A climbing system includes a treestand and a plurality of climbing sticks. The treestand includes a monolithic platform formed from strengthened material. Each of the climbing sticks includes a frame having a plurality of weight-reduction apertures formed therethrough. Methods of manufacturing a treestand and climbing sticks are also disclosed. The method of manufacturing a treestand includes providing a solid, strengthened piece of material and removing portions of the material to form openings between structural supports. The method of manufacturing a climbing stick includes providing a frame and forming a plurality of weight-reduction apertures therethrough.