Imagine this: You’re high up in a tree, perfectly still, waiting for that perfect shot. But your feet keep slipping on the saddle platform. That frustrating wobble can ruin a hunt! Many saddle hunters face this problem. They need a secure way to move their feet quietly and safely while perched in their tree saddle.
Choosing the right Ring of Steps can feel like a puzzle. Should it be light? Strong? Easy to attach? The wrong choice means wasted energy and maybe even a missed opportunity. You want gear that works *with* you, not against you.
This post will cut through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great Ring of Steps for saddle hunting. You will learn the key features to look for so you can choose the best setup for your next hunt. Get ready to step up your game!
Top Ring Of Steps For Saddle Hunting Recommendations
- Perfect Saddle Hunting Gear – This ring of steps (ros) is designed for hunters who need full 360° movement around the tree. With ergonomic shaping, it provides secure footing and maximum stability for safe and efficient saddle hunting setups.
- Ergonomic & Anti-Slip Design – Each step is built with micro-arc sides and patterned notches, ensuring better grip and support when side-stepping. The backside includes serrated grooves and biting points, maximizing tree connection and step stability during saddle hunting.
- Heavy-Duty Strap & Buckle System – The ring steps come with a 6ft tear-resistant polyester strap rated at 3000lbs strength and an cam buckle rated at 1000lbs. The full ring of steps set supports up to 400lbs working load, ensuring safety and reliability for serious saddle hunters.
- Ultra-Light for Hunting Mobility – Each step weighs just 3.3oz, and a full 6-step kit weighs under 2lbs. This ultra-lightweight design dramatically reduces pack weight, making it easier to carry during long hunts while minimizing fatigue and maximizing endurance.
- Compact & Easy to Carry – Comes with a durable dump pouch for quick packing and storage. The ros set easily fits into hunting packs and is Molle-compatible, allowing secure attachment to any hunting gear system for unmatched portability and convenience.
- Tailored as essential saddle hunting gear, this Ring of Steps (ROS) is engineered to meet hunters’ core need for full 360° mobility around trees. Whether adjusting shooting positions or repositioning for better visibility, it eliminates movement restrictions, laying a solid foundation for smooth, efficient saddle hunting setups—ideal for both seasoned hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Crafted with a human-centric ergonomic design, the step delivers reliable secure footing to prevent slips during hunts. Its thoughtful structure ensures maximum stability, even when shifting weight or moving sideways, giving hunters the confidence to focus on their target without worrying about unsteady footing.
- Each step features micro-arc sides that fit the natural contour of feet, paired with patterned notches on the surface. This dual-design detail significantly boosts grip, especially during side-stepping movements common in saddle hunting. It effectively reduces the risk of foot slippage, even in slightly damp or dusty outdoor conditions.
- The backside of the step is equipped with serrated grooves and strategically placed biting points. These elements create a tight, anti-slip connection with the tree trunk, maximizing step stability throughout the hunting process. Hunters can trust that the step stays firmly in place, even when leaning or adjusting positions.
- Weighing only 3.3oz per step, this ultra-lightweight design drastically cuts down on pack weight. It eases the burden of long-distance carries during extended hunts, minimizing physical fatigue and preserving hunters’ endurance. You can bring essential gear without sacrificing mobility, making it perfect for all-day outdoor adventures.
- Ideal set up for 360 degree movement.
- Perfect for keeping the tree between you and the deer.
- HD Ratchet rated to 3,000 lbs.
- Platform Step rated to 250 lbs.
- Platform Steps weigh only 3.1 oz each.
- Perfect Saddle Hunting Gear – This ring of steps (ros) is designed for hunters who need full 360° movement around the tree. With ergonomic shaping, it provides secure footing and maximum stability for safe and efficient saddle hunting setups.
- Ergonomic & Anti-Slip Design – Each step is built with micro-arc sides and patterned notches, ensuring better grip and support when side-stepping. The backside includes serrated grooves and biting points, maximizing tree connection and step stability during saddle hunting.
- Heavy-Duty Strap & Buckle System – The ring steps come with a 6ft tear-resistant polyester strap rated at 3000lbs strength and an cam buckle rated at 1000lbs. The full ring of steps set supports up to 400lbs working load, ensuring safety and reliability for serious saddle hunters.
- Ultra-Light for Hunting Mobility – Each step weighs just 3.3oz, and a full 6-step kit weighs under 2lbs. This ultra-lightweight design dramatically reduces pack weight, making it easier to carry during long hunts while minimizing fatigue and maximizing endurance.
- Compact & Easy to Carry – Comes with a durable dump pouch for quick packing and storage. The ros set easily fits into hunting packs and is Molle-compatible, allowing secure attachment to any hunting gear system for unmatched portability and convenience.
- Aluminum Construction
- Strap: 1” Pull Tight Cam Buckle Strap
- Extremely Portable; Steps Fold For Ultimate Portability
- Perfect for Mobile Hunting; Fold Compact for Ultimate Packability
- Rugged Tread for Superior Grip & Traction and Bark Biting Rear of Step Grips to Tree
- Specifically Designed for Saddle Hunting's ROS Setup One end features a flat hook, while the other sports the enhanced OCB—perfect for securely hanging your favorite 4–6 Ring of Steps or gear to the tree. Quick setup, reliable hold, and effortless adjustment make every climb safer and smoother.
- Robust Buckle: 1000 lb Rated Break Strength, 333 lb Working Load Limit The quick-release OCB buckle is rated to withstand 1000 pounds in break strength, delivering a safe working load limit of 333 pounds for secure, worry-free applications.
