Top 10 Best Tree Stands for Hunting – Reviews and Buying Guide

best tree stands for hunting

Hunting is done from a very early time because earlier humans used to feed only on flesh. It’s been part of life since the existence of humans. To get meat, they have to hunt wild animals. They use to make their weapons themselves using stone and wood to kill animals.

They hunt because that was the only way to get food and survive, unlike from today’s situation when you can get food very easily from the grocery shop and by other stores, and now it is not necessary to hunt animals and feed on flesh. Still, you can hunt animals and keep it in your freezer to cook it later.

To make your hunting easy, there are various types of tree stands available in the market, and it is also available on online websites. For hunting, you must have the right tools and equipment of good qualities like durability, material, etc. So always check and use branded equipment to avoid trouble. Earlier hunters used to hunt through the gun, but now hunters use modern equipment.

We have tried our best to clear your doubts related to which tree stand is the best; best tree stands, best climbing treestands, best tree stand harness, best treestands for bow hunting, best treestands 2021, best tree stand safety harness, best tree stand accessories and best tree stands for hunting.

See also our suggestions on the best climbing tree stands, the best ladder tree stands, the best tripod tree stands, and the best hang-on tree stands.

Best Tree Stands for 2021

Hunting has been a part of our life for a very long time. The primitives were forced to do the hunt for food supplements, but in the modern world, people do it for passion.

Whether you hunt for food or passion, it’s a tremendous experience. Tree stands make hunting more comfortable and enjoyable. Modern tree stands are made from wooden platforms that are safe and comfortable. Following traits must be considered before choosing a tree stand:-

  • Hanging or locking
  • Padding
  • Climbing ability
  • Ladder or no ladder
  • Enclosed or open

Various types of stands are compatible with multiple types of hunting styles.

1. Summit Tree Stands Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand, Mossy Oak

 

Check the Price on Amazon

This tree stand has high ratings from customers. It is a fantastic combination of comfort, convenience, and safety. It also can hold your weight and as well as your gear securely. It has five years of warranty. It weighs only 20 lbs that can be easily carried along with you. It is made up of aluminum that is suitable for all weather conditions. And a padded foam seat with backrest. Its capacity for bearing weight is 300 lb. Notably, this tree stand features what the company wants to call “dead steel,” a foam specially designed to eliminate the metal on metal sound that some other stands are going to suffer from and can startle the prey by bringing it off before you are equipped.

Specs: Closed front, aluminum, climbing stand, foam padded seat with backrest, 20 lb. weight, 300 lb. capacity, 18” x 12” seat, 20” x 26.5” platform, fall arrest harness system, hardware included

Pros:

  • Aluminum construction
  • Lightweight
  • 300 lb. capacity
  • Full body harness
  • Sit/stand climber
  • Camouflaged

Cons:

  • Higher Priced
  • A couple of buyers noted paint problems

2. Guide gear 18’ jumbo leather tree stand

Check the Price on Amazon

If you want a tree stand with a ladder, then this is a suitable one for you. This ladder measures 18 feet, which is high enough for a clear view of the area. It weighs more than other stands, which is about 68lbs. It is made up of steel, which is best for durability, strength, and as well as weather resistance.

Specs: 18-foot ladder, flip-up footrest, oversized platform (24” x 25”), padded, flip-up seat, padded armrests, 300 lb. capacity, stabilizer, and ratchet straps included, full-body harness included

Pros:

  • Oversized platform
  • Steel construction
  • 300 lb. capacity
  • Flip-up shooting bar
  • 18′ ladder
  • Solid engineering and good quality

Cons:

  • Poor quality assembly instructions
  • Not a lightweight model

3. Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting Hang-On Tree Stand

Check the Price on Amazon

It is made up of steel and is designed to mount the pole with the help of straps. Its weight holding capacity is 300 lbs. It also provides footrest that provides stability while shooting.

It really, made by the very same company as the previous tree stand, combines solid steel building with the compact design preferred by some hunters. This hang-on platform is developed for mounting on a tree or pole with straps, and the seat is intended in a suspended style with plenty of room (17 x 10).

All seams in the metal are completely welded, and to provide weather resistance the coating has been powder coated. The seat does flip up, as well as the arms do as well, making this a possible option for bow hunters, and those who prefer a rifle hunt.

