New technologies, advanced materials, and innovative designs are making tree stands lighter, stronger, safer, quieter, and more comfortable than ever before. No matter what type of stand you prefer, you’ll find a one that meets your needs whatever your personal hunting style.
We’ll review the Top 5 stands of each type: Climbers, Hang On, and Ladder style so that you have a complete understanding of the best tree stands for hunting this year. It’s one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll invest in over the years, both in price and the impact it has on you a safe and successful hunting season.
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5 Best Tree Stands for Hunting Overall
*Last updated 2024-12-12 at 02:25 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Advantages of Hunting from a Tree Stand
There was a time not all that long ago that hunting from tree stands really wasn’t all that popular, but that’s not to say it wasn’t done.
Hunting from a height has always provided an advantage, but many built a box blind, still hunted, or created blinds from natural features in the land.
Those who did use a tree stand built their own. These usually consist of a few plain boards across a couple of branches and a few more nailed to the trunk for steps to climb up to it.
It wasn’t until the late 1970s when the first practical tree stands appeared on the market that their popularity started to take off. These were mostly clunky, heavy, and awkward contraptions, but they worked, and their basic design is still used today.
With that background, it’s helpful to refresh yourself why exactly a tree stand will give you the advantage this season.
- Better Line of Sight – Sitting in a stand gives you a higher vantage point, which means you can see more of the woods around you, and farther, which provides more time to set up a shot.
- High Ground – Hunting from a tree stand places you above the eye level of deer. Deer don’t naturally expect danger from above; they expect it to be on the ground level with them. Deer that have been spooked enough times by hunters in stands can learn to be wary though.
- Concealment – Height is an advantage, but you can go one step further and add accessories like a tree stand blind as cover, and a camo tree umbrella for added comfort and cover.
- Mobility – Because of the above fact, you can get away with moving around more in a stand than on the ground, which makes it easier to get into shooting position, and to stay comfortable, which helps you to stay still.
- Scent Control – It keeps your scent above ground level. This is especially true in flat, level areas; less so in hilly ones where the surrounding ridges might be on a level or above your stand. Staying mindful of wind direction and patterns is still important when using a stand.
- It’s Safer – Orange safety gear can be seen from farther away when you’re on high, and when you take a shot, it’s pointed down at the ground, and not towards a neighbor’s house, a road, or another hunter.
Now that you remember why you are looking for the perfect new tree stand, it’s time to dig into the Top 5 of each stand type.
Climbing vs Hang On vs Ladder, Which is Best?
Have you been looking hard at stands but just can’t decide between a climber or fixed hang on? Or maybe you are torn between the mobility of a hand climber but are thinking about the relative safety of a ladder stand. We put together this list of pros and cons for each style to help you decide.
Climbing
- Highly portable and fast
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- No steps or rapid rails needed
- Limited to straight trees with few limbs
- Can’t leave stand out for later
Hang On
- Lightweight and Portable
- Set at almost any height
- Can set up on trees with cover
- Semi-Permanent Setup
- Hardest to setup and get into
Ladder
- Large and Stable
- Easy Entry and Most Spacious
- Semi-Permanent Placement
- Good for use with young hunters
- Heaviest and Least portable
Best Climbing Tree Stands
Climbers are arguably one of the greatest innovations in bowhunting. How they work is both ingenious and simple. Much the same way lumberjacks used to climb trees with a strap and spikes on their boots. So how do Climbing Stands Work?
A seat and a standing platform are attached to a tree with a strap, a cable, or a piece of metal that has a blade that bites into the tree. When the seat is moved upward and weight is put on it, it locks onto the tree, allowing you to pull up on the platform with your feet, which loosens its grip on the tree and move it up the trunk with your legs. Putting weight on the platform locks it back into place and lets you move the seat up. Repeating this process allows you to climb to the desired height.
The biggest advantage of a climber is mobility. Modern climbing stands are light enough to be moved from place to place, expanding your range without the need to carry ladders, steps, or climbing sticks. Since they are usually taken down when done, it lowers the risk of theft.
