Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.9 Best Arborist Climbing Gear | Quit Humping — Smarter Ascents

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The Petzl Zigzag Plus is a mechanical Prusik replacement that uses ball-bearing pulleys and a friction chain for buttery-smooth descents on doubled or single ropes. Its steel side plates and separated curved design resist wear from daily use on 11.5mm to 13mm static lines, while the release lever gives you fine-grained control over descent speed. The auxiliary attachment hole supports a ZILLON lanyard or knee ascent assemblies, making it a true all-in-one device for both climbing and descending.

Experienced climbers report that the Zigzag feels smoother than the Rope Runner Pro, especially when transitioning from DRT to SRT with the Chicane accessory. The self-tending return connection during ascent reduces the need to manually feed slack, which speeds up branch-to-branch movement. The 425-gram weight is negligible when balanced against the control and durability it delivers on a full removal job.

One note: the Zigzag is not midline attachable, so you need to thread the rope end through the device before tying into your system. It performs best with certified climbing ropes from reputable manufacturers — avoid generic low-cost lines that don’t hold consistent diameter. Petzl’s compliance with ANSI Z133 adds an extra layer of confidence for professional worksites.

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The Notch Steel Climbers redefine foot-angle ergonomics with over 20 cuff adjustment points and an ergonomic shank that keeps your foot at a natural climbing angle. The redesigned cuff spreads pressure evenly across the shin, reducing hot spots during 10-hour removal days, while the dual foot strap assembly lets you set the rear strap once and leave it for repeated use. The stirrup grip pad adds lateral stability so your boot doesn’t slide off during upward thrusts.

These gaffs come with an ASTM F887 certification and a 350-pound total weight limit, covering most of the professional arborist population. Long-term users report that the lower foot straps show normal wear after about two months of heavy daily use, but the overall frame holds up without loosening. The scannable-enable feature adds track-and-trace capability for fleet management — a nice bonus for crew leads keeping inventory of gear.

New climbers may find the 20+ adjustment points intimidating at first, but once dialed in, these spurs stay planted and rarely gaff out. The included gaff covers protect the spikes during transport, and the split-ring ankle strap assembly makes replacement fast when straps eventually wear. For long climbs, they’re noticeably more comfortable than traditional pole-climber sets.

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The Weaver HAAS Velox Ascent System eliminates the hip-thrusting “hump” method by turning your foot and knee into a mechanical advantage system. A 30-inch in-line bungee extends from the snap above the ascender to the foot loop, absorbing shock and removing dead spots during the ascent stroke. The bungee travels through a channel around a shiv with stainless steel sealed bearings inside a machined aluminum block, delivering smooth rope movement with each step.

This foot ascender is built for multi-user environments — the zero-setup design means any climber can strap in and start climbing without adjusting mechanical prusiks or friction hitches. The nylon construction with integrated friction-saver straps reduces wear on the rope, while the tool-free bungee replacement takes under five minutes. Experienced climbers note that it pairs especially well with mechanical descenders like the Petzl Zigzag for a seamless up-down cycle.

The unit works with most standard climbing boots, though users who prefer clip-style attachments for quicker in-tree removal should factor that into their boot choice. At roughly 189 dollars, it’s an investment in climbing efficiency that pays dividends on tall removals where every foot of clean ascent saves energy for the cutting work ahead.

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Klein Tools has been a staple in the climbing industry for decades, and the CN1907ARL set continues that tradition with 8×8-inch cushioned high-grade leather pads, neoprene-impregnated nylon straps, and contoured leg irons that position the gaffs securely. The 4-7/16-inch wide stirrup provides substantial foot support for climbers wearing size 8 and up boots, and the replaceable gaff attaches via a center pin with two TORX screws for field replacement when spikes dull.

The steel split ring keeps the ankle strap in place while allowing quick replacement when needed, and the two slotted hex-head bolts with lock washers join the steel sleeve and leg iron. Users report excellent bite on various bark types — from smooth-barked maples to rough oaks — though some note that the included shin pads feel a bit basic and upgrade to Klein’s HydraCool pads for better sweat management on hot days.

One caveat: the initial assembly may require minor adjustment, and a few users reported needing to request replacement screws for the gaff attachment. Boots with at least 8-inch uppers are recommended to prevent ankle rub from the leg iron connection point. For the price, this set offers a proven design with replaceable gaffs that extend the usable life of the climbers significantly.

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The Weaver WLC 160 is a saddle that prioritizes wear resistance and all-day comfort through traditional materials and thoughtful design. The 6-inch wide waist back is foam-filled and lined with soft oil-tanned steer hide leather, distributing the weight of your tool load evenly across your lower back. The forged aluminum dee rings with a black anodized finish are lighter than steel yet strong enough for daily use, and their fixed-position angled orientation lets you snap in a carabiner with one hand.

Two utility straps with stainless steel 200 snaps and nickel-plated rings allow quick tool access, while two additional dees on the bottom of the waist back accept a ditty bag or first aid kit. The seat strap and leg straps are also lined with leather, reducing skin irritation during sweaty summer climbs. Weighing approximately 6 pounds for a medium, it’s not the lightest saddle on the market, but the weight is justified by the quality of materials and the confidence that comes from a brand with 30-year user loyalty.

