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Want to get that birds-eye-view shot for your bow hunting experience? You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to our best climbing tree stand for bow hunting review page!
Best Tree Stands
Comparison Table: Best Climbing Tree Stands in 2021
Award | Tree Stands | Specs |
|---|---|---|
Best Climbing Tree Stand |  | Weight: 20 pounds Weight rating: 350-pound ✅ Aluminum |
Best Climbing Tree Stand |  | Weight: 23 pounds Weight rating: 350-pound ✅ Aluminum |
Best Lightweight |  | Weight: 13.5 pounds Weight rating: 300-pound ✅ Aluminum |
Best Under $200 |  | Weight: 29 pounds Weight rating: 300-pound ✅ Steel |
Best for Big Guys |  | Weight: 25 pounds Weight rating: 350-pound ✅ Aluminum |
Best Value Climbing Tree Stand |  | Weight: 20 pounds Weight rating: 300-pound ✅ Aluminum |
Best Stand for Tall Guys |  | Weight: 25 pounds Weight rating: 350-pound ✅ Aluminum |
Best 360-Degree Swivel Stand |  | Weight: 120 pounds Weight rating: 300-pound ✅ Plastic and steel |
Best 1-man ladder tree stand |  | Weight: 110 pounds Weight rating: 300-pound ✅ Steel |
Best 2-Man Ladder Tree Stand |  | Weight: 112 pounds Weight rating: 350-pound ✅ Aluminum |
Best 2-Man for the Money |  | Weight: 75 pounds Weight rating: 500-pound ✅ Aluminum |
Best Value 2-Man Ladder Tree Stand |  | Weight: 145 pounds Weight rating: 500-pound ✅ Steel |
Best Hang On Tree Stand |  | Weight: 12 pounds Weight rating: 350-pound ✅ Aluminum |
Best Budget |  | Weight: 7.5 pounds Weight rating: 300-pound ✅ Steel |
Best Hang On Tree Stand with Sticks |  | Weight: 18 pounds Weight rating: 300-pound ✅ Steel |
Best Tripod Deer Stand |  | Weight: 66 pounds Weight rating: 300-pound ✅ Steel |
Quick Links: Best tree stand
- Best on the market: Lone Wolf Combo II Climbing Tree Stand
- Best for the money: Summit Treestands 180 Max SD
- Best lightweight: Millennium Treestands Ultralite Tree Stand
- Best under $200: OL’MAN treestand Multi-Vision Climbing Stand
- Best for big guys: Summit Goliath SD Climbing Treestand
- Best value stand: Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand
- Best Summit stand: Summit Titan SD Treestand
- Best swival stand: Skunk Ape Tree Stands
- Best 1-man ladder stand: Bolderton Outlander 360 19′ Ladder Tree Stand
- Best 2-man ladder stand: Rivers Edge Lockdown
- Best 2-man for the money: Muddy Partner 2-Man Ladderstand
- Best value 2-man stand: Guide Gear 2-Man Tower Tree Stand
- Best hang on: XOP Vanish Evolution Hang On Tree Stand
- Best budget hang on: Summit Treestands The Stump
- Best hang on with sticks: Guide Gear Hang-on Tree Stand Stick Combo
- Best tripod stand: Guide Gear 12′ Tripod Deer Stand
Best on the Market
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
20 lbs |
350 lbs |
Aluminum |
Pros
- Able to sit for hours and good for your back
- Pivoting sit & climb bar provides easy climbing
- Distinctive 3-D camo platform design
- Full 30" x 19.5" platform
- One-piece cast aluminum
Cons
- Seat will not slide back when you want to stand to take a shot
- Straps are not comfortable
The Lone Wolf brand is an industry leader in the best portable tree stands. They have years of experience and continue to put out trusted products for us hunters. There Combo II model is the best tree climbing stand on the market. Read why below!
This stand is amazing for bow hunters because the front bar can be leveraged down, so the shooter has complete flexibility and control of how you want to sit.
