The 3 Best Tree Climbing Spurs: A Comprehensive Review

The chances are if you are on the lookout for some tree climbing spurs, then you probably know what they are. But if you happen to be someone new to tree climbing, let’s run through what tree climbing spurs are and how best to use them.

Tree climbing spurs are essential tools that are often used to safely climb up trees. They are used by professional arborists and tree surgeons to access tree branches at high levels or to just cut down a tree.

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best for Professionals
Bashlin BD16 Climbing Spurs
Bashlin BD16 Climbing Spurs
  • Protective buckle shield
  • Heavy Leather pads
  • 85N top straps.
Check Lowest Price
Best All Round
Tree Hog TH Climbing Spurs
Tree Hog TH Climbing Spurs
  • Soft leather aligned with natural wool.
  • Rubber coated webbed straps.
  • Easy shaft length adjustment.
Check Lowest Price
Best Budget
Talogca Tree Climbing Spike Set
Talogca Tree Climbing Spike Set
  • Sharp and hard stainless steel claws.
  • Strong load capacity.
  • Ideal for practice tree climbing.
Check Lowest Price

These spurs for tree climbing are handy tools that are sometimes referred to as Gaffs, Hooks, Climbers, Spikes, Stirrups or Irons. What name it is referred to as will usually differ depending on what part of the country that you live in.

Strapping onto the climber’s lower leg is a piece called the spur, this is in place to ensure the gaff extends the instep of the foot.

Spur climbing is most likely the oldest and most recognised method for climbing trees and even poles in some cases. It is the traditional method employed by tree service professionals around the world (1).

Bashlin BD16 Climbing Spurs

The one large noticeable difference between the previous set of spurs and these is basically, the price.

Similar to the tree hog spurs, the pads of these spurs are made from heavy leather padding of which as we know is a good choice of material.

Best Overall
Bashlin BD16 Climbing Spurs

Made from heavy leather, with adjustable pads and 85N top straps, these spurs are built to last. Plus, they come with replaceable steel gaffs that make them perfect for any terrain. So if you’re looking for a tough and reliable pair of climbing spurs, look no further than the Bashlin BD16 Climbing Spurs.

Made of reliable material with decent padding, these come at a reasonable price.

These twisted shank spurs are made with heavy leather adjustable pads and 85N top straps to keep you secure while you climb. Plus, they come with 41mm replaceable steel gaffs that provide superior grip on even the most challenging surfaces.

They have one pair of gaffs, 41mm, made out of steel. The straps are from the 85N Series and have some additional features which include;

  • One 1/16″ X 24″ straps.
  • Can be made from neoprene nylon or bioplastic coated webbing.
  • Often supplied with a leather-like texture great for flexibility and wear. This also increases the strength of synthetic material.
  • Protective buckle shield also made from leather is included.
  • They are sold in pairs.

The webbing, the texture, buckle are all great qualities to have to make the series type very much adequate. Both climbing spurs listed in this review have a weight difference of only 200g.

The company behind this product is Bashlin, a company that has specialised in climbing and linemen equipment for over 90 years (1926), it’s safe to say they know what they are doing.

The Bashlin BD16 Climbing Spurs are an extremely good pair of spurs, adding onto the fact the company behind it had such experience in the field, these are a good pair of spurs.

Beginners getting into tree climbing could do no wrong settling for these spurs.

Tree Hog TH 1005 Aluminium Climbing Spurs

Similar to alloy and titanium, aluminium is a lightweight metallic compound that makes this climbing spurs a fantastic pair to have let alone just for a beginner.

For everyone new to tree climbing and beginners alike, it is important to safely ease into climbing (with the right equipment). Climbing spurs made using hard and heavy made-material would very likely be difficult to use.

Best for Professionals
Tree Hog TH 1005 Aluminium Climbing Spurs

Crafted from lightweight aluminium, these spurs feature soft leather leg pads and rubber-coated webbed straps for a comfortable, secure fit. Plus, they come with two pairs of gaffs – one long for tree work and one short for pole work – so you’re ready for any ascent challenge.

This is why the lightweight choice of aluminium makes these spurs great already for someone just starting climbing.

Made from strong yet lightweight aluminium, these spurs feature soft leather leg pads that are reinforced with natural wool padding, as well as rubber-coated webbed straps for a secure fit.

Plus, the shaft length is easily adjustable to ensure a perfect fit. Ideal for arborists and other professionals who need trustworthy gear they can rely on.

Features

  • Soft leather aligned with natural wool
  • Rubber coated webbed straps.
  • Easy shaft length adjustment.

