DIY: Add Inexpensive Aider Storage To A Saddle Hunting One Stick

An aider is key to “one stickin'” your way up a tree to hunt out of a saddle. There are some pretty expensive options on the market to store your aider on the way in, so I set out to find a cheaper alternative for my Out On A Limb Big B.O.B. This same method can be easily adapted for other “one sticks”.

Materials Needed

• 1/8″ Shock Cord

• Kayak J-hook

• Paracord (Method 2 only)

Method 1: Big B.O.B.

Step 1: Cut A 19″ Length of Shock Cord
Cut ~19″ of shock cord and singe the ends. The sheeting on the outside is going to want to unravel after you cut this, so just take a torch and singe the ends. [00:23]

Step 2: Attach the J Hook
Slide the J Hook onto the 19″ length of shock cord. This hook makes a great attachment point for securing the aider to the stick. [01:07]

Step 3: Tie Two Perfection Loops
Maintaining a small tail end, tie two perfection loops on each end of the shock cord. I use this knot because it's an angler's knot that won't slip on the shock cord, even under tension. [01:27]

Step 4: Attach to the Big B.O.B.
Remove the aider attachment screws on the Big B.O.B. and place each perfection loop onto the screw so it is situated in front of your aider. The shock cord should be closest to where your foot is going to step and furthest from the tree. [02:33]

Step 5: Secure the Aider
Fold the aider up flat to the bottom step and wrap the shock cord around it. Since the Big B.O.B. has diamond cutouts in the shaft, you can secure the J Hook directly into one of those machined holes. [03:04]

Method 2: All Other Sticks

This method requires you to create your own secure point if there isn’t one machined in the shaft of the stick such as with the Big B.O.B. or Beast Sticks.

Follow Steps 1 and 2 from Method 1

Step 3: Tie Two Perfection Loops
There are two ways to tie the perfection loop…one method requires passing two loops through each other which is great for Method 1. If the stick you are using only has fixed attachment points, you will want to tie your perfection loop as you would if attaching to a fixed pole. Tie one end to two fixed points on the bottom rung of the stick. [03:44]

Step 4: Tie A Fixed Loop in the Paracord
Using two double-fisherman’s knots, tie a fixed loop out of a small length of paracord. [04:41]

Step 5: Add A Prusik to Your Amsteel Strap
This attachment point works for when you have a cam cleat and amsteel for attaching the stick to the tree. Add a prusik to the end of the amsteel. When you wind up your amsteel, adjust the prusik so it rests on the back of the stick. [04:57]

Step 6: Secure the Aider
Fold the aider up flat to the bottom step and wrap the shock cord around it and secure the J Hook to the loop in the prusik. [05:23]

Wrapping Up

This is a very inexpensive way to clean up your mobile hunting setup and keep your aider from falling down while you're walking into your spot. It’s a simple DIY that replaces much more expensive retail options.