What Makes This Stand Great
- The Lone Wolf Sit & Climb ‘Combo’ and Wide Sit & Climb ‘Combo’ Climbing Treestands feature the unique, pivoting sit & climb bar
provides easy climbing - The 2-panel contoured foam seat pad makes that all-day sit a real pleasure
- The platform is a full 30″ x 19.5″ platform size
- This climber treestand packs down to a slim 4-inch profile, which makes pack up easy as can be
- Single-piece of cast aluminum
- Includes 6-point fall arrest system, backpack straps, one bungee strap, and stabilizing straps
Who’s This Stand Best For?
The Lone Wolf Combo II is the best climbing tree stand for bow hunters. This is a comfortable, dependable top-notch stand, and if that’s what you’re looking for, go with the Combo II.
Best for the Money
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
23 lbs |
350 lbs |
Aluminum |
Pros
- Includes all necessary pads, hardware, ropes and straps
- Constructed of aluminum
- 21 inch W x 38 inch L foot platform frame size
- Offers a comfortable vantage point with a bit more room and capacity for bigger hunters
- Equipped with adjustable-height, reversible surround seat that allows you to sit facing the tree
- Extended-top frame offers an advantage for tall hunters, yet keeps the weight down to 23 pounds
Cons
- Straps are not comfortable for portage
The Summit 180 Max tree stand is the best climbing tree stand for the money. However, it’s not only for the money why we recommend this stand.
The 180 Max is among the safest tree stands on the market. There’s no need to fiddle and muck around with loose bolts because Summit created the QuickDraw cable retention system that automatically locks your stand into place.
Furthermore, there full-sized, rounded frame allows the hunter to spin 180 degrees to get the shoot that you want. This way, you have the option to face the tree, or put your back towards the tree, and is a great pick for the best climbing tree stand for archery.
What you’re going to really appreciate for those hunters who enjoy spending a full day in the stand is the extra legroom that Summit designed with this chair.
What Makes This Stand Great
- Summit’s DeadMetal Sound Deadening Technology keeps the noise down by filling in critical parts of your stand with custom-engineered expanding foam
- QuickDraw cable retention system is a fast and quiet cable attachment system. All you have to do is place the cable into the bracket, adjust the cable to fit the tree diameter and then you’ll hear the QuickDraw “trigger” automatically lock into place
- RapidClimb Stirrups fit any sized boot
- Built from high-quality aluminum- safety is everything with this stand
- The chair can fold up even while you’re sitting in it and protect your sides from wind making the Max SD the best cold-weather tree stand
Who’s This Stand Best For?
If you fall into any one of these categories, I recommend the Max SD for you:
- You’re looking for 180-degree swivel option
- You want a tree stand for cold-weather hunting
- Safety is a priority
You’ll be really impressed with the capabilities of the 180 Max SD stand by Summit.
Best Lightweight Stand
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
13.5 lbs |
300 lbs |
Aluminum |
Pros
- Designed to easily fold flat for backpacking and includes the backpack straps
- Built from rugged aluminum
- Easy and quiet setup
- Comes with a safety harness
Cons
- Straps are not comfortable for portage
If you’re looking to combine lightweight, strength, and comfort in your tree stand, the Millennium Treestands Ultralite is for you.
The Ultralite stand is both the best lightweight tree stand on the market, as well as the safest hand-on stand.
The Millennium offers itself as being the best self climbing tree stand, due to the easy and mobility this stand offers.
What Makes This Stand Great
- The M100U is 20% lighter than the original M100. It is also designed to easily fold flat for backpacking and includes the backpack straps
- Millennium is committed to hunter safety, which is purpose of the SafeLink protection. This feature is a 35-foot rope with a Prusik knot and carabiner. Designed to aid in safely ascending and descending from hang-on and ladder stands
- The seat folds up, giving you all the room to shoot you’ll need
- Although this is a very lightweight stand, it still holds up to 300 pounds of weight
- The platform measures 20-inches wide and 38-inches deep. Seat size is 22-inches wide and 16-inches deep. The seat height is 17-inches above the platform
Who’s This Stand Best For?
For those hunters craving an easy to set up, safe, hang on tree stand that’s lightweight and comfortable, this Ultralite stand by Millennium will give you all of those benefits. Read the reviews of recent buyers here; hunters love this stand!
