Tree Gear Equipment

While most sports and adventures require a certain amount of effort and even danger, there is nothing that says you cannot make things safer and easier if you can. This is exactly what the Climb Right CTB Quick-Change Aluminum L-Pad Spur Set does to tree climbing.

This Climb Right spur is new for 2010. It is made of an aluminum lower section and is mated to the upright shaft which is also made of aluminum. The latter, however, is of aerospace grade meaning that while it remains lightweight, it offers superior strength and resistance to rust. Both lower section and shaft are tempered to T6 hardness assuring durability. They are joined with solid rivets in stainless steel, and for increased resistance to wear, they are anodized with a clear coating.

The spikes or spurs attached to the lower end of the shafts are made of forged 4340 alloy steel that are quenched and tempered to keep their tips sharp and pointed for easy piercing into the wood. These are 2 5/8 inches long and are fastened to the shaft with two screws. In spite of their tight and secure hold on the shaft, they are easy to remove for a quick replacement in the event that they are damaged or when you need longer models.

The height of the spur shank is adjustable providing a comfortable calf support. For added traction when walking on tree limbs, a grip strip is incorporated. This also serves as a wear strip indicating when to replace your J-hooks. The inverted L pads to which the shanks are attached are soft and comfortable on the legs. They are strapped to the legs with rubber belts that are impregnated with nylon. This makes the belt stronger, lighter, and more resistant to the elements than leather.

It is often difficult to explain why people climb trees for the sake of climbing them. Trying to describe a tree climber’s feeling as he reaches the top is equally taxing. Climbing the tree itself, however, is not that difficult. With all the gears and gadgets developed to assist climbers, tree climbing is a very safe sport that does not require extraordinary strength. Indeed, even children can enjoy it.

Among the different devices designed to assist climbers is the Klein CN1907AR Tree Climber Gaffs. This consists of climber pads, steel sleeves, leg irons, straps, and gaffs. Together, these different components of the CN1907AR help make life easier for the tree climber.

The pad is made of 8″ x 8″ leather of a superior grade which not only makes the climber look attractive but also provides the wearer a comfortable fit. It is also fitted with a cushion for a relaxed wear. It is secured with a strap that is closed with a buckle.

The steel sleeve connecting the leather pad with the leg iron is adjustable in 1/4″ increments, thus making it suitable for climbers of different heights. With this adjustment, the CN1907AR can be as short as 15 or as long as 19 inches.

The sleeve is attached to the leg iron with two slotted hex-head bolts with barrel-type nuts and lock washers firmly securing the two together. The leg iron is contoured in a way that positions the gaff in the best possible angle to break through the tree. Two TORX screws and a center pin fasten the gaff to the leg iron.

The stirrup on which the wearer’s foot rests is wide at approximately 4.5 inches. At the end of the stirrup is a second strap that binds the climber gaff to the ankle. It is made of nylon that is infused with neoprene and is secured in place with a steel split ring.

Featuring quality leather T Pads that are lined with wool which has been felted and compressed to prevent pressure from its shank, the Buckingham Steel Spurs Set with Leather T Pads provides a comfortable wear. This feature is especially appreciated by tree or pole climbers who are just learning the basics of climbing with spurs. Indeed, this set has been designed specifically for them.

The leather T Pads of the Buckingham spurs set secures the flat leg irons that run alongside the inner lower legs and curve to become footrests. At about the level of the foot arches, the gaffs are fastened to the irons by special screws to assure a secure attachment. This design allows the replacement of the gaffs should you wish to switch to a different size or if they are permanently damaged. Available gaff sizes are 2¾ inches for trees and 1¾ inches for poles.

Both the leg irons and the gaffs are made of forged high strength steel thus guaranteeing durability and strength. The shanks of the irons are contoured to avoid the possibility of hitting the anklebone while climbing.

With the included sleeve, the Buckingham Steel Spurs Set with Leather T Pads can be adjusted from a height of 16¼ to 18¾ inches. Optional extra long sleeves are also available. These maximize the height of the spurs set to 21¾ inches.

Other options are footplates which attach to the footrests. These serve as a stable platform for a climber to stand on after an exhausting climb. Bolts screw the plates to the footrests. It has a ridged rubber bottom to prevent slipping. A pair of heel shields for protection against accidental stabbing with the gaffs is also available.

The pair of boots you often see worn by workers climbing wooden utility poles for telephone, telegraph, or electric wires and cables are variously called tree climbers, tree spurs, tree hooks, and tree spikes. There are plenty of such climbers/spikes/spurs with different styles and designs and different brands. One of them is the Gecko II Tree Climber.

The Gecko II is a complete set that includes boots and spikes. The sturdy boots are high, rising up to right below the knee. This is needed to provide additional support for your shin. The leg shanks are made of aluminum alloy resulting to reduced weight. It stretches on the inside of the shin from the about the height of the boots down to its sole. Here it makes a 90° turn to support your instep. This support is designed in a way that it cups the foot arch, thus making it comfortable to step on.

The gaffs or spikes are also made of aluminum alloy that are easily sharpened. They are attached to the leg shanks at about the level of the ankles. These are kicked into the wood to provide a stable anchor as you climb.

A cuff made of fiberglass wraps the upper section of your shin for bracing. A wide cinch strap with Velcro secures the cuff to your leg and keeps it from moving. An inside padding, also attached with Velcro, makes the cuff comfortable to wear. This is removable for easy washing.

An adjustable belt at the ankle further secures the leg shank keeping it from sliding on or slipping from the instep. This can be adjusted from 41 to 48 cm, in increments of 2 cm.