Talking materials, a great addition to the aluminium structure are the soft leather leg pads, leather is a great material used for padding seen in boxing, flintknapping, and more. An excellent material choice on the rigid leg pads.

Another great quality is length, these pads aren’t fixed to one length of the Gaff, it comes with both a long and a short gaff, the long ones primary use being for work climbing trees and the short being for simple pole work.

These spurs weigh 1378g impacted by the material included. The company behind these tree climbing spurs are known as Treehog. A well known, often-reviewed brand in the tree climbing community.

Although not limited to tree climbing based products, they sell a variety of boots, bags, throw bags, gloves, harnesses, jackets, hi-vis, and much much more at great prices and frequent deals.

Overall these climbing spurs are a good choice of tree climbing spurs for beginners. The use of aluminium help to make it very lightweight. The leather pads aligned with wool padding also increase the comfort levels when in use. The rubber webbing help to ensure durability.

Choosing your Tree Climbing Spurs

Over the years, how people use spurs to climb trees has slightly evolved. The key thing worth noting is that the overall changes have been positive improvements and innovative enough to lead to better climbing equipment.

Without a doubt, the process of deciding which tree climbing spur to pick can be confusing considering the many types available.

Especially if you’re new to tree climbing!

Best Chainsaw on a Pole

Many factors can come into play when trying to decide on the best tree climbing spurs for beginners.

Factors which include;

  1. Fitting
  2. Design of the shin pads
  3. Length

Material wise, the main part of the tree climbing spurs are typically made out of steel, alloy, titanium or carbon fibre. Aluminium, titanium and alloy are some very lightweight options but they shine in the fact they are strong and durable.

The size and weight of the tree climbing spurs should also be a factor to consider depending on your body weight and what you want the equipment for. Some people prefer lighter, others heavier so it’s up to you.

The design of the shin pads differs between models but as previously mentioned, leather is typically used for this part as opposed to plastic or other synthetic material choices.

The majority of climbers will agree that leather is a great option for this area because it’s shock absorbent and durable.

Do tree climbing spurs hurt the tree?

Arborists often use spurs while they are tree climbing.

Ideally, you should not climb living trees should not be climbed using tree climbing spurs. It can cause damage and also doesn’t give the tree a fighting chance to recover.

Use your tree spurs when taking down trees completely or when removing a dead tree. Tree climbing spurs work well because they help climbers maintain their grip on smooth surfaces such as hardwood and thinning bark.

The accepted arboriculture industry standard for climbing and moving around a tree is a method called spurless climbing. This is where the tree climber uses a lifting crane or ropes to extend and retract their height as they need it.

Can you climb a tree without Spurs?

Tree arborists often need to climb trees without using any type of hardware or equipment. It can be done, but it takes some practice and needs to be done safely.

How To Climb A Tree To Cut Branches Safely

Ideally, you should always use a harness when climbing trees. This gives you something to attach ropes and other equipment to while you are up in the branches.

If you are practising how to climb trees without any equipment then make sure that there is no chance of injuring yourself if you fall. It may be best to start off practising on a smaller branch before moving on to larger ones.

You can also consider hiring a lifting crane to get yourself up the tree. This way you can get as high as you need to without having to risk anything, but it’s obviously very pricey.

Are climbing spurs safe?

Climbing spurs are one of the most important pieces of climbing gear for tree arborists. They provide a secure grip while ascending and descending trees, making the job safer and easier.

To use them safely needs good technique, practice, and the correct equipment for your body weight or else they can easily cause injury.

Look for durable materials that can handle some wear and tear without getting damaged too easily. The best type of climbing spur for you is all about personal preference, but make sure to choose the right ones.

Final Thoughts on the Best Tree Climbing Spurs For Beginners

In conclusion, the purpose of this was to compare 2 products, their upsides, and downsides and compare the 2 on which one would be the best pick for beginners starting/trying out spur climbing.

The Bashlin BD16 Climbing Spurs proved to be a solid product but due to factors such as weight, materials, and overall what crowd it was made for, it doesn’t seem suitable for beginners, and without a doubt isn’t a very affordable option.

On the other hand, you have the Tree Hog TH 1005 Climbing Spurs also made by a known brand, which feels like it is better for beginners. It is a lightweight material, it has 2 gaffs for beginners to try out, it is affordable, all good qualities for someone testing the water with spur climbing.

Don’t disregard the latter product, they are still a great pair of spurs based on the description yet for beginners they wouldn’t be the best option.

Glossary

  1. Learn how to climb the biggest trees from this professional tree climber (Link)