The Original Hitch Treestand and The Original Hitch Climbing Sticks

Before using any Hitch product you must read, watch and understand all safety instructions provided on hitchtreestands.com plus the warning labels on each product. Do not exceed the treestand or Climbing Stick 300 pound weight limit. Prior to using any Hitch product, ALWAYS ensure that all nuts, bolts, ropes, cables, straps etc. are securely fastened and in good working condition. This applies to all Hitch Treestands Products.

A fall arrest system (FAS) comprising a full body harness must be worn at all times while using Hitch Treestands products (especially when leaving the ground). You must stay connected at all times after leaving the ground while using both climbing sticks and treestands. Single safety belts and chest harnesses are no longer allowed and should never be used. If you are not wearing a full body harness properly attached to the tree that is protecting you from a fall, do not leave the ground.

Attaching the Treestand to a tree:

1. Ensure your rope loop is securely attached to the upper cleat on the post of the Treestand (wrapped around both ends of the cleat)
2. Reach the loose end of your rope around the back of the tree and place both sets of teeth on the tree directly, ensure both sets are touching the tree at all times
3. To begin your knot BRING THE ROPE UNDERNEATH THE CLEAT on your first time around the base of the cleat - we recommend making two loops around the base before completing your figure eight and closing out the hitch
4. Figure eight your rope around each point of the cleat - we recommend doing two loops here as well
5. To close off the knot, fold the rope over itself on the top point of the cleat and pull down firmly (make sure to fold the rope away from the entering line)
6. BEFORE YOU STEP ON THE STAND push down on the seat/top of the post while lifting the platform base slightly (no more than 45 degrees) to complete a hand camlock 
7. Lastly, now standing on the stand, complete a toe hook by placing one knee on the upper post, lifting up the base slightly with your other foot (no more than 45 degrees) and then pushing back down on the base to set yourself in
8. Use the adjustable features for the seat and base to ensure you have a comfortable and safe angle in the treestand

*If using two ropes/straps (using both cleats), cam lock the stand only after attaching the upper rope, do not cam lock with both ropes attached

Attaching the climbing sticks to a tree: 

1. Ensure your rope loop is securely attached to the cleat on the post of the Climbing Stick (wrapped around both ends of the cleat)
2. Reach the loose end of your rope around the back of the tree and place both sets of teeth on the tree directly, around waist height or however high you feel safe stepping up to and ensure both sets are touching the tree at all times
3. To begin your knot BRING THE ROPE UNDERNEATH THE CLEAT on your first time around the base of the cleat - we recommend making two loops around the base before completing your figure eight and closing out the hitch
4. Figure eight your rope around each point of the cleat - we recommend doing two loops here as well
5. To close off the knot, fold the rope over itself on the top point of the cleat and pull down firmly (make sure to fold the rope away from the entering line)
6. BEFORE YOU STEP ON THE STICK pull down firmly on the stick to lock it into place

If using a cam buckle strap for Hitch Treestands and/or Climbing sticks, replace steps 1-5 with the following:

1. Ensure your cam buckle loop (the loop at the short end of the strap) is securely attached to the upper cleat on the post of the Treestand (wrapped around both ends of the cleat)
2. Reach the loose end of your strap around the back of the tree and place both sets of teeth on the tree directly, ensure both sets are touching the tree at all times
3. Securely attach the second loop to the upper cleat and pull the strap tight

*Only use cam buckle straps supplied by Hitch Treestands

08/2024