Lightweight Tree Spikes and Climbing Spurs

Buying guide

Why go light

On a big removal you might spend most of the day on spurs. Every ounce on your ankle is lifted on each step, so lightweight tree climbing spurs reduce fatigue in your hips, knees and calves. Climbers who switch from heavy steel usually notice it the first afternoon.

The trade-off is cost and toughness. Light alloy shanks cost more and can dent or bend if dropped on rock or thrown in a truck bed. Treat them like the tool they are and they will last.

Lightweight climbing spikes also help on travel-heavy work like storm cleanup, where you may hike gear into a back lot or carry it up a slope. Less weight in the bag makes the whole day easier.

What to look for in climbing spurs

Start with pads. A wide, well-padded upper spreads load and keeps the shank aligned. Next look at gaffs: replaceable tree gaffs let you swap worn points without buying new climbers. Then check adjustment range so the top of the shank sits just below the bend of your knee.

Straps should be easy to adjust with gloves on and easy to replace. Compare options in aluminum spurs and steel spurs before deciding.

Look at how the climbing spurs fasten as well. Buckles are secure and easy to adjust with gloves. Hook-and-loop closures are faster but lose grip when packed with sawdust. Pick the style that matches how often you get in and out of your spurs.

Boots and fit

Tree climber spikes need a stiff boot with a steel shank in the sole. The stirrup sits under the arch, and a soft sole lets it fold your foot. High ankle support helps when you are standing sideways on a stem.

Snug the lower strap so the stirrup cannot shift, and set the upper strap firm without cutting off circulation.

Before buying, measure from the floor to just below the bend of your knee while wearing your boots. That tells you whether a spur's adjustment range fits your leg. Climbers with very long or short legs should check this carefully.

Safety and tree health

Spurs are for removals and emergency rescue only. Every gaff hole wounds the tree, so climb trees you are keeping on rope. Always work with a flip line or steel-core lanyard and keep two points of attachment when cutting.

Climbing spurs are part of your fall-protection system. Inspect gaffs, shanks, straps and pads before every climb, follow the manufacturer's instructions and ANSI Z133, and get trained before you climb on spikes.

Store spurs with gaff guards on, keep them away from other tools that can bend gaffs, and sharpen with a file only. Replace gaffs, straps and pads as they wear so the whole system stays dependable.