There are two types of climbing stands. Hand climbers are those you hang from the seat by your hands while climbing, and sit-down climbers, which allow you to sit while climbing. Here are some of the top climbing stands.
1. Summit Viper SD – Best Climbing Tree Stand
The Viper SD has been Summit’s most popular model for over 17 years. The system weighs in at 21 lbs and is rated to support a 300 lb max weight.
One of the best things about the Summit Viper is that it uses a cable attachment system they call QuickDraw. You simply wrap the cable around the tree, adjust for circumference, and lock it in place. Anyone who has ever had to fumble around with nuts and bolts or pins in the dark with freezing cold hands will appreciate the convenience and simplicity of this feature.
Another innovation is its DeadMetal technology. They’ve used expanding foam filler at crucial points inside the aluminum structural frame to silence the metal-to-metal noise and creaking.
It has a cushioned wraparound safety/gun-rest bar and a well-padded seat and backrest. It’s easy to climb with and has plenty of room for moving around, even for bigger hunters. The Viper SD is definitely one of the best climbing treestands for the money.
2. Summit Mini Viper SD
This is a slightly smaller and lighter version of the company’s popular SDX. They’ve cut four inches off of the platform and seat dimensions, and two pounds off the weight.
This may not sound like much, but it will definitely make a difference when you’re carrying it and setting it up. It might be a little tight for larger hunters, though plus-sized individuals report it’s not really a problem.
Like all of Summit’s stands, it features the RapidClimb stirrup system, designed to be used with almost any size of boots and prevent slippage, and the SummitLokt joint welding technique for strength and stability. 300 lbs weight capacity.
3. Lone Wolf Assault – Lightest Climbing Stand
The Assault from Lone Wolf is the lightest climbing tree stand we have found. At only 14.7 pounds with an ultra-slim folded profile, you’ll hardly know you’re packing this around. Despite the featherweight build, it still has a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs.
The Lone Wolf Assault combines the advantages of a hang-on tree stand with the usefulness of a climber. A cam-action opening makes it easy to deal with up in the tree, and it includes stabilizer straps. Light it is, yet it still has a 26” x 19.5” skeletonized cast-aluminum platform which is more than adequate for most hunters.
The Assault is covered with the popular Realtree AP and includes the six-point harness with Suspension Relief System. It also features the same size contoured-foam seat as the Hand Climber II, and of course, has that handy bow holder.
4. Summit Goliath SD
If you’re a bigger hunter, chances are you’re looking for a tree stand that will take your bigger frame. The Summit Goliath SD is the perfect tree stand for those who find the smaller tree stands to be uncomfortable or unable to safely hold a larger person.
The Summit Goliath SD will hold up to 350 lbs and is built with an aluminum 5-channel platform frame using Dead Metal, Sound Deadening (SD) Technology. The platform size is 20 inches by 36 inches and the seat frame size is 21.75 inches by 26.5 inches.
It comes with a four-point harness and all necessary straps, pads, ropes and hardware as well as RapidClimb Stirrups. Despite the larger size, it only weighs 21 pounds, making it a great tree stand you’ll use for years to come. It fits trees 8 to 20 inches in diameter.
5. Summit Titan SD
The Summit Titan SD is the largest tree stand available with even more room than the Summit Goliath SD. Made for the bigger hunter, it holds up to 350 lbs and is built with an aluminum 5-channel platform frame using Dead Metal, Sound Deadening (SD) Technology.
The platform size is 21 inches by 38 inches and the seat frame size is 21.75 inches by 28.5 inches. It comes with the full-body fall arrest harness system, RapidClimb Stirrups, a four-point harness, and all necessary straps, pads, ropes and hardware.
It weighs 25 lbs and fits trees from 8 inches to 20 inches in diameter. Definitely a must for the serious big hunter, this tree stand will perform season after season.
6. Lone Wolf Sit and Climb II
For the less athletically-inclined hunter who prefers to sit down while climbing, yet still wants superior portability, this stand fills the bill. Somewhat surprisingly, the Lone Wolf Sit & Climb II actually folds to a super-slim four inches, which is a smaller package than the hand climber.