Best Under $200
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
29 lbs |
300 lbs |
Steel |
Pros
- Can be configured in multiple ways, which allows you to sit and hunt the way you please
- Among the most quiet stands on the market
- Provides a lot of leg room
Cons
- Straps are not comfortable for portage
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it! This ol’man is the longest-running tree stand that’s still on the market, and hunters of all kinds continue to buy it. The Ol’Man is built of steel, and the way must hunters who swear by this model use it is that they’ll take it into the forest before they actually plan to hunt with it, get it all set up, and then keep it on the tree so they don’t have to worry about carry the stand plus their bow with them.
This stand is on the heavy side, and that’s why most hunters who like this stand prep the stand in the place they plan to hunt first, and then come back to grab their bow and get ready to hunt.
This Multi-Vision stand is named the way it is because you can choose the best way for you to set up the stand. There are three options. The first, is that you don’t use the bar at all, and give yourself the maximum amount of space. The second, you can use the bar flipped up and really feel the safety aspect, plus this way you can rest your bow on the bar for a more steady shot. The third, is you flip the bar down and use it as a leg rest- my personal favorite.
What Makes This Stand Great
- Ability to configure the Multi-Vision stand for the way you hunt using the straight bar or the included reversible Foot Rest
- Lots of room for mobility, which is a great benefit when you have a lot of hunting clothes and gear with you
- The steel material provides you with the mindset that you know you’re being held up well
- This is a simple to use stand, which is designed to be strapped on the tree easily
- Tried and trusted American steel deer stand
Who’s This Stand Best For?
If you find assurance in buying the stand that’s been on the market the longest and is revered by many hunters, grab the Ol’Man stand. This is not for the weak hunter though, because of it’s weight, but it is for the bold. Choose wisely.
Best for Big Guys
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
25 lbs |
350 lbs |
Aluminum |
Pros
- Closed-front aluminum
- Suspended foam-padded seat with backrest
- Weighs 25 lbs. and holds up to 350 lbs.
- 18” W x 12” D seat size, 21”W x 30.75” D platform size
- Includes Full Body Fall Arrest Harness System and all necessary hardware
Cons
- Takes a good amount of time to set it up
- Paint is known to peal off quickly
Summit is the most trusted climber deer stand on the market, and they’ve made their Goliath model just for big guys.
The seat is padded and includes a full back rest, the buckles are adjustable and controlled with a quick release mechanism, and even the arm rests have padding!
You’ll be safe, comfortable, support, and ready to nail the game you’re after. This Goliath is an awesome tree stand, just check out the specs below:
What Makes This Stand Great
- Package comes with RapidClimb stirrups, bungee backpack straps, QuickDraw cable system, full-body harness, and a 5-year warranty
- Summit’s DeadMetal Sound Deadening Technology keeps the noise down by filling in critical parts of your stand with custom-engineered expanding foam
- QuickDraw cable retention system is a fast and quiet cable attachment system. All you have to do is place the cable into the bracket, adjust the cable to fit the tree diameter and then you’ll hear the QuickDraw “trigger” automatically lock into place
- RapidClimb Stirrups fit any sized boot
- Built from high-quality aluminum- safety is everything with this stand
Who’s This Stand Best For?
Best for the big man, the hunter who wants a good amount of space to sit, and the hunter who plain ol’ wants to be comfortable in a climber stand- this Goliath stand is highly recommended!
Best Value Stand
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
20 lbs |
300 lbs |
Aluminum |
Pros
- Closed-front aluminum
- Suspended foam-padded seat with backrest
- Weighs 20 lbs. and holds up to 300 lbs
- 18” W x 12” D seat size, 20” W x 26.5" D platform size
- Includes Full-Body Fall Arrest Harness System and all necessary hardware
Cons
- Webbing on seats is known to come apart
This Summit Viper SD has been Summit’s most popular model for 17 years. Hunters know a good stand when they see one, and the Viper SD not only has the bells and whistles of a supportive and comfortable stand, but it gives you the versatility you want to get your next buck.
