If you’re a person who enjoys exploring nature, an animal rescuer or an arborist, then you’re going to need to consider tree climbing. And to do this properly, you’re going to need a good pair of tree climbing spikes.
Anyone can climb a tree, but when we’re talking about larger trees, then it becomes less and less safe depending on it’s size. Large trees are harder to climb with just your hands and feet. So, the reality is that you need special gear to reach higher elevations, as it’s often very hard to find a foothold.
Luckily for you, nowadays you can pick up a pair of tree climbing spikes for a pretty cheap price. We’re here to suggest the best tree climbing spikes to aid you on your upward journey. So, let’s get started.
Our Top 6 Tree Climbing Spikes
| Product | Image | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Klein Tree Climbers |  | Check Best Price |
| Notch Gecko Climbers |  | Check Best Price |
| Lorchwise Tree Climbing Spikes |  | Check Best Price |
| Buckingham Climbers |  | Check Best Price |
| Evoke Gear Climbing Spikes |  | Check Best Price |
| Gecko CF Carbon Fiber Tree Climbers |  | Check Best Price |
There are many products are available out there to help you climb trees, but spikes are one of the most important. If you’re not sure what else you need, then check out my list of the essential tree climbing gear that every climber needs.
To make up your mind about what spikes to get, you might want to check out the following list.
Klein Tree Climbers
- 8-Inch x 8-Inch (203 mm x 203 mm) cushioned, high-grade leather climber pads for maximum comfort
- Neoprene-impregnated nylon climber straps for long-lasting life
- Secure sleeve and leg iron connection; two slotted hex-head bolts with lock washers and barrel-type nuts join the steel sleeve and leg iron together
- Steel split ring secures ankle strap in place and allows for quick replacement
- 4-7/16-Inch (113 mm) wide stirrup provides greater foot support
On your road to the treetops, you might want to let this nice pair of climbers help you out.
The Klein Tree Climbers are made of high-quality, cushioned leather to provide you comfort while you climb. Also, the leather straps are adjustable to your desired size. Another thing to note is that the straps are durable, promising a long-lasting life.
What made many customers delighted about this product is how easy it was to use. Also, they admired the way that all the parts of the climbers were connected. In addition to that, the spikes themselves are made of high-end steel. That should ensure you have steady feet as you climb.
Pros
Cons
Notch Gecko Climbers
- Steel leg iron construction with rust proof finish
- Adjustable high impact plastic molded cuff with integrated padding
- 4” wide upper calf strap provides maximum security during climbing
- 350 lbs. weight capacity with gear
- Meets ASTM F887 standard
The second on our list is the Notch Gecko climbers – they caught our attention immediately. We like them because of the steel leg construction, which comes with a rustproof finish. This helps to extend the longevity of the climbers, and means that they’re going to last for quite a long time.
Also, you’ll probably like the padded cuffs. They help secure your legs and provide comfort against the steel construction. In addition to that, the upper calf straps should give you more stability as you climb.
To make you more confident, these spikes were vehemently tested on trees. They were put under many conditions to come up with the best design and performance.
Pros
Cons
Lorchwise Tree Climbing Spikes
- ★Rust Resistance: Rock climbing nails are sharp, non-deformable, rust resistant and wear-resisting.
- ★Upgraded Five Claws: With sharp and hard stainless steel claws, the belt is stronger, more durable and safer for climbing trees.
- ★Scientific Design: The belt is easy to use. It has a strong load-bearing capacity, and has a maximum load of about 100kg.
- ★Easy to Carry: The tree climbing tool is small, so it is lightweight and easy to carry. Take it with you whenever you want, and enjoy the tree climbing at anytime anywhere.
- ★Multiple Uses: This belt is ideal for practicing tree climbing, jungle survival, fruit picking, hunting, etc.
For those looking for a cheaper set of spurs, then it might pay to look at these from Lorchwise. They’re much more cost efficient than the other more expensive brands that I’ve already mentioned. I don’t usually advise to opt for a cheap set, however these spikes might suit those who are looking to save some cash.
The only downside of these spikes is that they can only support 100kg, so they’re not suitable as heavy duty spikes. But for beginners, they might be a good set that can help you get to grips with tree climbing.
Pros
Cons
Buckingham Climbers
- Buckingham’s new Patent Pending Grip (Gaff Ridge Position) technology: “Climb like the old timers but feel comfy like the new guys,” says one Journeyman Lineman
- Grip (gaff ridge position) technology keeps gaff pointed towards the heart of the tree greatly reducing cut outs
- Whether you are climbing a tree with thick bark or thin bark, the hybrid gaffs, measuring in at 2 7/16”, gives the user the convenience to easily climb both.