This stand uses a pivoting bar to sit on while climbing, which can be folded down out of the way or left in place as a safety bar. This model has a full-size 30” x 19.5” aluminum skeletonized platform wrapped in Realtree AP camo.
It should be a pretty comfortable stand, even for the husky sized hunter. For added comfort you can buy the optional footrests so you can stretch out some. Unlike the Lone Wolf hand climber, this has an upgraded padded backrest, as well as a larger seat.
The Sit & Climb II has a handy little built-in bow holder and a six-point safety harness. This stand can be used on trees from 6” to 19” in diameter. The stand weighs 20 lbs and can hold up to 350 lbs of hunter and gear.
7. Summit 180 Max SD – Most Comfortable Climbing Stand
The 180 Max SD is yet another top offering from the most popular tree stand company. This one will appeal to hunters looking for a more spacious and comfortable climber.
It weighs in at 26 lbs, which is on the heavy side for climbing stands, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a more comfortable climbing tree stand. There is no safety bar on this one, just a seat that folds up out of your way while climbing, and a platform that gets the job done.
Though the 180 Max SD may be heavy, it is the tallest and widest climbing system from Summit. Plus it still has all the great features of Summit’s other stands, can support a 350 lb hunter, and it comes standard with a full-body, four-point safety harness with a Suspension Relief System.
The 180 Max SD is a great choice for those who hunt far from base camp or prefer the versatility of hunting light and fast.
8. Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II
Guys really like the portability of this stand, bowhunters in particular. It folds into a 5” thick unit for easy and unobtrusive carry, and it weighs in at just 17.5 lbs and is rated to 350 lbs. The Hand Climber II is nicely sized. The main frame is a large 30” x 19.5” single-piece cast aluminum platform which gives plenty of room to get into position for a shot.
The contoured seating pad is ergonomic but is a little on the small side. Now, the seat itself is a little light on the padding, but it serves its purpose well enough. The Lone Wolf sports a nice 3-D camouflage pattern and includes a bow holder and a very secure 4six-point safety harness.
It should be noted that, as the name says, this is a hand climber, not a sit-down climber, but you can purchase an optional strap that allows you to use it as a sit-down stand.
Best Hang On Tree Stands
Hang On tree stands are the lightest and most portable option you have for stands. This type of stand is simply a seat and a platform that attaches to a tree, usually via a ratcheting strap. In the interest of saving weight, they’re also generally the smallest type of stands, but yet reasonably large enough to allow for standing shots.
They do require some extra equipment to get you up and down from the tree, either climbing sticks or steps. That means a little more gear to carry around. If you don’t mind carrying extra gear from spot to spot, a single stand can be sufficient for your needs.
What many hunters do is put up multiple hang-on stands around their property, hunting them in accordance with the wind and conditions. Then they take their sticks or steps home with them at night, leaving the stand inaccessible to others.
1. Lone Wolf Assault II
Our top-rated hang on stand weighs a mere 11 lbs, making this one of the lightest treestands made. In addition, hunters love this stand because it is absolutely silent, with no pops, grinds, or squeaks when moving around into position or getting comfortable.
It features a 14” x 12” padded seat and a 26” x 19.5” skeletonized aluminum platform, which is pretty good considering how light it is, and plenty adequate for standing shots with bow or gun. The platform is teardrop-shaped, which makes it easier to fit into smaller areas, like between tight groups of trees or limbs. Both the seat and platform have a self-leveling device, which is really handy.
The Assault II includes a bow holder that will accommodate most types of bows and crossbows. There is an optional E-Z Hang hook which allows you to preset it for different trees in multiple hunting sites. The Lone Wolf Assault II has a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs and is available in Realtree AP camo. Overall, this is a great hang-on stand if you value a lightweight and silent set up.
2. Millenium M150 Monster
This stand has a lot of neat features that make it an attractive choice. For one thing, it has a 37” x 24” platform and weighs 19.5 lbs. This is pretty large for a hang on and worthy of the Monster name. It’s a solid stand design with a thick aluminum frame and a chainlink fence type mesh floor that makes slipping off more difficult, especially with the stationary footrest.