The platform itself is actually quite large, and additional stability is provided by the flip-up footrest. However, with this model, there is no shooting session. Note that this is not a model for climbers. Although it does get strong feedback from customers overall, some have noticed that the straps that hold the stand to the tree can harden, and should be frequently checked to ensure protection.

Others mention hanging the stand on the tree is best, and instead of adding the locking straps. Finally, most buyers suggest hanging it with a helper, rather than trying it alone because of the weight.

Specs: 300 lb. capacity, hanging style, 17 x 10 suspension seat, padded back and armrests, padded seat, solid steel construction, 24 x 29 x 1/2” platform, cable supports, FAS harness included

Pros:

  • Solid steel construction
  • Flip-up seat and armrests
  • Large platform
  • Full body harness included
  • Hang-on style, so no ladder to carry

Cons:

  • Weight
  • Needs two people to install
  • Straps deteriorate and will need periodic replacement

4. X-Stand The Jayhawk Ladder Stand

Check the Price on Amazon

This stand provides you space to hunt in a group. It is tough to find space for two people who are hunting together. This stand provides seats for two people to hunt. The seats are padded and also provide armrest for comfort. The ladder with this stand is 20 feet long to give a clear vision of the area. The seats also flip up, creating space for standing.

Do you do a group activity hunting? Whether you are hunting with a friend or a member of your family, you know how difficult it is to find a two-man tree stand that is worth your time and money. Enter the Jayhawk X-Stand ladder stand. Large and luxurious, this stand has two seats, as well as several other advantages.

In the front, you will find a padded shooting rail covering the entire stand, as well as an oversized platform for stability and convenience. There is a foot rail in the center, and it’s no challenge to spread your legs over long days. You can often find the seat is padded, as are the armrests, and the bench back ‘s special Comfort-FleX material makes you both relaxed and secure while in the air.

The ladder on this tree stand reaches a complete 20 foot, and you are high above the scene and there are two four-point body harnesses on the stand ships to hold you and your hunting buddy secure at all times. For comfort, the seats flip up enabling to utilize the whole platform in a standing stance.

With all that said, you ‘re definitely going to need a partner or two to get the stand-up, as it weighs in at 122 pounds. However, the frame is powder-coated to withstand the weather, so most buyers are looking at the fact that it is one of the most comfortable stands they have used.

Specs: 500 lb. capacity, 122 lb. stand weight, steel construction, includes two body harnesses, shooting rail, 42 x 34-inch platform, cushioned seats

Pros:

  • 500 lb. capacity
  • Two-person capability
  • Flexible seat material
  • Padded armrests and shooting rail
  • Folding design allows full use of the platform in a standing position

Cons:

  • Cost
  • Weight
  • Assembly takes time
  • Few customer reviews make it difficult to determine the average user experience

5. Big Dog BDL 1050 17.5’ Stadium Series

Check the Price on Amazon

This stand provides a ladder of 17.5 feet and is compatible with two. Its most unique feature is that it covers both the seats in the circumference of the tree. It’s also at a decent height from the ground.

Find the Large Dog BDL-1050 if you’re looking for a ladder-type tree stand which is wide enough for two and able to bring you a good height off the ground. The ladder places you in the air at 17.5 feet, which is more than adequate to satisfy the needs of most hunters. The ladder is also made with double tubing for added stability and debility, which is a nice touch.

Specs: 17.5-foot ladder, two-man style, dual-rail ladder construction, curved platform, curved seat, padded backrest, includes blind, two full-body harnesses included, 500 lb. capacity includes a safety video

Pros:

  • Extra-wide platform with wrap-around style
  • Lightweight for this style tree stand
  • Sized for two people
  • Good height off the ground
  • Seats fold out of the way
  • Includes two four-point harnesses
  • 500 lb. capacity (300 lb. harness capacity)

Cons:

  • Seat padding is thin
  • Some customers report the shooting bar is too low for them

6. Millennium Tree Stands M25 Hang On Tree Stand

Check the Price on Amazon

It is a lightweight and durable stand made up of steel. The stand is designed in a way that can be easily folded and carried in a bag pack easily.

