Want to reach hunting height with less gear on your back? Aiders are the answer. An aider is a short strap step that hangs off your climbing step, giving you an extra foothold so you can space your steps farther apart and carry fewer of them. Here's how to run them with the APEX Ladder System.
What an aider does
Each aider adds one or two steps of reach below your climbing step. Instead of setting a step every 12–16 inches, you can stretch your spacing and cover the same height with fewer pieces — lighter pack, faster climb.
How to use one
Hang the aider from your set step, step into the lower rung to boost your reach, then set your next step higher than you normally could. Move deliberately and keep your lineman's belt snug the whole time.
The trade-off
Aiders take practice and a bit more balance, and they're a touch slower per move. But for hunters counting pack weight on long walks, the payoff is real. Practice at ground level until it's second nature.
Pair them with steps that bite
Aiders put more dynamic load on your set step, so an aggressive, solid bite matters. The steel APEX Ladder System, with its patent-pending V-Press crossbar, locks in hard — exactly what you want when you're reaching. Grab a 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.
