The 10 Best Tree Climbing Gear

For moving from branch to branch easily, nothing beats the Petzl Pro Zigzag (appx. $275). It tends its own slack, leaving you free to remove dead limbs, and there are no hitches to tie, which will save you valuable time -- not to mention frustration -- on each job.

The extra-long gaffs on this set from Klein Tools (appx. $284) make short work of just about any bark, penetrating deeply to give you a secure grip without worrying about slippage. It'll keep you up in a tree safely, so the fear of falling won't keep you up at night.

Save your mitts with this Newdoar Hand Ascender (about $36), which lets you scale trees quickly using only a single rope. The high-grade aluminum can handle up to 900 lbs., and it has an ergonomic grip that will allow you to work all day without sore joints the next day.

If you're going to be in the air all day, it helps to be comfortable, which you will be in the Guardian Fall Protection Harness (about $80). There's plenty of padding for your lower back and legs, and it has multiple adjustment points to allow you to customize the fit.

This strap from Hunter Safety System (around $35) uses a Prusik knot instead of a metal buckle or ratchet, ensuring that you can get up to your stand in near-total silence. It also lets you pivot around the tree as necessary, giving you full range of motion on your shots.

The two steel carabiners that come with the Tree Spider Vertical Climbing Belt (around $31) are extremely durable and well-made, allowing you to lean back with confidence. They can also be manipulated with just one hand, keeping your other paw free to hold a chainsaw.

The Klein Weaver Steel Spur Kit (around $325) uses nubuck straps to keep you secure without cutting off your circulation. The leather is stiff enough to protect your shins during climbing, while still having sufficient flexibility to let you accomplish whatever you need to get done.

This GM Climbing Prusik Cord (appx. $16) includes eye-to-eye ends that enable you to tie French or Bachmann knots quickly, and the plastic sheathing prevents unraveling. Its double-braided core means it can handle quite a bit of friction, making it ideal for everyday use.

It's not the easiest piece of equipment to figure out, but once you get the YXGood Harness (appx. $60) situated properly, it's great for keeping you safe all day. The webbing is fairly stretchy, so even larger users will be able to wear it comfortably.

A great choice for hunters venturing into the woods, the Lone Wolf Treestand Climbing Sticks (around $180) are lightweight and can be bought individually or in sets. Just as important, they are engineered not to cause a ruckus, so you don't blow your cover as you climb to your perch.