Looking for a lightweight but stable deer stand that’s easy simple backpack into your hunt area? This could just be the ticket. The M25 is a model in hang-on format and is built to be ultra-lightweight (less than 20 lbs.). It is easily mounted on a backpack to carry in and out, and the seat is designed to fold out of the way, providing full use of the shooting platform if you prefer.

This tree stand includes sturdy steel and complete welds. The seat itself is made of flexible mesh for comfort, and easy to dry when it rains. It also ships in the shape of a 35-foot rope with a carabiner and Prusik tie, with an ascender/descender.

Specs: Contoured sling-style seat, folding seat, easily mounted to backpack, 24 x 33-inch platform, 20 x 16 seat, 300 lb. capacity, 19 lb. total weight

Pros:

  • Quality construction
  • Comes with backpack straps
  • Light enough for one-man setup
  • Includes chains for securing the top
  • Fold up chair allows use as a standing platform
  • Large platform for stand size

Cons:

  • No backrest or armrests

7. Big Dog IV Tree Stand

Check the Price on Amazon

This stand has armrest and backrest that makes it comfortable and is also lightweight. It can be easily carried and installed on the tree. It is safe for tree accidents too.

The tree stand may be the best choice for those who want comfort and power. It integrates many of the most in-demand features with such a stable, durable, and relatively easy-to-install one-man platform in your hunting area.

That both seat, backrest, and armrests are padded and so is the line. Remember that the rail flips down or up to meet your firing needs. Remember that if you hunt with a bow the targeting rail may be removed completely. The seat often folds up enabling you to use the seat in a standing position to the complete.

The fall arrest system guarantees that in case of an accident you are secured to the branch, too. It is also simple to set the stand up in the tree. Some buyers, however, have noticed that assembly instructions are not especially (vague) simple to follow.

Specs: 23.5 x 29-inch platform, 17 x 10-inch seat, 300 lb. capacity, includes fall arrest system, flip-up shooting rail included, platform uses heavy-duty suspension cables (included), padded armrests and backrest

Pros:

  • 300 lb. capacity
  • Relatively lightweight
  • Large platform
  • Padded seat, backrest and shooting rail
  • Removable shooting rail for bowhunters
  • Easy to set up in the tree

Cons:

  • Vague instructions
  • Straps do not ratchet

8. Summit Tree Stand Mini Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand

Check the Price on Amazon

This stand helps you to reach your desired height and then lock the position. This stand provides a quick draw cabling system that allows you to secure it without inserting pin or ratchet straps.

For climbing tree stands, there was a lot to suggest, especially if you do have to set up your stand alone. Thanks to the “RapidClimb” stirrups, this stand gives users the ability to climb to your desired height, and then lock the stand all on your own. This stand also includes a quick draw cabling system, which enables you to secure this same stand in seconds with no need to tighten the bolts insert pins or ratchet straps.

One of the most unique aspects of this tree stand is the built-in frame sound deadening foam. It’s designed to help minimize the noise that the stand creates when you shift position. Of sure, the reality that this stand only weighs 18 pounds is also an additional benefit, allows us to easily carry it in and out, even if you need it on a daily basis. Remember that the frame is made of aluminum, with seams and joints completely welded. The stand often comes with a five-year guarantee, as well as straps for better carrying backpack.

An aluminum shooting rail (padded) encloses the front of the Mini Viper SD for extra protection while standing, as well as shooting support. In the give up, the 300 lb. Weight limit means it’s a great solution even for greater hunters. This tree stand definitely is one of my favorite climbing stands due to its stability and strength.

Specs: Closed front, aluminum construction, padded seat, 300 lb. capacity, 18 lb. weight, 18 x 12-inch seat, 20 x 24.75-inch platform, includes FAS system, sound deadening technology

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Padded seat, backrest, and armrests
  • Climbing style
  • Simple to use locking system

Cons:

  • The stand is relatively small

9. Sniper Deluxe 2-Man Ladder Tree Stands 18.’

Check the Price on Amazon

It is easily foldable and consists of 1 inch of a cushion. It is compatible for two, and the seat measures 38 x 13 inches. The platform is 37 x 13 inches. The stand is required for the tree with a minimum of 9 inches of height.

