Abstract: A flat folding tree stand system for mounting to a tree may include a platform, tree mounting arms pivotably connected to opposite sides of the platform and extending rearwardly, a cross brace having opposite end portions pivotably connected to the tree mounting arms, a cross brace carriage pivotably connected to a midportion of the cross brace and movably coupled to the platform for forward and rearward movement along the platform and a retainer to selectively secure the cross brace carriage at a forward position with the cross brace in a lower retracted state and a rearward position with the cross brace in a raised extended state.

Abstract: A climbing stick system may include a first climbing stick and a second climbing stick: The first climbing stick is stackable on the second climbing stick in an axially offset relationship to the second climbing stick. When stacked, the post of the second climbing stick is received within an open sided channel of the first climbing stick, wherein a compressible layer is compressed between the post of the second climbing stick and the open sided channel of the first climbing stick.

Abstract: A tree stand may include a platform, a post pivotable between an upright position relative to the platform and a folded position along the platform, a seat pivotable between a seat position and a shelf position, a leveling tab extending from the post, a shelf tab extending from the post, and a seat leveling shelf lock movably connected to and projecting from the seat The seat is pivotable between a first position in which the seat leveling shelf lock engages the leveling tab to establish an angle of the seat relative to the post in the seat position while the post is in the upright position and a second position in which the seat leveling shelf lock engages the shelf tab to retain the seat in the shelf position while the post is in the folded position.

Abstract: A tree ascent apparatus may include a post, an extension supported by the post in a lock wedge. The extension has an aperture receiving the post. The lock wedge has a tapered surface. The lock wedge is jammed in the aperture between the post and the extension.

Abstract: A climbing stick system may include a first climbing stick and a second climbing stick: The first climbing stick is stackable on the second climbing stick in an axially offset relationship to the second climbing stick. When stacked, the post of the second climbing stick is received within an open sided channel of the first climbing stick, wherein a compressible layer is compressed between the post of the second climbing stick and the open sided channel of the first climbing stick.

Abstract: A clip for releasably connecting multiple climbing sticks in parallel may include a pair of resiliently flexible grippers that form a channel that is sized to receive a post of a climbing stick while the pair of spaced resiliently flexible grippers grip opposite sides of the post of the climbing stick.