I really like the contoured ComfortMAX seat (20” x 17”), which is adjustable from 16” to 20” of height, and even folds up out of the way. The M150 has the Interlock Leveling System that allows both seat and platform to be angled up to 15 degrees to adjust for tree lean.
It also features what Millennium calls a “CamLock Receiver System”. This is much like Lone Wolf’s E-Z Hang, which allows you to preset the level for different stands. The M150 gets the “Silent Hunt” treatment making this a very quiet stand.
It has an excellent maximum weight limit of 350 lbs. The sturdiness and extra room of the Monster M150 make up for the heavier weight.
3. Lone Wolf Alpha II
Lone Wolf has a reputation for building quality tree stands that can last years of hard use, and the Alpha II is no exception. This model is one of the company’s most popular hang on stand and has been for years.
The Alpha II boasts a larger cast aluminum platform than the Assault II, with a comfortable 30” x 19.5” of room, a 14” x 12” seat, and a tall platform height of 21”. The larger platform doesn’t add much to the weight, the Alpha II is just 14 pounds. Bowhunters especially might consider that extra 3 lbs well worth it.
Like the Assault II, this stand also has the sweet self-leveling seat and platform, the E-Z Hang hook, and of course the bow holder. The Line Wolf Alpha fits trees up to 22” in diameter, has a max weight capacity of 350lbs. It is also one of the stealthiest looking stands thanks to a Realtree AP camo pattern.
4. Millenium M100U Monster
The M100U is a newer version of the company’s popular M100. It’s quite a bit lighter at only 12.5 lbs but maintains the standard max weight load of 300 lbs.
Despite the lightweight frame, it still boasts a 20” x 17” seat that folds up out of your way for standing. I think it has a nice, ergonomic design that is one of the most comfortable you’ll find.
The 20” x 38” platform is quite good for standing. This stand uses a chain-type cam lock rather than a strap, which many hunters prefer. Overall, the M100U Monster is a well-constructed stand that folds up very flat for an easy carry. It includes a full-body safety harness with SRS.
5. Millennium M50 Hang On
Sometimes you need to go minimal, especially when looking for the big buck that is ridiculously far from your camp. You don’t want to haul any more weight than you have to, but you still need a good tree stand with all the safety features.
A great lightweight tree stand is the Millennium M-50 Hang-On Tree Stand at just 19 lbs that folds flat so you can carry it into the backcountry in search of that elusive big buck. It has backpack straps built in so you can get it to wherever you need to be.
The adjustable seat ( 20 inches x 17 inches x 17-20 inches high) folds against the tree for a standing shot and the platform gives you plenty of room at 30 inches by 24 inches. It has a full-body harness certified to TMA standards and all the safety gear included. It can hold up to 300 lbs for hunters and their gear.
Best Ladder Tree Stands
Ladder style tree stands are very popular. These use metal ladder sections that attach to each other to the desired height, then attach to a platform where the seat is attached to the tree. The ladders usually have stabilizing bars and straps to strengthen them, although some are stand-alone.
Since these take a little time to set up, they’re usually left in place for the duration of the season, and some hunters leave them out all year round. Since they’re not designed to be carried in and out, they can be heavier, which means they can have more features than other types of stands.
Ladder stands are generally the safest kind of tree stand and they give you a little more room to move around. Another reason for their popularity is the two-person stand designs.
The downside to any type of stand that you leave in the woods is that other hunters might use them when you’re not there. They might also decide to take it home with them (so secure it with a chain and padlock). It’s technically possible to take a ladder stand down each day, but it would be easier to put up a hang-on stand and use climbing sticks.
1. X-Stand – The Duke
The Duke is one of the best ladder treestands out there for solo hunters. It weighs 79 lbs, so it’s not the lightest ladder stand out there, but still manageable for one person to set up by themselves. The Jaw Safety System clamps hard to tree trunks with serrated jaws. That’s an important feature when you’re talking about sitting in a 20-foot tall ladder stand.
X-Stand put a lot of thought into quieting all aspects of their stands. There are self-lubricating nylon washers, silent locking pins, and heavy-duty steel gates and frame heft add heft and deaden noise.
