Abstract: The improved climbing apparatus hereof includes a pair of climbing members attachable to the feet of a user that assist the user in climbing a tree or pole. When put to use, the climber maintains a motion similar to that used when climbing stairs to scale up or down the tree. Each climbing member includes a foot-supporting platform and a siderail attached to the foot-supporting platform that extends along the side of the tree. At least one adaptive member, such as a cam mechanism having a reciprocating arcuate portion, is attached to each climbing member. The cam mechanism changes its form or position depending upon an outer contour of the tree to thereby provide a gripping force against the tree. The climbing member thus advantageously grips tightly to the tree, thereby reducing the chances of slippage. In addition, since the tree climbing apparatus does not involve the use of teeth or spikes that wedge into the tree, the apparatus is environmentally "friendly" and trees are left undamaged.