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Summit upgrades and new setup

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3.6K views 16 replies 11 participants last post by  1canvas  
#1 ·
I've had Summit climbing stands for 20 years. I've had my current Viper for about 10 years now. I'm getting more and more heavily back into bow hunting (probably spend 90% of my hunting with a bow in-hand) and wanted to make a few changes to my setup this year to make it faster, lighter, and easier to manage.

I added the Hazmore hammock seat. This saves weight over the factory Summit seat, allows you to sit higher, which I prefer for bowhunting, makes packing and unpacking the stand faster because you don't have to loop the seat through the sections, and is actually even more comfortable than the factory Summit seat (which I was honestly doubtful about). I've got a full 12 hour sit under my belt in this thing and love it!

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On the foot platform, I got some 1" adhesive grip tape off Amazon and added it in addition to the Summit footrest kit. This is a lifesaver getting in and out of the stand when the platform is more angled at the bottom of the tree and boots are often wet from dew. The footrest kit just adds comfort. For the backpack straps to carry the stand, I've never liked the way the Summits looped over the platform so that you step on it. Also I have broad shoulders and they always pinched a bit. The green cord nestles between the platform channels so you don't step on it. The straps themselves are a pair of rifle slings (Butler Creek Neoprene Padded) from Walmart, $10/ea. The cord also lets me set the width of the straps for comfort.

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For my backpack, I no longer wanted it hanging off my EZ Hanger up above me. I've had a few issues in the past where I needed to shoot close to that side of the tree and the pack has been in the way. I added a simple loop of 550 cord to the upper section of the armrest and simply clip the pack to that with a carabener.

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For my bow I went to a shorter version of the EZ hanger. I like having the bow closer to the tree and this one has the new longer hook for wider limbed bows like my V3. I also added a loop of 550 cord to the top of my quiver and I simply slip it over the EZ hanger and slide it back against the tree. For my binoculars, I went away from the Crooked Horn Harness and to the Vortex harness. I like the "pouch" to protect the binoculars and I zip-tied my rangefinder pouch to the side to keep both easily accessible.


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#2 · (Edited)
The first thing I did was purchase a Cougar Claw climber and sold the Summit Viper. This summer I sponge painted it to be more inconspicuous in a tree.. Next I added Third Hand stabilizer straps, bow holder and treads. Like the OP, I swapped the bulky stock seat for a Slumper mesh seat to save weight and bulk. Finally, I replaced the large pipe wrap padding on the front rail of the seat section with a smaller type and wrapped it in camo vet tape.

For hauling, I ditched the stock shoulder straps and got a set of LWCG shoulder straps and hip belt. So far, this is the best I have used....including an XOP TTS.

In regards to a pack, I bought an Alpz bino harness that rides easily on my chest while walking or climbing....all the basics fit inside. When at height, I can either leave it on or hang it from the side of the stand out of the way.. Best climber setup I've used.
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#3 ·
Great setup! I have been going back and forth about the Hazmore Seat, trying to weight the speed vs comfort factor. I have the Cottonwood Outdoors Extra Wide Seat, Saddle Bags and Arm Pads. I installed 3M stair tread Grit tape on the platform as well as tree stand silencers strips where necessary. A 3rd Hand Archery Bow Holder and Stabilizer Straps installed as well.

Currently I have on order the Hazmore Molle System with quick disconnect buckles. I will post some pictures tonight.
 
#5 ·
You’re off to a good start. Now slap a Third Hand archery bow holder and stabilizer straps on that thing and you’ll have the best climber in the biz. If you’re like me and sit all day sometimes, get the Hazemore back rest. It plus the hammock seat is almost as comfy as the summit seat with 10x the packability. Molle shoulder straps for me, no waist belt but I do wonder sometimes if it would help as I am a shorter person and can use all the leverage help I can get when carrying climber and pack full of clothes.
 
#6 ·
I don’t care to have the bow holder. As I mentioned I have broad shoulders and like my armrests clear. The little EZ hanger works well for me.
What’s the deal with the stabilizer straps? I see them mentioned all the time and I watched some YouTube videos but I still don’t get the point. I use the cinch strap that came with the stand to tighten the top portion to the tree when I get to hunting height. It’s rock solid. I’ve never had the foot platform shift. What am I missing?
 
#7 ·
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My Summit Viper with Thirdhand Bow Holder, Stabilize Straps, and Treestand Treads. The seat is a Hazmore net seat minus the black strap and the very underrated Hazmore Seat Cushion.
I have a custom made front bag that carries everything I need using a climber. Also, two custom side bags, one for extra hats and gloves, the other side carries food and water.
The stand has a bevel job on the cable receivers and cable lock lock outs for a very easy and quiet hook up to the tree and removal.
I also have about six different camo blinds that attach to the rail for different seasons and conditions when the weather gets cold.
This is my all day comfort stand.
 
#11 ·
I would add Thirdhand Treestand Treads, they help insulate your feet from the cold metal but more importantly they quiet your stand.
For a harness the XOP TTS is the best but it is a bit tricky to get it set up and properly adjusted. The harness from Lone Wolf Custom Gear is another option and a much simpler design.
 
#16 ·
I have the Hazmore silent seat, a Third Hand bow holder, Mollie backpack straps and kidney belt, and saddle bags. I tied a double bungee on the top section that i wrap and hook around the tree so it doesn't move or fall when you're not sitting on it, I also use the bungee to strap in clothes and hold the two sections together while carrying.
 
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