- Alloy blend contributes to superior product life cycle
- Aluminum alloy used in transport applications including marine, automotive, and aviation due to its high strength to density ratio
The first thing you’ll notice about this product is the sturdy-looking design. The straps, pads, and spikes fit perfectly together.
Our next favorite thing about these climbing spikes is that they’re made of high-quality steel and leather. Also, the padding should help lower the pressure on your shins while you climb.
Also, these climbers should keep you steady and give you a stable position on the side of the tree. As many reviewers stated, the sureness that these spikes provided was unmatched.
Pros
Cons
Evoke Gear Climbing Spikes
- Tree Graff and Pole Graff Included
- Adjustable height
- High Strength Metal
- Comfortable pad
- Metal Spurs Set
If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider this product. These high-strength aluminum spikes should hold you steady while climbing, and wouldn’t have to worry about spending too much money.
Another plus to this product is the durable straps and comfortable cuffs. No more discomfort as you make your way to the top! Also, the height is adjustable to match the size of your legs.
Pros
Cons
Gecko Tree Climbers
- The next generation of Gecko CF climbers featuring new and improved carbon fiber lay design!
This is another one of our favorite climbers by Gecko. Besides being lightweight, these climbing spikes are made of fine aluminum that should grant you stability. Also, you could adjust padded shin cuffs to suit you better.
In addition to that, the steel gaffs can be replaced. You can order replacement cuffs and pads, too.
Pros
Cons
How to Use Tree Climbing Spikes
Now that we know the right equipment that we need, it’s time to find out how we can use them to climb a tree.
- Before climbing, make sure there are no defects in the tree (rotting areas or crevices could make your climb dangerous).
- Strap the harness to your body.
- Throw one end of the flipline around the tree and catch it with the other hand
- Connect the flipline to your harness
- Lean back with the help of the flipline
- Stab the spikes in the right places on the tree trunk
- Step onto the climbing spikes
- Make sure your knees are 6-8 inches away from the trunk
- Start ascending by positioning the flipline higher around the tree
- Climb to the same height as the flipline with the help of your spikes
Pro tip: if you face branches, you could cut them off so they won’t interfere with your flipline.
Also, as the tree starts to get smaller in diameter, you should be able to adjust the size of the flipline using the adjuster.
Other Climbing Equipment
As we previously mentioned, the climbing spikes do most of the work to help you climb trees. But they can’t do their job alone. The following list should contain all the equipment required besides the climbing spikes.
Common Questions about Tree Climbing Spikes
Can climbing spikes damage trees?
Climbing spikes won’t damage trees severely, yet they can leave marks and crevices that might make the trunk vulnerable. These marks will heal with time, but it’s best practice to avoid climbing a tree unless necessary. Most arborists won’t climb a tree with spikes unless the tree is being disposed of.
Will climbing a tree with spikes kill it?
Although it’s unlikely to kill the tree, climbing a tree with spikes will leave wounds in the tree. This might result in the tree getting an infection, which is why we avoid using spikes in tree unless absolutely necessary.
What can we use instead of climbing spikes?
In most cases, there are alternatives to using tree climbing spikes that can be used. Using a cherry picker is always a good option for very large tree, or if your tree isn’t as big, then a ladder can be used instead.
Which brand of spikes is best?
There are many different brands out there for you to consider if you’re looking for a good set of climbing spikes. I tend to start by looking at brands like Klein and Buckingham, because they’ve been around for a while, and you can be sure that they’re good quality.
What’s so great about tree climbing?
Tree climbing is great for many reasons. It’s an awesome hobby if you’re into adventures and trying new things. Also, it can be an unusual way to work out outside of the gym. In addition to that, tree climbing is used when cutting damaged or dead trees
Conclusion
It might be tricky to choose the best tree climbing spikes. There are many great choices to admire, but we’d be happy to share our favorites from the list. If you need more than just spikes, then check out the Tropical Tree Climbing Gear Guide, which has all of the climbing gear you could ever need.
The Notch Gecko Climbers are a decent enough for choice anyone looking for something reliable. Not only are these spikes durable, efficient, and lightweight, but they’re also available at a decent price. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, you can try these Buckingham Climbers, which are tried and tested by many arborists. The high-quality material of these spurs makes them an excellent choice, and one of the better options on this list.
