6 Best Durable Tree Steps For Frequent Use That Old Hunters Swear By
For frequent climbers, durability is key. Discover the 6 tree steps that seasoned hunters trust for their strength and long-term reliability season after season.
You know that one perfect oak tree, the one overlooking a deer trail you’ve watched for a decade. Getting into your stand there shouldn’t be a yearly project. This is where the wisdom of old-school hunters comes in, favoring gear that’s built to last, not just to sell. When it comes to climbing, nothing beats the simple, rugged reliability of a well-made tree step that you can count on season after season.
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Why Old-Timers Trust Screw-In Tree Steps
Screw-in tree steps are a commitment. Unlike portable climbing sticks or ladders, once you install them, they’re meant to stay put for years. This permanence is precisely their appeal for hunters who have established, long-term stand locations on private land.
There’s a deep-seated confidence that comes from stepping onto solid steel anchored directly into the heartwood of a tree. There are no straps to fray, no buckles to slip, and no clanking metal sections to announce your arrival. The installation is a one-time effort that pays dividends in silent, secure access for seasons to come.
Of course, this approach has its trade-offs. You are intentionally wounding the tree, which is a serious consideration, and they are illegal on most public lands for that very reason. But for a hunter managing their own property, the trade-off for a rock-solid, permanent climbing system is often one they’re willing to make. It’s about investing sweat equity upfront for long-term reliability.
Cranford EZY Climb Deluxe: The Gold Standard
When veteran hunters talk about screw-in steps, the name Cranford inevitably comes up. The EZY Climb Deluxe isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s considered by many to be the pinnacle of tree step design. They are built from heat-treated steel with a dual-angled tip that bites into wood with surprising ease.
What sets the "Deluxe" model apart is its sheer utility. The step is oversized, providing a generous platform for a heavy, insulated boot, and it has a noticeable upturn at the end to keep your foot from slipping off. This isn’t a minor feature when you’re climbing in the dark with wet or muddy soles. The confidence you get from that secure footing is worth every penny.
Installing them is also less of a chore than with cheaper alternatives. The self-tapping screw is sharp and well-machined, meaning less wrestling and more turning. For a permanent setup you’ll trust your life to for the next ten years, the Cranford Deluxe is the undisputed benchmark.
Ameristep Steel Tree Steps: A Solid Performer
Not every stand needs the absolute best, and sometimes you just need something that works reliably. The Ameristep Steel Tree Steps are the workhorses of the hunting world. You can find them almost anywhere, they’re affordable, and they are built from a solid piece of steel that won’t let you down.
The design is straightforward: a step, a shank, and a self-tapping screw. While the screw might not be as aggressively sharp as a Cranford’s, it gets the job done with a bit of elbow grease. A pilot hole and a good installation tool are your best friends here, especially in hardwoods like oak or hickory.
Think of the Ameristep as the reliable farm truck of tree steps. It’s not fancy, but it’s tough, widely available, and does exactly what it’s supposed to do. For hunters setting up multiple stands or looking for a durable, budget-conscious option, these steps are a fantastic choice that will last for years.
Muddy Outdoors Peg-Pack Steps for Portability
For hunters who need the grip of a screw-in step without the permanence, the Muddy Peg-Pack is a clever solution. This isn’t a single step but a system of individual, lightweight pegs designed to be carried in and out with you on every hunt. This makes them an excellent choice for public land or for hunters who like to stay mobile.
Each peg is compact and screws in quickly, allowing you to create a custom climbing route on almost any suitable tree. The system offers a huge advantage in portability over clunky climbing sticks. You can stuff a dozen of them into a small pouch on your pack and barely notice the weight.
The trade-off is obvious: you have to install and remove them for every single hunt. This requires time and effort in the dark, but it provides unmatched flexibility. It’s the modern answer for the hunter who values the solid feel of a screw-in but can’t leave a permanent mark.
EZY Climb Folding Steps: Compact and Reliable
The EZY Climb Folding Step takes the classic screw-in design and adds a crucial feature: the ability to fold flat against the tree. This might seem like a small detail, but it has significant practical benefits for a permanent stand location. A folded step is far less conspicuous to other people who might be on the property.
By folding the step up, you also reduce the chances of it snagging on clothing or gear as you move around the base of the tree. It creates a cleaner, lower-profile setup that blends into the tree’s silhouette. When it’s time to climb, the step folds down with a solid, satisfying motion, locking securely into place.
These steps are built with the same quality and sharp screw tip as other Cranford products, ensuring a secure and relatively easy installation. For the hunter who prioritizes both durability and discretion, the folding design offers the best of both worlds.
High Point Archery Steps: A No-Nonsense Pick
Sometimes, you just need something that is brutally simple and overbuilt. High Point Archery Steps are exactly that. They are typically made from heavy-gauge steel with a simple, effective design and a powder-coat finish to resist rust.
There are no fancy features here—no folding mechanisms or ergonomic grips. What you get is a thick, welded piece of steel that you can trust completely. The screw tips are functional but often require more effort to install than premium brands; drilling a pilot hole is practically a necessity.
However, their sheer ruggedness is their main selling point. These are the kind of steps you put in a tree and forget about for a generation. For the hunter on a budget who is willing to put in the work during installation, the High Point steps offer incredible long-term value and peace of mind.
Cranford Rope Steps: The Quiet, Packable Option
For the ultimate in stealth and portability, the Cranford Rope Step stands in a class of its own. This step completely eliminates the "screw-in" part of the equation, relying instead on a high-strength rope and a brilliantly simple cam-buckle design to cinch tightly to the tree.
Installation is dead silent. There’s no grinding of metal into wood, just the soft pull of a rope. This is a massive advantage when setting up in a new spot close to a bedding area. They are also incredibly lightweight and packable, and because they don’t harm the tree, they are an excellent choice for public land or for landowners who forbid screw-in steps.
The learning curve is a bit steeper. You have to trust the cam-buckle and learn how to position it for maximum bite on the tree bark. But once you master them, they provide a secure, silent, and non-invasive way to climb that many seasoned hunters swear by for its unique combination of benefits.
Safe Installation: Tips from Veteran Hunters
No matter which step you choose, installing it safely is more important than the brand name. Old-timers don’t take shortcuts here, because they know a fall during installation is just as dangerous as a fall during a hunt. Always wear a safety harness with a lineman’s belt when installing steps. This keeps both of your hands free to work while you are securely attached to the tree.
Don’t try to be a hero and muscle the step in by hand. Use a proper installation tool or a sturdy T-handle that gives you leverage. For hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory, always drill a pilot hole. A small, battery-powered drill makes this a quick job that saves your shoulder and prevents the wood from splitting, ensuring the step has maximum holding power.
Finally, think like a carpenter building a staircase. Space your steps evenly, alternating them from left to right to create a natural climbing motion. Angle them slightly upward to help keep your boots seated. A well-planned climbing route isn’t just safer; it’s also quieter and requires less energy, getting you into your stand with minimal disturbance.
Ultimately, the best tree step is the one that fits your land, your hunting style, and your commitment to safety. Whether it’s a permanent screw-in or a packable rope step, these tried-and-true options have earned their reputation through decades of reliable use. Choosing gear that is built for the long haul is a hallmark of an experienced hunter, ensuring you can focus on the hunt, not on how you’ll get up the tree.