The foam-padded seat can be raised or lowered depending on your preference. This full-perimeter frame gives the shooter options to sit down or stand up while hunting, while having a solid front bar for safety.
The stand is quiet, safe and comfortable and weighs only 20 pounds. Plus, it comes with the backpack straps to carry it right on your back! I could write about this stand all day, but let’s save time, and check out the bullet points listed below.
What Makes This Stand Great
- Package comes with RapidClimb stirrups, bungee backpack straps, QuickDraw cable system, full-body harness, and a 5-year warranty
- Summit’s DeadMetal Sound Deadening Technology keeps the noise down by filling in critical parts of your stand with custom-engineered expanding foam
- QuickDraw cable retention system is a fast and quiet cable attachment system. All you have to do is place the cable into the bracket, adjust the cable to fit the tree diameter and then you’ll hear the QuickDraw “trigger” automatically lock into place
- RapidClimb Stirrups fit any sized boot
- Built from high-quality aluminum- safety is everything with this stand
- Ergonomic stirrups allow you to quickly
and safely climb to your desired height
Who’s This Stand Best For?
If you want a top-notch hunting stand for a fraction of the price that most of them are listed at, go with the Viper SD. This model is bought again and again, plus, it’s made by Summit- the best.
Best for Tall Guys
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
25 lbs |
350 lbs |
Aluminum |
Pros
- Large and wide climbing treestand
- Comes with 4-point safety harness, RapidClimb Stirrups, and all necessary pads, hardware, ropes, and straps
- Features Summit's sound deadening
- 6-channel aluminum platform; padded, adjustable seat
- 350-pound weight limit; fits trees with 8 to 20-inch diameters
- Comes pre-assembled
Cons
- Seat is tricky to arrange to make for a comfortable day of sitting
The Titan tree stand is Summit’s largest climbing stand with more leg room than any other Summit model. Many have called the Titan, the best Summit tree climbing stand on the market, and it’s definitely the best for tall hunters.
This tree stand accommodates the bigger and taller hunter who needs extra room. What’s more, is that the seat is padded and is adjustable up and down for more hunting stances and positions.
What Makes This Stand Great
- Aluminum 6-Channel Platform Frame with new Dead Metal, Sound Deadening (SD) Technology
- Wide Aluminum Seat/Climber Frame
- Foam Seat with Backrest
- Two Coated, Steel Climbing Cables
- Four-Point FAS (harness) with safety strap and attached SRS strap
- RapidClimb Stirrups
- Camo Arm and Front Pads
- Camo Backpack Straps
- Green Utility Strap
- Stand Umbilical Rope
- Written Instructions and Safety/Instructional DVD
Who’s This Stand Best For?
The Titan tree stand resembles the name it was given. This climber is the best tree stand for tall guys. If you’ve ever been in a cramped tree stand for a couple hours, you know it’s just not worth it. Give your self some space and enjoy the hunt with the Titan from Summit!
Best 360-Degree Swivel Stand
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
120 lbs |
300 lbs |
Plastic and steel |
Pros
- 360 degree hunt and shoot
- Comfortable, padded seat on quiet swivel
- Does not make any tree damage
- Adjustable shooting rails
Cons
- The swivel chair can be annyoying to stop from swivelling too much
The Skunk Ape could possibly be the most innovative tree stand on the market today!
Simply position your stand against the tree you want to place it on, strap it up, and get to shooting.
There is no penetration that hurts the tree, which makes for no improper infestation. This stand comes standard with a 20 foot ladder.
Never have to have a tree at your back again. This tree stand is safe and gives you an amazing 360-degree shooting range. This is a safe platform for you to sit in all day.
What Makes This Stand Great
- Non-invasive tree technology prevents any tree damage including tree sap
- Adjustable shooting rails allows for a more accurate shot and removable for bow hunting
- Truly a universal ladder stand
Who’s This Stand Best For?
When you’re tired of the old way of shooting from above, the Skunk Ape gives you a new realm of shooting capabilities. Be high up, feel sturdy, and have a 360-degree shot with this tree stand.