For comfort, the shooting rail is padded, but if you prefer, it also folds out of the way. The seat features a one-inch cushion which depending on your preferences may or may not be enough padding. The platform evaluates a full 37 inches by 13 inches so that you and your partner have plenty of room and the seat indicators 38 inches by 13 inches. Note that this tree stand requires a tree with a circumference of at least nine inches-it can not be securely attached to smaller trees.

Note that although this stand is lighter than some other two-person models on the market when it comes to setting it up in the tree, you will need an assist. Any consumers have indicated that it will take a while to completely install. A couple of customers noted it was a tight fit with two people, but a single hunter with gear had more than ample room.

Specs: 18-foot ladder, two-man capabilities, padded shooting rail, enclosed front, side-mounted ladder, solid steel construction, cushioned seat, includes two safety harnesses, 500 lb. capacity weighs 65 pounds

Pros:

  • Oversized platform
  • Folding shooting rail
  • Secure ladder (18 feet)
  • Two-man capacity
  • Includes two safety harnesses

Cons:

  • Depending on your size and the size of your partner, it might be a tight fit
  • Some customers have reported it takes a while to assemble
  • Some customers have reported missing cinch straps

10. Guide Gear Extreme Deluxe Hunting Climber Tree Stand

Check the Price on Amazon

This model gives you the potential to reach the height of trees and set up the stand without any help. In just a minute, it is set up and is ready for hunting.

Climber models give you the opportunity to stand up in the tree and set up without needing a set of extra hands. To get to your position, just use the climbing gear and lock in the tree stand. You are ready to go in just minutes.

The Guide Gear Extreme Deluxe Hunting Climber Tree Stand offers several features, including full steel construction, that you will find beneficial. Saying that the steel in the frame makes it heavier than the aluminum models (33 pounds), so it might not be the best choice if you need to frequently pack your stand-in and out.

The seat, backrest, and armrests are all one-inch foam padded on. While that may be plenty for armrests and backrest, certain clients find it too small for the chair. Remember that the seat material is not built for long-term exposure to the elements and it is not always advisable to keep it in place for extended periods of time.

This tree stand comes with a protective harness as standard. Some buyers, though, have noticed that this is relatively easy and have preferred to purchase improved harnesses from other vendors. It is also important to note that many buyers reported that the assembly instructions were either hard to follow or vague, but that installation, even without the instructions, is not especially problematic.

Specs: Climber model, steel construction, padded seat, backrest and armrests, 10 x 17-inch sling seat, 18 x 14 backrest, 300 lb. capacity, 16 x 26 platform size, weighs 33 lbs., includes a safety harness

Pros:

  • Climbing style
  • Padded seat, backrest, and armrest
  • 300 lb. capacity
  • Easy to transport

Cons:

  • Weight (33 pounds) makes this one of the heavier models on the market and many customers recommend having an ATV handy for longer treks
  • Vague assembly instructions

Understanding Differences in Tree Stands

Modern tree stand comes with good material mainly made of a wooden platform, which is of medium size and can easily fit in the tree. It should also be convenient, safe, and durable. Always choose your tree stand wisely and check all the features and properties before you buy tree stand.

Here are some of the features which you must go through before you go for the final purchase.

  • Attaching or locking
  • Padding or nonpadded
  • Closed or open
  • With ladder or without a ladder
  • Convenient for climbing

Before starting to shop, make a list of comforts and features that you expect to get from your tree stand and then choose it accordingly. In the market, different types of tree stands are available; it is possible that you may get confused and wonder which one you should go with.

Prices also vary in the market. It is as low as $60 and as high as $600, of course, the higher rate has more features because of features some of the tree stands may have more value. The one which is of high price may offer extra features as compared to the other one. It is up to you with which you want to go.

During hunting, you are going to expose yourself before endangered animals, So always take care of it and keep in mind that your tree stand must be safe and robust enough to stand before dangerous wild animals.

With tree stand, you may need some more accessories to hunt as well as to protect yourself from animals the additions that you may need are ropes, cables, ratchet straps, bolts. So always keep these things also with you. With some of the trees stands, you may get this stuff too.

