Abstract: Apparatus for use as a chain climbing device or a chain racheting device ludes a pair of spring-closed opposing cams disposed in a rigid structure which supports a pair of cam pins, each of which extends through an elongated aperture in one of the cams. The weight of a person using the chain climbing device is transferred from a pair of cam stops attached to the rigid structure to the cams to the chain. When the device is used for chain racheting the weight of the chain is transferred to the cams to the cam stops to the rigid structure. The shape of the cams and the elongated apertures enable the cams to rotate about and slide upward or downward on the cam pins to selectively allow upward or downward relative motion between the chain and the apparatus or lock the chain and the apparatus in a fixed relationship.

Abstract: A climbing aid comprising a rigid support bar having a climbing spike at one end and held in a horizontally disposed slot in a boot.

Abstract: A gaff of generally chanular shape has its free edges welded to the vertical leg bar of the climber and its lower end is tapered to a point with the free edges sharp to facilitate ready penetration of the pole or tree. The bar of the climber is of high strength strip metal stock with a pair of spaced parallel ribs extending longitudinally on either side of the gaff and continues beneath the foot of the wearer to the outer upward end portion of the bar.