If you’re the type of hunter that enjoys spending the day up on a tree waiting for that perfect shot, then you’ve definitely wondered what type of tree stand to get. While ladder and hang-on stands both have their sets of benefits, climbing tree stands remain king in this field. They are more secure, easier to carry and install, and are often more comfortable. Still, finding the best climbing tree stands for bowhunting is going to be a bit confusing as most models look and perform similarly and their most differentiating feature is often just the price tag. In this guide, we will take a look at my top picks for this year, compare their features, and discuss their most notable pros and cons!
Jack’s Summary:
There are many things to consider when choosing the right tree stand for you. Some of the features you should pay attention to are the build quality and overall durability of the stand, as well as its weight and weight capacity. For larger people, I recommend looking at stands with a capacity of around 350 lbs. Additionally, look for stands that have safety features such as a closed-front design, fall arrest harness system, and foot stirrups. The convenience and practicality of a climbing stand will be determined by how easy it is to carry and set up. Most stands have a cable or traction band system that keeps them locked in the bark, as well as backpack and bungee straps for added convenience when you’re carrying them around. Lastly, look at the tree diameter that the stand can fit around as most climbing tree stands work with trees with a diameter of 10-20 inches.
Table of Contents
Comparison Chart
Best Overall – Summit Treestands Viper SD Climbing Treestand
Jack’s Rating:
The frame of the stand is made out of high-grade aluminum which has a closed-front design for improved safety. Another safety feature here is the full-body harness system which makes sure you stay connected to the tree you’re hunting from no matter what happens. In terms of usability and set-up, the stand is rather easy to use thanks to its QuickDraw mechanism. It works via a cable system that has a quiet profile and an automated lock into place once you wrap it around the tree. There are no pins, nuts, or knobs in this attachment system which makes it particularly easy to work with if you’re a first-time stand hunter.
The stand itself is quite low-profile, especially when packed. It also weighs just around 20 pounds so it isn’t a pain to carry to your hunting site. It has a weight limit of 300 lbs which isn’t ideal but will do for most hunters and their equipment. Another feature that I absolutely love in every Summit Treestands product is that they use their DeadMetal patented technology which makes the stand much more silent than other hollow-structure models. It achieves its sound deadening properties by filling up certain parts of the aluminum tubing with expanding foam. The padded seat and backrest are decent but aren’t the softest out there, although it is also quiet when you sit down and stand up.
As a whole, Summit Treestands offers a great variety of stands including ones with bigger weight limits such as the Goliath and Titan, as well as stands with open front design such as the Open Shot. They are all lightweight and are made out of the same high-grade aluminum with precision welds and DeadMetal noise-control technology. The one true disadvantage to all these stands, however, is their big price tag. If you’re looking for something good and affordable this won’t be quite it, although any of these stands would make for a good long-term investment thanks to their durability and practicality.
Pros
- Very durable
- Has good safety features
- Noise-dampening technologies
- Lightweight construction
- Easy to set up and use
- Decent padding
- Comes with a full-body harness system
Cons
- Has a relatively low weight limit at 300lbs
- Very expensive
- The foot stirrups are poorly made
- Not ideal for larger people
Most Comfortable – Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II Climbing Tree Stand
Jack’s Rating:
The padded seat of this stand has a 2-panel layered and contoured foam. This pad is one of the nicest to sit on out there thanks to its overall design and it doesn’t add too much bulk to the overall stand when packed up which is also important. The top part and the platform are all made out of cast aluminum. The platform size is 30 by 19 inches and is quite wide. This adds to your overall stability when you’re sitting on the stand and is also made out of a special camo pattern to further improve concealment. While the stand features an open-front design, there is a 6-point body harness that protects you from accidental falls.
The stand is relatively easy to set up around most trees. It uses two individual traction belts to grip trees with diameters of 6 to 19 inches. Unlike some other lightweight tree stands, this one can hold weights of up to 350 lbs making it ideal for heavier people. The top part is only 17.25 inches wide, so make sure you test it out on a comparable padded seat before you choose this particular model.
When it’s packed up, this stand measures only 4-inches in thickness. Having such a slim profile and a weight of just 21 pounds make it extremely easy to carry around on your back. Additionally, it has backpack straps, a bungee strap, and additional stabilizing straps to make both carrying it and setting it up as comfortable and easy as possible. All in all, if money isn’t the issue, the Lone Wolf Sit and Climb is one of the best options currently out there. It is lightweight, very durable, comfortable, and is easy to carry around and set up around most trees that are up to 19 inches in diameter.