Best 1-Man Ladder Stand
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
110 lbs |
350 lbs |
Steel |
Pros
- 360 degree hunt and shoot
- Comfortable, padded seat on quiet swivel
- Does not make any tree damage
- Adjustable shooting rails
Cons
- The swivel chair can be annoying to stop from swivelling too much
The Bolderton Outlander 360 ladder stand is the best 1-man ladder stand on the market.
This stand gives hunters a wide-open 42 inch wide by 42 inch diameter to shoot on. The mesh seat has a comfortable backrest, so you can feel at ease when your up and looking for the next whitetail.
Included with the package are blind panels, which allow the hunter to zero-in on the game no problem. What used to be the problem with safely climbing up now is no longer an issue with Bolderton’s Grizzly Grip system. This safety system ensures your stand is completely stable.
The integrated blinds offer total concealment so you never get made! With such large dimensions, total concealment, and a comfortable chair, you might not want to come down!
What Makes This Stand Great
- 360-degree shooting ability
- Large 42″ wide by 42″ diameter platform
- Mesh, comfortable seat with backrest
- Build-in blind panels for total concealment
- Grizzle Grip Safety System for a totally secure platform
- Power Grid foot platform
Who’s This Stand Best For?
If you want to be tucked away nice and comfortable with your bow, ready for a buck from any angle, grab this Bolderton Outlander. Call it a tree stand, or call it your sanctuary, you’ll be happy you got it.
Best 2-Man Ladder Stand
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
112 lbs |
350 lbs |
Aluminum |
Pros
- Lockdown Ground-Level Ratcheting Technology
- Ground-Level Ratcheting Technology
- Safe to Take Down
- Big & Comfortable
- Adjustable shooting rail
Cons
- Cannot find a con for this ladder- great product
The River’s Edge Lockdown is the best 2-man climbing ladder stand on the market.
What you’re going to really appreciate is the simplicity to assemble this stand. It has been said that this is the easiest stand in the industry to put together.
This stand is capable of going up 21 feet high, although you can strap up at the height you want. This comes with two harnesses and everything you need to get that birds-eye-view shot!
What Makes This Stand Great
- Lockdown Ground-Level Ratcheting Technology allows you to ratchet your stand securely to the tree by pulling the top of the stand into the tree just like a conventional ratchet strap, but allows you to do it from the ground
- Ground-Level Ratcheting Technology is simple with few moving parts. There is less to put together and less things can go wrong
- Safe to Take Down – The Ground-Level Ratchet Straps remain tight and can be loosened and removed at ground level should you ever need to move your ladder stand
- Big & Comfortable – Oversized TearTuff mesh seat and extra large platform for all day sits
- The Ultimate Shooting Rail – Can be adjusted for both height and length based on your terrain and personal preference
Who’s This Stand Best For?
For hunters who want the extra space to include a friend of family member, or simply sprawl out a bit more, the Lockdown 2-man ladder stand by River’s Edge is the best on the market.
Best 2-Man Stand for the Money
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
75 lbs |
500 lbs |
Aluminum |
Pros
- Roomy and comfortable
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Quality is mediocre
The Muddy brand is well known for their stands, and this 2-man stand goes up to 20 feet tall.
The shooting rail is adjustable and not stuck in one position, which is nice.
There is a foot rest that both keeps you safe and comfortable. Included in the package are accessory holder to carry additional supplies, or even a drink.
All in all, the Muddy 2-man stand isn’t the best on the market, but it is the best for the money.
What Makes This Stand Great
- Adjustable shooting rail
- Foot rest
- Pockets to place additional supplies
- Great price point
Who’s This Stand Best For?
If you’re looking for a 2-man stand that won’t break the bank, check out the Muddy stand!
Best Value 2-Man Stand
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
145 lbs |
500 lbs |
Steel |
Pros
- Roomy and comfortable
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Unfortunately, the roof will leak- best for dry climates
The Guide Gear 2-man tree stand is like hunting from a studio room! This spacious and easy to hunt-from stand sits 12 feet off the ground and gives great sight for hunters at all levels.