The Duke has lots of little features that make it hunt well, like the oval shaped tubing for easier grip when climbing up. Once on the platform, there are accessory hooks, cup holder, padded shooting rail, and even a flip-out footrest. The footrest is nice for steadying shots and keeping your feet from falling asleep.
2. X-Stand – The Comrade – Best Two Man Ladder Stand
X-Stand is an up and coming tree stand company, best known for their awesome ladder stands. The Comrade is an excellent 18 foot two person ladder stand. It’s large, and heavy (125 lbs), but it is one sweet hunting setup once put in place.
We think it’s the best two man stand because of the curved platform, that measures a spacious 73 inches wide by 18 inches deep. The 18 ft platform is tall for a 2 man, and the V-shaped design creates plenty of viewing angles and includes a shared center console for gear.
The Comrade has built in full body 4 point safety harnesses for two hunters, supporting up to 500lbs in weight and gear. The Gripping Jaws feature helps lock the frame around the tree trunk, creating a stable and safe hunting platform.
3. X-Stand Jayhawk
Sometimes you’re not just hunting alone. For those times when you’re hunting with a buddy, spouse, or kid, you should have a two-person ladder stand so you can share the excitement of the hunt. That’s why the X-Stand Jayhawk 20′ 2-Man Ladder Stand is great for hunting in style.
It has all the comforts required to make the time in the stand more enjoyable: footrests, cup holders, accessory hooks, and even a flip up shooting rail to keep your aim steady. It has a jaw safety system that keeps the stand locked to the tree. It can carry up to 500 lbs in people and gear. It weighs 122 lbs, which makes it sturdy for those times when you go to your favorite hunting area week after week.
4. X-Stand – The Lookout
If the Duke is a little too big for you to handle on your own, take a look at it’s shorter, and much lighter relative The Lookout. It’s three feet shorter at 17 feet, but it’s also almost 20 lbs lighter. If you can sacrifice the loss in height you will have a much more portable one man ladder stand.
Even though the Lookout is a smaller stand, there is ample room for gear and changing positions on the seat and platform. The platform is on 20” x 12”, but the seat is 24” wide and 12” deep. The flip out footrest makes up for the smaller platform. The seat and backrest have been upgraded to the Comfort-fleX seat cushion design.
5. Millennium L110 – Most Comfortable Ladder Stand
Comfort and excellent construction are the hallmarks of this well-made ladder stand. It uses a double-railing ladder which eliminates the need for extra bracing. That is a real plus for easy set-up.
Ladder sections can be added or subtracted to give you a height range of 8’ to 21’, which makes this one of the taller stands available.
The ergonomic ComfortMAX seat is a generous 20” x 17”. When you throw in the padded armrests and the footrest, you have a ladder stand made for many hours of hunting, without the squirming. Both arm and footrests can be folded out of the way for platform-only use.
Also includes a flip-up padded safety rail. A 20” x 32” platform gives plenty of room for standing shots with bow or rifle. Like most stands, it comes with a full-body safety harness with SRS. The Millennium L110 weighs a total of 92 lbs and has a max weight capacity of 300 lbs.
6. Gear Guide Oversized 18′ Ladderstand
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If you’re a big man, you know how scrawny those ladder tree stands can be. Get the ladder tree stand that fits you as well as your active lifestyle and gives you a seasonal set up that will hang in there as long as you do.
The Guide Gear Oversized 18′ 1.5-man Ladder Tree Stand can hold up to 350 lbs and give you a spacious 28 inch by 36-inch platform for moving around. It even has a footrest for comfort as well as a padded flip-up shooting rail.
The seat is fully padded and is 25 inches by 20 inches and has a comfortable backrest. It weighs 85 lbs and is incredibly sturdy with Helix oval tubing that is three times stronger than 1-inch square tubing.
7. Millennium L220
The L220 is an awesome tandem ladder stand from Millennium. The side by side seating is perfect for husband and wife or father and son hunting. You can set this 18-foot stand up quickly as it weighs just 103 pounds.
The wide seat and platform, plus 500lb weight capacity would work very well for a big and tall guy that doesn’t fit well in a single stand. Bowhunters might also appreciate the extra room for getting shots from different angles.