Pros
- Cast aluminum construction
- Lightweight design
- Very comfortable
- Up to 350 lbs weight limit
- Has 6-point fall arrest system
- Comes with a bow holder and a sit & climb bar
- Very easy to carry around
Cons
- One of the most expensive stands out there
- Open front design isn’t great for beginners
- The seat isn’t very wide
Best Lightweight Option – XOP Ambush Climbing Tree Stand
Jack’s Rating:
Just like the Lone Wolf Sit & Climb, the seat here is well-padded and contoured which really makes sitting on it easy, even if you have to stay put for hours at a time. The foot platform is also very similar in the way it has a 3D design that features an anti-slip top surface. As a whole, it shares a lot of its design characteristics with the Lone Wolf stand and they are also very similar price-wise, which makes them very close in terms of market competition. The only major difference here is that the smaller version of the stand weighs 1-2 pounds less which is barely noticeable when carrying it around. Another thing that the Loen Wolf stand has better is the fact that it is 1-inch thinner when fully packed up. The traction belts are both the same in terms of functionality and are both steel-reinforced.
The XOP Ambush also has a bigger version with a wider top part in order to accommodate larger people more easily as well as a bigger fun rest or bow rest. That version weighs 3 pounds more but is well worth the extra weight if you want to have more sitting space. The stand comes with stabilizer straps but doesn’t have bungee cords with it to help with the transport which is another downside. One thing I like about this XOP tree stand is that it is fully compatible with other XOP accessories such as the climbing sticks, tree stand transport system, and others.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comes in a larger version with a wider seat
- Compatible with XOP accessories
- Durable aluminum construction
- Secure and thick reinforced traction band
- Sure-lock pin system
- Not ideal for big guys
Cons
- Doesn’t have bungee straps with it
- Not very cheap
- The foot platform isn’t very big
- Doesn’t grab bark very well
Safest Tree Stand – Summit Treestands Viper Steel Climber
Jack’s Rating:
The frame of this stand is different than most others on the market due to the fact that it is made out of steel. Steel frames are becoming less and less popular mainly because they add a lot of weight. As a result of that, the stand weighs nearly 30 pounds and isn’t the easiest to carry around. Still, the long-term durability of this stand is second to none thanks to the material choices. While heavy, it does fit down to a slim profile when packed up as all Summit models.
One of the best features here that greatly improve safety is the full-perimeter design. Basically, the aluminum frame wraps around the whole stand closing the design at the front. This means that you will always be behind that bar and the risk of falling is greatly reduced. Granted, this does hinder your mobility and comfort a bit but it does bring an extra layer of security along with the fall arrest harness system. It also helps with bow hunters that prefer shooting while standing up. Unlike some other Summit models, you also get rapid climb foot stirrups which help you pull the platform up when you’re climbing.
The seat, while fairly comfortable, isn’t as comfortable as the contoured seats found on the XOP and Lone Wolf stands. Still, it has thicker padding than the previous Viper model and is plenty good for longer days. The armrests and front bar are also padded for added comfort. Comfort ends here, though. As I mentioned, thanks to the steel construction, this stand is extremely difficult to carry around and deploy on a tree. It also doesn’t come with backpack straps which doesn’t make the whole carrying process much easier. All in all, it is a great stand for the money with some notable improvements over previous Viper stands and some drawbacks compared to other more expensive aluminum stands.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Extremely durable steel frame
- All-around padding
- Safe design
- Includes foot stirrups
- Anti-slip platform
- Quickdraw cable retention system
Cons
- Very heavy compared to other climbing stands
- The assembly process isn’t very easy
- The platform tends to rust over time
- Doesn’t include backpack straps
Best for Heavy People – Summit Treestands 180 Max SD Climbing Treestand
Jack’s Rating:
The 180 Max SD stand gets its name from the fact that it can have its seat rotate at 180 degrees. That allows you to face the tree when hunting if that is the way you’re used to doing it. While this benefits gun shooters more, it still adds a ton of stability and protection (as well as concealment) to bow hunters. The seat also has a bit more room in it than other Summit models like the Viper or Cobra. It measures 21.75 by 32 inches and has a surround padding that not only is quite soft but also keeps you warm in those mid-season days. The armrests and front bar are also well-padded, adding to that cacoon-like feeling of this stand.
