A step extension assembly for a tree stand includes a ladder having rungs supported by at least one ladder rail. A bracket frame including attachment portions is attached to the at least one ladder rail. A step base is attached to the bracket frame. The step base includes a stepping surface for supporting a foot of a user. The step base is positioned laterally outboard relative to the at least one ladder rail providing an extended support for a user when entering and exiting the tree stand.

Apparatuses and systems are disclosed for portable stairs. In one embodiment, a support structure extends from a lower level to an upper level. In a certain embodiment, a plurality of steps are coupled to the support structure. In a further embodiment, an apparatus includes means for independent, per-step adjustment of step positions relative to the support structure.

A collapsible ladder with steps that remained stored within the frame or automatically deploy for use. The ladder can be manual, semi-automatic, or remote controlled.

A fall protection system includes an elevation mechanism including a base end and an elevated end, and that is configured to permit a user to scale the elevation mechanism. The first channel is disposed at a first side of the elevation mechanism and extends between the base end and the elevated end, and is configured to anchor a first shuttle to the elevation mechanism and permit the first shuttle to transition between the base end and the elevated end of the elevation mechanism. The second channel is disposed at a second side of the elevation mechanism and extends between the base end and the elevated end, and is configured to anchor a second shuttle to the elevation mechanism and permit the second shuttle to transition between the base end and the elevated end of the elevation mechanism.

A vertical ladder has two side stiles and at least one front vertical rail. Two sets of half treads are supported by each stile and horizontal rung members connected between at least one rail and a respective half tread or stile. Each horizontal rung member only has a front straight bar portion that terminates orthogonally at the at least one rail (i.e. at a T-junction), thereby allowing a vertical grab rail portion for gripping (including for counterbalance) and an orthogonal side straight bar portion. The rung members and half treads are alternately vertically staggered. As such, a user may ascend the ladder by stepping sideways onto the inward facing half treads and shift the user's weight from side to side, thereby being able to climb the ladder even without holding on and, when holding on, the vertical grab rail portions may be used for counterbalance.

Embodiments of tree climbing sticks adapted to be secured to a tree and provide a tree climbing assist are provided. In one embodiment, for example, a tree climbing stick is provided including a retractable aider step. The retractable aider step is adapted to be extended from the tree climbing stick during use and at least partially retracted within the tree climbing stick for transport and storage. In another embodiment, a tree climbing stick is adapted to be stacked and nested with another tree climbing stick. In this embodiment, a clip of the tree climbing stick is adapted to engage a button of an adjacent tree climbing stick and standoffs of the tree climbing sticks are adapted to nest so that the tree climbing sticks can be stacked vertically without axially extending from each other.

A set of climbing sticks for use in climbing a tree includes a first climbing stick having a support bar, a top foot rung secured to the support bar, a bottom foot rung secured to the support bar, an upper brace secured to and extending from the support bar, a lower brace secured to and extending from the support bar, and a magnet attached to the support bar; and a second climbing stick having a support bar, a top foot rung secured to the support bar, a bottom foot rung secured to the support bar, an upper brace secured to and extending from the support bar, and a lower brace secured to and extending from the support bar; the second climbing stick secures to the first climbing stick via the first magnet.

A climbing stick system includes the first climbing stick and a second climbing stick. The first climbing stick includes a first step support having a cavity and a mouth leading to the cavity and first steps coupled to the first step support. The second climbing stick includes a second step support, second steps coupled to the second step support and a locking member having a head. One of the mouth and the locking member is rotatable between a locked position in which the head is locked within the cavity to retain the first climbing stick with respect to the second climbing stick and an unlocked position to facilitate separation of the first climbing stick and the second climbing stick.

Some implementations can include step pegs having safety locks.

A vertically orientated ladder apparatus allowing a climber to adopt an improved climbing stance wherein the climber's arms are poised economically in front of the climber within the climbing passage; the climber's legs are spread for the lateral stability of the climber so as to reduce the tendency of the climber falling sideways; and the climber is substantially upright such that the climber's center of gravity lies substantially between the opposing steps (11) so as to allow the climber to release the climber's grip on the hand rails (14) while remaining balanced and supported by the legs of the climber. Opposing steps (11) are level or staggered. Embodiments include three or four stiles (12, 15).