Gain the 360-degree shot from a swivel chair that you’ve always wanted with the Guide Gear stand. Both seats are padded with armrests for a total feeling of ease.
This package comes with the ladder for easy climbing and entry access into the stand. What more is that foot pads keep the stand from sinking into the ground.
If you’ve ever been spotted by the deer while you’re up on your tree stand, you’ll be glad to know that this won’t happen with the Guide Gear 2-man stand, as there are blinds included with this set up. However, to allow for more hunting options, Guide Gear gives the decision to use the blinds or not fully up to the hunter.
Feel secure in this tree stand from the steel-made platform with dimensions that run 57.5 inches by 57 inches. This stand can take an amazing 500 pounds of weight, but only weighs in at 145 lbs. Set it up, and come back to hunt when you’re ready!
What Makes This Stand Great
- Spacious tower stand
- Made of sturdy steel and includes a 4-sided padded shooting rail
- Includes 2 padded seats with padded armrests for extreme comfort
- Includes ladder for easy access and exit
Who’s This Stand Best For?
Get the quality of a top-of-the-line product without spending like one! This 2-man hunting stand makes for a great stand for a couple, a very close friendship, or just that hunter who needs his space! Check it out here.
Best Hang-On Tree Stand
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
12 lbs |
350 lbs |
Aluminum |
Pros
- High-quality cast aluminum construction
- Fully leveling seat
- Package includes everything needed for set up
- Lightweight at only 12 pounds
- Very easy to set up
- Silent in the field
Cons
- Double check the platform, as there have been multiple instances it has snapped. The hunters were only saved by their harness
The XOP Vanish is among the easiest hang-on seat to set up.
If you’re looking to get mobile and easy to move around, this XOP is lightweight and has a low profile. These are constructed from 100% cast aluminum.
What you’re going to love is that this seat is lighter and quieter than the other seats. There are also multiple adjustments, so you can simply lift the platform and adjust the pitch of the platform with easy. This works great in case there’s a crooked tree.
What Makes This Stand Great
- High-quality cast aluminum construction. This stand is durable, solid, lightweight, easy to transport and incredibly quiet
- Fully leveling seat and platform for trees leaning
- Heat-treated steel Fast trap buttons – everything you need is included – Comes with a safety harness, seat cushion, UV treated fastening straps, Six point bracket, and backpack straps
- Heavy duty stand with a 350 pound weight rating: platform Dimensions 27” x 19”: Overall weight 12 lbs.
- Tri-layer foam seat provides the ultimate comfort while sitting and also when standing and shooting
Who’s This Stand Best For?
If lightweight and mobility are high quality points for your next tree stand, the XOP is easy to use and works great.
Best Budget Hang-On Tree Stand
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
7.5 lbs |
300 lbs |
Steel |
Pros
- Powder-coated steel ground seat
- Shock-free design that’s also extremely quiet
- Weighs 7.5 lbs. and holds up to 300 lbs
- 18" x 16" seat size
Cons
- Doesn't come with a strap
The Stump is perfect for hunting near the water.
As Summit states, “Anywhere there’s a tree, now there’s a chair.” This stump is designed to be a hunter’s side kick when he’s looking for a place to rest.
Although you absolutely can climb the tree as high as you’d like to go, it’s not made for the heights. As the name says it, the Stump is created to find your resting place easy and anywhere.
Idea for turkey hunting and ground hunting, The Stump is a noise-free, flip-up seat with rubber shock absorbers for comfort and concealment.
What Makes This Stand Great
- Powder-coated steel ground seat
- Shock-free design that’s also extremely quiet
- 18″ x 16″ seat size
Who’s This Stand Best For?
The Stump is a great choice for the hunter planning to stay near to the ground, who wants the ability to grab a seat in nearly any location.
Best Hang-On Stand with sticks
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
18 lbs |
300 lbs |
Steel |
Pros
- Sturdy, easy to use stand
- Saves you money because includes a 20 feet climbing stick
- Folding steel material
- Great for backpackers
- Includes straps
Cons
- Included instructions are difficult to follow
- Difficult to strap to wide trees
This tree stand and included climbing sticks is the best stand and sticks package on the market! Buying them together with this package means you’ll be saving money and time.