The whole top and bottom frames are made out of aluminum, allowing the 180 Max to bring down its weight to around 23 lbs. Its platform is also a bit larger than other Summit models with a usable area of around 21 by 29 inches. There are included foot stirrups at both sides which make climbing with this stand a breeze. They are plastic, though, so don’t expect a ton of long-term durability out of them. On both sides, you have quick-release buckles that will keep your platform connected to the top part. Setting up is a familiar process, featuring Summit’s QuickDraw retention system. That system, along with the rest of the frame operates in a noise-free way thanks to the DeadMetal technology.
As a whole, thanks to its overall design, tons of padding, larger overall size, and familiar Summit build quality, the Max SD is one of my favorite models for this hunting season. It can accommodate larger guys and is plenty sturdy with an increased weight limit and a decently low overall weight, making it both reliable and practical. If you’re willing to look past the price tag, this one is a no-brainer.
Pros
- Very durable
- DeadMetal technology
- Great for big guys
- Large platform and seat
- Amazing padding
- Easy to set up
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- A bit expensive
- The lifeline buckle can open easily when climbing
- Doesn’t come with a fall-arrest harness system
- Backpack straps aren’t as good as the previous generation
Best Budget Tree Stand – Guide Gear Extreme Deluxe Climber Tree Stand
Jack’s Rating:
The platform is relatively big at 19 by 26 inches and it has two nylon foot straps in the middle of it that help with climbing. They are also great for keeping you steady once you’re at the ideal height and want to stand up and take a shot. The climbing seat bar adds to the convenience of the set-up process and also doubles as a front steel frame to keep you safe. Additionally, you get a full-body safety harness. The seat has a long backrest allowing you to sit against the tree without having your back scrape the bark. The padding isn’t stellar but isn’t very bad either and the padded armrests do add to the overall comfort. The chair measures 10 by 17 inches which isn’t quite a lot, making the stand a bit unfriendly to bigger guys.
The Extreme Deluxe Climber works with most trees with a diameter of up to 20 inches and offers a few creature comforts that match its price bracket quite well. It is quite heavy to transport but is also fairly durable in the long-run, making it a good investment for someone that wants a decent stand but is on a tighter budget.
Pros
- It is cheap
- Fairly reliable
- Padded armrests
- Closed-front design
- Nylon foot straps
- Easy to set up and use
- Comes with a safety harness
Cons
- Not ideal for big guys
- Very heavy
- The construction is very basic
- Not very comfortable
Climbing Tree Stands Buyer’s Guide
Climbing tree stands are one of the most common stands out there thanks to their lightweight structure and ease of setting up. Granted, ladder stands are also fairly easy to set up but they are much harder to carry around and often weigh quite a bit more. The practicality of climbing stands has allowed them to become the dominant type on the market and deer hunters are buying them more and more, especially since some states only allow deer hunting from a tree stand during the bow hunting season. In this guide section, we will go through all of the features that you should pay attention to when buying your first tree stand, as well as some of the benefits of climbing stands and some frequently asked questions people have.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s first answer one important question…
How climbing tree stands work and how to set-up one
Climbing tree stands basically consist of two parts – a platform and a seat. That design allows you to carry less weight on your back and to set it up in an easier, crawling manner. They attach to the tree via attachment cables or traction bands that have teeth in them to easily grip the tree. When setting up your stand, the first thing you do is find a proper tree that fits both the stand’s width requirements and is also relatively straight. It also needs to be clear of any branches at least to the height at which you want to set up your stand.
Next up, you start by attaching the base of the tree stand. Once it is properly attached and you can step on it, you should continue by connecting your fall-arrest system to the tree. Then, the seat is also attached above the platform on the tree. After that, you pull the platform upwards with your legs while sitting on the sitting bar of the upper part (seat) of the stand.
Once lifted to a good location, lift the seat of the stand around 2-3 ft depending on your height and the distances you feel comfortable working with. Always remember to keep your fall prevention system attached and moving upwards above the attached traction bands (or cables). Once you reach the desired deer hunting height, make sure all the bands or cables are secure and that your fall arrest system is tightly put around the tree. If there is a front safety bar, make sure it is deployed and stable. If you have foot stirrups also make sure you tighten them up.
