The climb is where saddle hunts get blown — clanging metal, fumbling in the dark, and busting deer before you're even set. Getting your climbing steps up the tree quietly and efficiently is a skill, and it starts with the right system. Here's how we do it with the APEX Ladder System, built around a patent-pending V-Press crossbar.
Set up before you leave the truck
Pre-stage your steps in the holster in the order you'll use them, with ropes pre-set to your tree size. The less you fiddle at the base of the tree, the quieter your climb.
Stay connected the whole way
Wrap your lineman's belt around the trunk before you leave the ground and keep it snug as you climb. It keeps both hands free to set steps and keeps you attached the entire time.
Set, weight, climb — repeat
Set your first step at a comfortable height, cinch the rope, and give it a firm push to seat the standoff and bite into the bark. Step up, advance your lineman's belt, and set the next. The aggressive bite of a steel step means it locks in fast — no wiggling to trust it.
Keep it quiet
Rope-and-standoff systems like ours cut the metal-on-metal clang of buckle sticks. Move slow, keep gear snug in the holster, and you'll climb like a ghost.
Want a system built for exactly this? The APEX Ladder System comes in a 5-Pack and 10-Pack. New to saddle hunting? Start with our Saddle Hunting for Beginners guide.
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.