What Makes This Stand Great
- Lightweight folding steel frame forms a super-sturdy perch
- Weighs in at 18 lbs. for easy backpacking
- Hefty platform cables for serious support
- 2 ratchet straps make it secure and tree-friendly
- Powder-coated surface resists corrosion
- Cam-buckle system securely and quickly attaches to tree
Who’s This Stand Best For?
If you’re looking to grab a full package on a hang-on tree stand, you’ll be pleased with this stand and stick combo. Check it out further by clicking here.
Best Tripod Tree Stand
| Weight | Weight rating | Material |
|---|---|---|
|
66 lbs |
300 lbs |
Steel |
Pros
- 360 Degree tree-stand vantage point
- Collapsible frame makes it easy to carry
- 3" x 4" footpads
Cons
- Included instructions are difficult to follow
- Difficult to strap to wide trees
Looking to get an elevated shot, but have no tree around to strap up to? This hunting stands offers a 360-degree shot from any place with flat ground.
I’ve heard this works well with people now only who don’t have great trees to climb, but also people who simply don’t feel comfortable going high up.
The surprisingly delightful part about this stand is that it’s actually easy to carry. The frame collapses, and you simply fold it out and place it where you want when you have your spot. At only 66 pounds, this is no lightweight stand, but it’s actually light enough to carry for one person for a short distance.
What Makes This Stand Great
- 360 Degree tree-stand vantage point…without the tree
- Collapsible frame that’s easy to carry
- 3″ x 4″ footpads at the base of each leg accommodate ground anchors to add additional stability and prevent sinking into soft ground
Who’s This Stand Best For?
For those hunters who don’t want to get into a tree, or don’t have a good tree to climb, this Guide Gear offers a 360-degree shooting tripod tree stand as a solution!
What are Climbing Stands?
Climbing stands are perch points for hunters to climb trees in order gain a birds-eye-view shot of game on the ground.
Climbing stands includes two main pieces: the top piece, and the bottom piece. The bottom piece is the standing platform, and the top piece is the seat. Some climbing stands have backs and some do not. As you can imagine, using a climbing stand can be dangerous without the correct equipment. For this reason, it is advised for hunters to use a strap to connect the stand with the tree, and a harness to connect the hunter with the tree, to avoid an accidental drop from the stand.
Benefits of using a climbing stand
The main benefit of using a climbing stand is to get an angle that might not be able for a hunter to normally get.
There are other non-specific hunting benefits to using a climbing stand as well, such as enjoyment. There is something about climbing a tree and sitting high up that releases a natural high.
Most of the benefits run closely to the reason for hunting, and that is that the game, usually dear have a more difficult time spotting the hunter.
Certain tactics can be used by hunters when using a tree stand, such as placing scent under and near the stand to give the hunter a proper shot.
How does a climbing tree stand work?
Speaking from the point of view of the original tree stands, they have a cable that unhooks from one end of the back of the stand. The hunter pulls a pin out and the cable comes out, and then the hunter can wrap the cable around the tree and pin the cable back into the stand. This way, the stand is fastened to the tree, and can allow for easy adjustment for different tree sizes.
Since the base of a tree is wider than the higher parts of the tree, the hunter uses the cable to adjust to the size as he or she climbs upward.
Types of Tree stands
There are three main types of tree stands, which include, climbing tree stands, hang on stands, and ladder stands. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Read below to discover which one will be best for you.
Climbing Tree Stands
The majority of the tree stands listed in this review are climbing tree stands, and they are the most popular type of tree stand that hunters most often use.
Advantages of climbing tree stands is that they are more safe than hang on stands, yet easier to set up and are more mobile in general compared to ladder stands. Similar to the previous statement, they are normally in the middle range of price between the ladder stands and hang on stands.