How to pick a climbing tree stand
While most models are similar to one another at first glance, there are a number of features that set the good models apart from the bad ones. These features are:
- Safety
- Durability & Build Quality
- Portability
- Set Up & Ease of Use
- Weight Capacity
- Seat Space & Comfort
- Camouflage
- Noise Levels
- Price
Now, let’s discuss each of those individually and see what role they play in the overall quality of the tree stand…
Safety
When you’re 20 feet into the air, safety is your number one concern. Climbing tree stands are built with a variety of features and mechanisms that ensure your safety up in the trees. One of the most important things is for the stand to be relatively easy to set up on the tree. Most stands will grip the tree’s bark via traction bands that have angled teeth. Those bands are steel reinforced and have very little flexibility to them so that they don’t get loose over time. Some other brands like Summit also rely on steel cable systems that hold the stand in place just as good and are rated for bigger loads than the actual weight rating of the stand.
Other safety features include foot stirrups which will make climbing easier, as well as a closed-front design that will prevent you from accidentally falling over when shooting. In fact, if you’re a beginner I absolutely recommend getting a closed-front climbing stand as that will allow you to shoot both while sitting or standing up, depending on your style. The platform is also important when it comes to safety. As a rule of thumb, the wider the stand the more stable you will be on it. Furthermore, look for platforms that have anti-slip top surfaces and even camo patterns for added concealment.
If you want to learn how to safely hunt from a tree stand, make sure you read this article!
Durability & Build Quality
The short and long-term durability of a stand is primarily determined by its materials. Most stands nowadays, be it climbing or ladder ones, are made out of cast aluminum. Aluminum is a great material as it doesn’t rust (but it corrodes) and is much lighter than steel. And while it isn’t as durable as steel it offers a decent enough alternative while shedding at least 10 pounds off the overall weight of the stand. Steel stands are still an option and there are some pretty good ones that are being sold nowadays such as the Guide Gear Extreme Climber. Logically, those are around 30 lbs in weight and are much harder to carry around. Those steel stands also tend to rust around their platforms and won’t last as much as the aluminum models if used in adverse conditions.
Another thing that adds to the rigidity of the stand is the quality of the welds. Brands like Summit Treestands are known for their high-quality welds and top-shelf materials, although other brands like Lone Wolf tend to bring a similar quality to the table.
The last things to look at in a stand when it comes to the build quality are the seat along with the rest of the miscellaneous parts like the traction bands. Look for double-layered or at least thicker seat pads as that will keep you comfortable during the hours you spend up in the trees. Traction bands are almost always steel-reinforced but make sure you check for cracks or signs of wear every time you go out in the woods.
Portability
Portability is determined by a few major factors – the overall weight of the stand and how thick is it when carried around. Obviously, you want your stand to be as lightweight as possible as that will allow you to easily travel deep into the woods with it but you also don’t want to shave too much weight off it as that will reduce the rigidity and long-term durability. Some of the best tree stands weigh around 20-25 lbs and have a capacity of around 300-350 lbs. These can be easily carried on your back, especially since most of them come with bungee cords and other straps to securely keep them packed together. Most stands are designed so they pack into a 4-5 inch thick profile, allowing you to put a backpack over them if needed.
Set-Up & Ease of Use
The set-up process of most stands is rather similar as they all work under the same principle. They all consist of two parts – a platform and a seat. Both these have retractable parts that are deployed when you’re done carrying the stand on your back. Those parts typically house the traction band or cable that grips to the tree’s bark. How easy a tree stand is to use primarily depends on how heavy it is and whether it has accessories that help you climb the tree easier.
One of the must-haves accessories that help you tremendously are the foot stirrups. While most are made out of plastic and typically break after a year or two, they make bringing the platform up to the seat much easier as you don’t have to awkwardly grip the platform with your feet in order to bring it up.
Some stands have a reversible seat that can be turned around to face the tree and they usually require a few modifications before you start climbing. The Summit 180 Max SD is a good example of that. Another accessory that sometimes comes with a tree stand is a gun or bow holder, which adds a ton of practicality to the stand.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a tree stand is one of its most defying features. Most climbing treestands have a relatively low weight limit since they have to be taken down and put back up every time you go out in the forest. Since they are made to be carried around on your back, they can’t afford to use heavy-duty materials that will support a lot of weight once put together. The cable or strap systems they rely on are also a weak link when it comes to how much weight you can put on the stand itself.
