It's the most common question new saddle hunters ask: how many climbing sticks or steps do I actually need? The honest answer is “it depends” — but here's how to figure out your number fast.
The short answer
Most saddle and mobile hunters set up somewhere in the 15–20 foot range, and how much climbing gear that takes comes down to three things: your target height, how far apart you space each step, and your own reach and comfort. Keep it minimal — more gear means more weight and more noise on the way in.
The three things that decide your number
1. Your hunting height. Higher setups need more climbing gear. Nail down the height you actually hunt — many hunters are comfortable around 17–20 ft, and plenty hunt lower when the cover's good.
2. Your spacing. Traditional climbing sticks stack several steps into one unit, so you cover height quickly with fewer sticks (often 3–4). Individual steps are placed one at a time, so you'll use more of them — but you control the exact spacing to match your stride and the tree.
3. Your reach and aider use. A longer comfortable step, or an aider (a strap step that extends your reach), lets you space gear farther apart and carry less. Closer spacing feels more secure but takes more pieces.
Sticks vs. steps: the math is different
Because a single climbing stick gives you several footholds at once, a 3–4 stick setup can get you to height. With modular steps, each piece is one foothold, so you build your ladder up to the height you want. That's why steps come in larger packs — you're buying the individual rungs of your climb. (More on that in Climbing Steps vs. Climbing Sticks.)
5-pack or 10-pack?
For the patent-pending APEX Ladder System, here's the simple rule:
Grab the 5-Pack if you run a standard mobile setup at typical heights — it covers most hunts and keeps your pack light.
Step up to the 10-Pack if you climb higher, want tighter spacing, plan to leave a set on a permanent spot, or you're outfitting two hunters.
A lot of hunters start with a 5-pack and add a second set later as they dial in their style.
Best advice: measure before you buy
Set your target height, know your comfortable step spacing, and count up from there. When in doubt, having one or two extra on hand beats coming up short in the dark. And always keep safety first — your saddle, tether, and lineman's belt are your safety system; climbing steps and sticks are climbing aids only.
New to all of this? Start with Saddle Hunting for Beginners.
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.
