its owners, officers, employees, affiliates, and partners from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from or related to the use or misuse of this product, including claims of negligence or alleged product defect.
This disclaimer and all disputes arising from use of the Apex Ladder System shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
For complete details, read our full Safety & Liability Information. Document Version: ALS-SAFETY-v1.0 | Updated: December 2025.