As a whole, look for a climbing stand that can support at least 300 lbs, as that will give you enough room to spare when you’re up on the tree with your bow, bow holder, and the rest of your gear. Better, more heavy-duty models can reach weight limits of up to 400 lbs but that is about it when it comes to these types of stands.
Seat Space & Comfort
The seat size is fairly similar on all bow hunting tree stands and is always around 16-20 inches in width and that much more in depth. However, there are some tree stands for big guys that offer additional sitting space and deeper seats for better comfort. Comfort is also determined by the seat pad itself and how soft it is. Contoured seats make sitting for long periods easier and are better for blood flow. I generally prefer my sitting space to have padded armrests and a padded front bar but that isn’t a must and it can also be done by yourself with any type of soft material wrapped around the bars.
Camouflage
Deer aren’t used to looking up when checking for potential predators and that’s why tree stands aren’t always emphasizing a lot on concealment. Still, most brands prefer keeping their models in tone with the rest of the hunting camouflage and offer color patterns like Mossy Oak or different shades of green and brown. If you’re hunting on a relatively open spot, make sure you match your treestand’s pattern to the background. Some brands nowadays include platforms with 3D patterns that really help your stand blend in.
Noise Levels
While stands are generally static they do tend to make some rattling noises when you’re moving around. Some more expensive models have noise-control technologies that fill certain parts of the aluminum frame with noise-deadening materials like expanding foam. Checking if a stand makes low but noticeable noises when you move around on it is crucial for your potential success. One of the best ways to check that is to see if hunters complain about that when they test them out in the real world.
Price
Lastly, let’s discuss prices. A good tree stand for hunting should set you back around 150-250 dollars, even though some models’ price tags reach beyond those numbers. If you’re hunting for a stand right before the deer season make sure you check out all possible stores for the lowest price of the stand you’ve chosen, as prices tend to spike before the early season. As a whole, the tree stand isn’t the part of your gear that you should be saving money on, so go for the best one you can possibly afford, as that will both keep you safe and stick with you for years to come.
If you want to learn more about deer hunting in general, head over to my article on deer hunting tips for beginners!
Benefits of hunting from a Tree Stand
Some of the main benefits you get by using a tree stand are:
- You remain hidden from most animals in the forest
- Climbing tree stands are quite portable and relatively easy to set up and use
- You often get good shot clearance at deer that passes through
- Most tree stands are relatively cheap and have a long service life
- While comfort isn’t the main feature, certain models are quite easy to sit on for hours at a time
Additionally, when compared to other types of tree stands, climbing tree stands are far more comfortable thanks to their backrest and often padded seats. They also have armrests and footrests which allow you to easily spend half a day up in the trees. Stands with enclosure bars are also far more secure than regular hang-on or ladder stands.
Do you want to learn more about the differences, and various advantages and disadvantages of hunting from a ground blind vs a tree stand? Click here to read my separate article on the topic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are climbing tree stands safe?
If you don’t use your tree stand as intended or as the instructions tell you to, you risk injuring yourself. The majority of the accidents, however, happen when hunters go up or down the tree without a safety harness so always make sure you wear one even if you think your tree stand is quite low on the tree.
What should you do if you fall from your tree stand?
The first thing you should do is try to remain calm and not panic. If you’re alone, try to call or signal for help. Next up, tend to your injuries and see if you can get up and climb back to the platform safely. If you can’t, rest yourself on the tree. If you have a Fall-arrest system in place make sure you unzip it slowly if you are close to the ground.
Are you harder to spot on a tree stand?
Yes, you are. Deer have evolved to look at their predators at eye level and rarely pay attention to what is going on above their heads. Thanks to that, hunters on tree stands are nearly invisible as long as they remain quiet.
Where should you place your tree stand?
Ideally, you want to place your tree stand in an area that has clear signs of deer activity. Close to deer highways will always ensure you some sightings but there still are some factors that you should take into consideration. The type of tree and a clear line of sight are two of the most important ones.
Conclusion
Deer hunting has improved a lot in recent years thanks to all sorts of hunting gear that gives hunters more and more advantages. The improvements in tree stands have been, without a doubt, one of the best weapons hunters have against old and experienced bucks. When you’re looking for the best climbing tree stands for bowhunting, you will have to look at a few major features such as the build quality of the stand as well as its overall weight and weight capacity. While most good models will cost you an arm and a leg, they will be good for years of usage. With the higher price tag, you usually get a more comfortable seat, better safety systems, stronger construction, and a better warranty.