- Enhanced Grip & Fast Release with Extended-Handle Over-Center (OCB) Buckle Equipped with an over-center cam buckle—also known as over center buckle, quick release over center buckle, or quick release buckle—featuring a longer handle for easier operation and faster adjustments, even with gloves or in low light.
- Heavy-Duty Polyester Webbing: 6 ft, 3000 lb Tear-Strength Built with 6 feet of durable polyester webbing capable of resisting up to 3000 pounds in tear strength, ensuring enduring reliability during ROS (Ring of Steps) setups.
- Ultra-Lightweight & Quieter Than Ratchet Straps (Only 8 oz) This strap delivers stealth and agility in the field—now with just an 8-ounce weight, significantly quieter and lighter than bulky ratchet straps, enhancing your saddle hunting experience.
- HAWK MONKEY BARS - The Monkey Bars from Hawk are your next go-to climbing steps to secure you while climbing up a tree to your hunting stand; just put the sticks on the tree and you are good to go
- PORTABLE & LIGHWEIGHT - Weight is an essential factor to consider before hunting, the Hawke 4 pieces set is perfectly portable thanks to its construction; the sticks stack together so you can easily carry them
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS - The Hawke Monkey Bars set is made of aluminum which is stainless, versatile, non-magnetic, tough; the tree strap is made of high-performance webbing that is durable and strong
- ENHANCED SAFETY - Rugged tread of the Hawk’s steps ensures superior grip and traction; the safety strap holds steps in place firmly and makes climbing more comfortable and safe
- FIGURES ABOUT SET - The Hawk Monkey Bars include 4 steps, 1 strap with safety buckle; the strap is 68 inches long, one step weighs 3 ounces, all set weighs 1.6 lbs; the weight rating is 300 lbs
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Ring of Steps for Saddle Hunting
Saddle hunting is a popular way to hunt silently and stay comfortable in a tree. A key piece of gear for many saddle hunters is a “Ring of Steps.” This device helps you climb trees safely and quickly. This guide will help you choose the best one for your next hunt.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a Ring of Steps, several features matter most. You want something reliable and easy to use.
- **Adjustability:** Look for steps that adjust easily. Different trees have different sizes. Good adjustability means your steps will fit snugly on almost any tree trunk.
- **Step Size and Grip:** Bigger steps offer a more stable platform for your feet. The surface needs strong grip patterns. This prevents your boots from slipping, especially when wet.
- **Weight and Packability:** Since you carry this to your hunting spot, weight is crucial. A lighter ring is easier to carry long distances. It should also fold or break down small enough to fit inside your pack.
- **Ease of Setup:** How fast can you attach and deploy the ring? Quick setup means you can get into your hunting position faster when the time is right.
Important Materials
The materials used determine how long your Ring of Steps lasts and how much weight it can hold.
Most high-quality rings use strong, lightweight metals. Aluminum alloys are very common. They offer a great balance of strength and low weight. Sometimes, you will see steel used, which is very tough but heavy. Avoid rings made entirely of plastic, as they often break under stress. The straps or ropes used to secure the ring must be made of durable, weather-resistant nylon or similar synthetic material. Check the stitching on these straps; strong stitching lasts longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is often seen in the details.
What makes a ring better? Strong welds and smooth moving parts improve quality. If the adjustment mechanism locks firmly in place, that’s a sign of good engineering. Rings that come with protective coatings resist rust and scratches, which improves their lifespan significantly. A high weight rating (check the manufacturer’s limit) shows the materials are robust.
What makes a ring worse? Flimsy hardware reduces quality. If the steps wiggle or shift when you put weight on them, the quality is low. Poorly finished edges can snag clothing or cut ropes. If the steps are too narrow, they reduce your usable climbing surface, making the device less safe.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the ring affects your choice.
For hunters who hike deep into the woods (backcountry hunters), weight and packability are the top concerns. They need a ring that disappears in their pack. For hunters using tree stands close to where they park, durability and step size might matter more than a few extra ounces of weight.
User experience focuses on noise. A good Ring of Steps operates quietly. Metal parts grinding against each other as you climb can scare game away. Look for designs that use rubber dampeners or protective wraps on metal contact points. You want a silent ascent to your tree.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ring of Steps
Q: What is a Ring of Steps used for in saddle hunting?
A: Hunters use a Ring of Steps to help them climb a tree safely before setting up their saddle harness system high above the ground.
Q: How much weight can a standard Ring of Steps usually hold?
A: Most good quality rings hold at least 250 to 300 pounds, but always check the specific product’s weight rating.
Q: Are Rings of Steps hard to attach to a tree?
A: They should not be hard. A good design allows a hunter to attach the ring quickly using straps or ropes around the tree trunk.
Q: Do I need special boots to use a Ring of Steps?
A: While any boot works, boots with deep treads offer better grip on the metal steps, making your climb safer.
Q: Can I use a Ring of Steps on very large trees?
A: This depends on the strap length. Check the maximum circumference the ring can wrap around before you buy it for the woods you hunt in.
Q: How noisy are these devices when climbing?
A: They can be noisy if the metal parts bang together. High-quality models include padding to keep the noise down for stealthy climbs.
Q: What is the main advantage of a Ring of Steps over climbing sticks?
A: Rings wrap around the tree, offering a full circle of support, while sticks are straight sections that only offer support on one side.
Q: How do I clean my Ring of Steps after a muddy hunt?
A: You usually just need to wipe off the mud with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, especially on the straps.
Q: Should I buy an aluminum or a steel ring?
A: Aluminum is lighter and better for long hikes. Steel is heavier but often considered more durable for very rough use.
Q: Where should I store my Ring of Steps when not in use?
A: Store it in a dry place. Make sure the straps are not tightly twisted or kinked, as this weakens the material over time.