Some climbers note that the leg straps have more adjustment points than the traditional non-strap version, which requires a brief adaptation period. The rounded nylon loops on the saddle back are covered with clear rubber tubes to resist fraying from carabiner wear. For a budget-conscious professional or a dedicated hobbyist, the WLC 160 delivers proven durability that often outlasts cheaper plastic-intensive saddles.

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The Arbpro EVO 2 is purpose-designed for arborists who need grip on narrow branch crotches without metal hardware that damages ropes. The custom Vibram sole features a climbing zone tip that bites into bark, while the Perwanger leather upper and Event membrane deliver water resistance and breathability. The newly updated EVO 2 adds 25mm of ankle support height with a softer yet higher pad, plus a reinforced lacing system that uses no metal hooks — critical for protecting your climbing lines.

Users who climb 8–10 hours daily report that the EVO 2 eliminates the foot pain they experienced in standard work boots, though the softer sole means faster wear when walking on hard ground between trees. European sizing runs slightly smaller than US sizing, so ordering a half size up is a common recommendation. The loop attachment point on the back is handy for HAAS or SAKA ascender devices, though the boot itself is not classified as PPE for that attachment.

The boots carry a full warranty against factory defects, but normal sole wear from terrain abrasion is expected — many users get 6–8 months of daily professional use before needing a resole. For climbers who spend most of their day in the canopy, the improved safety from the dedicated climbing sole and the rope-friendly lacing system makes the EVO 2 a worthy investment.

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The ProClimb Better Grab Flipline Kit combines a 16-strand polyester jacket with a 1/4-inch diameter 7×19 galvanized steel aircraft cable core, giving you the rigidity needed for lateral limb walking and the grip needed for rope grab adjusters. The neon orange jacket keeps the line visible against dark bark and in low-light conditions, and the eyes are formed over steel thimbles with crimped brackets that extend the working life of the flipline ends. The 1/2-inch overall rope diameter fits standard flipline hardware without binding.

The Better Grab Rope Grab (USR-300-MRG) features a stainless steel core, an ergonomic rubberized cover, and an anodized aluminum cam with a large thumb rest for precise one-handed adjustments. Users report that the adjuster operates smoothly on the polyester jacket and allows quick length changes while standing on the ground before the climb. The kit comes in 12-foot length — a smart choice for larger trees where 8 feet would limit lateral reach.

One area where the steel-core construction shows a limitation is weight and bulk compared to a pure rope flipline. The steel snap hook is also heavier than aluminum alternatives, which some users noted as a reason to eventually swap the hardware. That said, the cut resistance of the steel core provides an extra layer of safety when working near saw teeth, and the 100% factory proof testing on every unit inspires immediate confidence.

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The Pelican Rope Arborist Rope is a 24-strand polyester static line with a 5,400-pound minimum breaking strength and a working load that handles 235-pound climbers plus gear without noticeable stretch. At 11.8mm diameter, it falls comfortably within the 11.5mm to 13mm range required by mechanical descenders like the Zigzag and Rope Runner. The tight-spliced eye on one end is factory-sewn and ready for girth-hitching to a saddle bridge or friction saver, while the other end is untreated for threading through devices.

Users who climb with the Petzl Zigzag Plus specifically report that this rope runs smooth through the device with minimal slippage, even under wet conditions. The polyester construction resists water absorption better than nylon, maintaining its low-stretch profile during rain and morning dew climbs. The 120-foot length works well for most residential and commercial trees, though larger specimen removals may require the 150-foot or 200-foot variants.

One catch: the factory-spliced eye on the Viper color variant is too large to fit through some friction devices like the Petzl Ascension, so plan to use the non-spliced end for device threading. A few users noted the rope feels slightly springy when brand new, but it settles into a stable static performance after a few descents. For the price, this is a high-value climbing line that matches the performance of ropes costing significantly more.

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The Summit Goliath SD is a climbing treestand engineered for larger-framed hunters or anyone who wants extra room at height. With a 350-pound maximum weight limit and a 21-pound overall weight, it supports heavy loads while remaining portable enough for one-trip packing into timber. The 36.5 x 25 x 19-inch dimensions provide a spacious platform and seat, reducing the confined feeling that smaller stands produce during long sits.

The Goliath SD uses the same climbing mechanism as the Viper SD — a dual-cable system that wraps the tree with sharp teeth for secure engagement during ascent. The seat is thickly padded and adjusts into multiple positions for comfort during all-day hunts. Users note that the stand is quiet in operation, with minimal metal-on-metal noise when shifting position, which is critical for not spooking deer during the approach.

Some downsides: the assembly instructions are limited, and most users turn to YouTube for proper setup guidance. The bungee cords that hold the seat back during transport show early wear, and some climbers recommend replacing the included tether rope with a stronger option. The plastic stirrup design is functional but raises longevity questions under heavy use. Despite these quirks, the Goliath SD earns high marks for comfort and stability once it’s properly attached to the tree.