Like all Millennium stands, the L220 has many sound-dampening features incorporated into the design. The is the Silent Hunt sound dampening built into the frame, lubricating washers, and creak-free powder coated steel frame. If you’ve ever bought a creaky cheap stand, you’ll know why and appreciate these touches.
Tree Stand FAQ & Buying Info
Which Type of Tree Stand is Safest?
Getting in and out of tree stands are some of the most dangerous things hunters do. Safety should be a top priority when selecting and setting up a stand. Live to hunt another day by following safe tree stand practices!
- Ladder Stands are generally the safest type of tree stand, as the fixed ladder steps make climbing into and out of the stand easier.
- Never buy a tree stand that does NOT have the TMA certification. They are a nonprofit organization dedicated to tree stand safety by working with hunting educators and stand manufacturers.
- Always use a safety harness, whether it’s part of the stand or one you wear while hanging, climbing, or sitting in the tree stand. Falls from stands, not guns, is the most common cause of severe injury and death amongst hunters.
Other Types of Deer Stands
- Tripod – These are simply a platform mounted atop three legs. A good option when you have a great spot to hunt but there are no trees around. They can be large with a lot of room on the platform and more or less permanent to overlook regular feeding and watering areas. Conversely, they can be small, designed for a single hunter and light enough to carry.
- Box Tower – Much like the tripod stand, although they tend to have four legs, the difference being they feature a wall-enclosed platform, with windows or shooting ports in the walls. This keeps you out of the weather and hides your movements. You can even heat them if you choose.
- Permanent/DIY – It’s not difficult to build your own stand, whether in a tree or of the tripod or box tower variety. There are plenty of plans available for free online. If you have a property you hunt regularly and you know the good areas, this may be the best route to go.
What is the Minimum Tree Diameter for a Stand?
Most commercial tree stands are designed to be used roughly in the 18” to 24” inch diameter range. There’s rarely a need to go smaller or larger than that. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the best use of the stand.
How High Should a Tree Stand Be for Bow Hunting?
Stands can be placed anywhere from 10 to 20 feet high, but are most effective when sitting just above the foliage line, so it really depends on the terrain you’re hunting. generally, any higher becomes a safety issue and the angle of your shots becomes quite steep and poor.
The higher you can go; the less likely deer will spot you or catch your scent. But there are diminishing returns. Higher than 20 feet can create poor and steep shot angles and has an increasing (in a bad way) effect on your personal safety.
What are the Most Lightweight Climbing Tree Stands?
The Lone Wolf Assault II and the Summit Mini Viper SD are the lightest climbers currently on the market, at 14.7 and 18 lbs respectively.
What are the Most Lightweight Hang-On Stands?
Tipping the scales at a mere 14.0 lbs, the Lone Wolf Alpha II is the lightest hang-on tree stand that made our top-rated stands list. They are lighter thanks to their fixed mounting and minimal attachments. However, they do need extra equipment to help you climb up to the platform.
What is the Most Comfortable Tree Stand?
There’s nothing worse than a small, hard seat when sitting for long periods. Look for larger, well-padded seats as the primary factor. The Summit Viper SD is probably the most comfortable climbing tree stand. The Big Game NextGen Stealth is one of the more comfortable ladder stands. The larger platforms will give you more room to move around, though it adds weight. Footrests and quality padding will be greatly appreciated when you need to stretch out a little.
What is the Best Bowhunting Tree Stand?
Of the stands listed above, the Lone Wolf Hand Climber II and the Summit Viper SD got the most thumbs up for climbers. Lightweight and ease of carrying are important. The main concern is having enough room to maneuver a bow, stand up, and turn around to make a shot, and do it safely. A bow holder is highly recommended with most of these stands.
What is the Best Tree Stand for a Big Guy?
You want a stand that’s rated to hold the weight of both you and your gear, and that has features that reduce creaking in the frame. Those with larger rear ends should opt for larger and more heavily-padded seats. A two-man ladder stand, like the Millennium M150 Monster , might be the best choice for some.
*Last updated 2024-12-12 at 02:25 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