Best Climbing Tree Stands
- Best on the market: Lone Wolf Combo II Climbing Tree Stand
- Best for the money: Summit Treestands 180 Max SD
- Best under $200: OL’MAN treestand Multi-Vision Climbing Stand
- Best for big guys: Summit Goliath SD Climbing Treestand
- Best value stand: Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand
- Best Summit stand: Summit Titan SD Treestand
- Best hang on: XOP Vanish Evolution Hang On Tree Stand
Ladder Tree Stands
The ladder stand is the next type of tree stand that hunters use. As the name implies, what’s added here is the ladder itself.
The advantage of having a ladder is the ease of climbing up the tree. On the downside, the ladder, although often collapsible, is less mobile. Most of the time, hunters who use the ladder tree stand style, enjoy keeping their ladder stand in one place, and not setting it up and taking it apart each time the hunt.
Another major advantage to the ladder tree stand is that it can be used with nearly any type and size of tree. The major disadvantage is the weight at which they require to move.
Best Ladder Tree Stands
- Best swival stand: Skunk Ape Tree Stands
- Best 1-man ladder stand: Bolderton Outlander 360 19′ Ladder Tree Stand
- Best 2-man ladder stand: Rivers Edge Lockdown
- Best 2-man for the money: Muddy Partner 2-Man Ladderstand
- Best value 2-man stand: Guide Gear 2-Man Tower Tree Stand
Hang On Tree Stands
Hang on tree stands are simple structures that that’s part of the allure. They easily attach to a tree using one or two straps with adjustable buckles.
Speaking of advantages, the hang on tree stands are lightweight and usually easy to carry to the spot that you’re going to be hunting at.
Furthermore, the hang on stands are not only more quiet, which offers the hunting advantage, but also easier to get out of. That being said, the major disadvantage to the hang on stands is that they offer less safety and support than the above mentioned styles.
Best Hang On Tree Stands
- Best budget hang on: Summit Treestands The Stump
- Best hang on with sticks: Guide Gear Hang-on Tree Stand Stick Combo
- Best lightweight: Millennium Treestands Ultralite Tree Stand
How to Choose a tree stand?
Deciding on the right tree stand doesn’t need to be too difficult. Read these key points to keep in mind when selecting the best model and style for you.
- Price: How much can you afford, and how much do you really want to pay? As you can see from the mentioned models above, there are tree stands that you can get for under $100, and there are some that cost nearly $1,000.
- Mobility: Are you planning on packing up and taking out your tree stand each time you want to hunt, or will you assemble it in the woods, hook it up to a tree and leave it there? Most of these tree stands are weather-resistant, so as long as you feel comfortable leaving your stand outside, that can be a great option, if it’s available to you.
- Size: Keep in mind the size when you’re picking your tree stand out. Will it fit you? Would you like to get a 2-person stand in case you want to take someone out with you, or simply have more room for yourself? I know a few guys who really wished they would have bought a 2-person stand from the start, because they like using their stand so much. When you have a 2-person stand it allows you to take a child, wife, or niece or nephew out for a nice afternoon.
- Weight: No one likes to take a product back, and I’ve personally seen it happen that someone buys a stand that just isn’t the right weight for them. They’re either worried that it’s going to be too much of a pain to get a heavy-duty stand, and they go like, only to regret it, or they go too heavy and if they can’t leave the stand in the woods, carrying the heavy stand each time ruins the experience. Get the right weight that you’re comfortable carrying, if you’re not able to keep you stand in your hunting spot.
- Weight capacity: Weight capacity is one of the most important aspects. If you’re a big guy, don’t play games, just get the Goliath SD from Summit. Otherwise, grab a 2-man stand an enjoy the additional space. Using a tree stand is a real benefit, but it can be a real danger. You definitely want to be on the safe side, and make sure the stand will support your weight.
- Material: Are you a steel guy or a aluminum guy? Steel is stronger, but aluminum is lighter- a lot lighter.
- Brand: When it comes to sitting 20 feet in the air, I’m a brand-conscious buyer. The brands reviewed on this page are well-trusted.
What is the best height for a Climbing tree stand?
20 feet is the average height that hunters feel comfortable when using their climbing tree stand. Although hunters don’t need to go 20 feet high, some actually prefer to go higher.
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Best Tree Stands
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