Saddle hunting rewards the hunter who can climb fast, stay quiet, and set up wherever the deer are moving. The STALK APEX Ladder System gives you a climbing solution of rugged steel steps that bite into the tree and hold fast — so you can build your ring of steps, reach hunting height, and settle into the saddle without wrestling bulky, rattly gear up the trunk.

Why steel steps for saddle hunting

Every ounce and every sound matters when you're going mobile. The APEX Ladder System is engineered to disappear on your back and perform when you reach the tree:

• Bites and holds. Each step is built from ½" x ½" hot-rolled square steel tubing that digs into bark and locks in — no shifting, no second-guessing your footing 20 feet up.
• Packs flat and quiet. Steel steps make noise on their own — but stacked tight in the custom ABS holster, they ride rattle-free, so you walk in quiet and gear up without the clank.
• Patent-pending V-Press crossbar. The V-Press crossbar in the design gives you a stable, confident platform to stand and pivot on while you rig your saddle and tether.
• Ready for your ring of steps. Stack them up the trunk to climb, then set your top steps around the tree to form the ring you stand and shift on all sit.

Build your ring of steps

Most saddle hunters run their climbing steps up the tree and then arrange a “ring of steps” at hunting height to move around the trunk for shot angles. How many you carry comes down to how high you climb and how much room you want up top. The APEX Ladder System comes in two setups so you can match your hunt:

• 5-Pack with Holster — a lean, fast climbing kit for shorter climbs and hunters who like to travel light.
• 10-Pack with Holster — more steps for taller climbs and a fuller ring of steps at the top.

Made for mobile hunters

Whether you're hanging and hunting new sign on public ground or slipping into a private honey hole, the APEX Ladder System was built to be carried, deployed quietly, and trusted every time you leave the dirt. It's rugged, packable, and mission-ready — the way mobile gear should be.

Frequently asked questions

Are climbing steps good for saddle hunting?

Yes. Climbing steps let you build a custom climb and a ring of steps at hunting height, which is exactly what saddle hunters need for shot angles and all-day comfort. Steel steps like the APEX Ladder System add serious bite and durability over lighter aluminum options.

How many climbing steps do I need to saddle hunt?

It depends on how high you climb. Many hunters run a 5-step kit for quick, lower sets and step up to a 10-step kit for taller trees and a fuller ring of steps. Start with the setup that matches the trees you hunt most.

What is the APEX Ladder System made of?

Each step is crafted from ½" x ½" hot-rolled square steel tubing and includes the patent-pending V-Press crossbar, secured in a custom ABS holster for quiet, packable transport. The system is backed by a 1-year warranty.

Ready to gear up for the season? Shop the APEX Ladder System and Do More Outdoors with STALK.