There are various hunting stands for different hunting styles you can choose yours according to your preference. Some hunters may satisfy with ladder stand, and some hunters may go with non-ladder. Hunting stand fits in the tree very quickly. Hunting stand comprises reliable hardware that binds stand with a tree.

Characteristics of the best tree stand for hunting

In today’s modernized world, people have the potential to choose areas and equipment for hunting as per their choice. We can also use hunting blind, but that puts us to the same level as animals and makes hunting difficult for the one. Tree-stand is the most crucial tool that is used for hunting today. It puts you to a very sharp view of the hunting spot and helps us to spot the prey easily too.

The tree stand may vary in terms of size, style, shapes, weight capacity, and features and enables us to make free decisions. Great hunting success depends on our own choice. If you are planning for excellent hunting, then you must consider these features before buying a treestand:

1. Durability

This is very decisive because a tree stand is vulnerable to all the elements of nature. It has to face all the weather conditions such as rain, wind, sunlight, etc. So the stand material must be durable and robust that can be exposed to nature easily. It also held up your weight on the height, so it must have material that can support your body weight. You must choose a stand that holds up all the stiffness of hunting and is durable for all the seasons. The stand material must not get affected by the rain or sunlight easily that it disturbs your balance of hunting spots.

2. Weight

Most of the time, you have to carry your tree stand along with you from one place to another for the perfect spot of hunting, until and unless you have your private hunting area where you can leave the stand for a long duration.
You must choose a balanced and well-featured stand for hunting. The stand must have a stable weight that can be carried easily and can also bear your weight for a long time.

3. Safety

It is assumed that you are going to drape yourself above the ground for a long time. A fall from there can hurt you badly. To avoid such conditions, a tree stand is a suitable option for it because it has many safety features like hardness or a belt that is attached to the tree. The tree can also consist of various insects and reptiles that can hurt you in different ways.

4. Cost

You’ll need to decide your budget before going to shop for a new treestand. You should look for a budget-friendly treestand which has all the features of a good-tree stand that can be used for hunting. You need to decide the stand that satisfies your needs as well as maintains your budget too.

5. Seat and standing area size

The tree stand should be homely. If you are up for many hours, you need to be relaxed. While firing, you need proper space for your feet to maintain balance. If you are going to spend a long time there, then you would not like to get stuck in minimal space.

Essential Tree Stand Accessories

In the season of deer hunting, many hours are spent in setting up the stand, indicating the direction of the wind, and a perfect spot for shooting. It is not comfortable there to wait for a long time for the deer to come out of the bushes.

Waiting for a long duration on height is very unpleasant and harassing too. Various tree stand accessories make waiting comfortable and more relaxed. Tree stand accessories can be divided into two categories for your set up and your hunting.

Various tree stand accessories that make hunting easier are:

Seat Cushions

It helps you to make yourself comfortable while waiting for a long time for animals. It let the hunter make himself comfortable and convenient above on such a height.

Waterproof Seat Cover

The profit of using waterproof cover is it does not get wet during rain or wet with the dew in the morning. It soaks all the water and makes your hunt easy and doesn’t cause any inconvenience.

Lumbar Support

The lumbar support is very compulsory during long hunting. It avoids aches that occur during the long-duration of hunting and enables you to hunt for hours without disturbance.

Shooting Rail

It allows the hunter to shoot from the rifle and shotgun efficiently, providing accuracy for hunting and gives a perfect shot.

Universal Platform Bow Holder

Having your bow ready helps you to shoot quickly and also enable silent killing.

How to Choose the Best Tree Stand?

If someone wants to buy anything, then everyone wants to go for the best one rather than choosing just anything. Choose the right stand and, most importantly, check the features of the stand. Below are some characteristics that you can look upon to know about the right tree stand.

Safety and Comfort

Well, safety and comfort both are essential components when you think of purchasing a tree stand. But from my point of view, security is more critical than comfort. If you get a stand that has both safety and comfort, then you are the lucky ones, but if you can get only one of them, then always go for safety.

Comfortable Seat

No one can stand for continuous 5-6 hours for hunting. If you have a tree stand that isn’t comfortable enough, then what is the use of a hunting stand. I would ask you to opt for a web and sling type of seat, which is good for your spine bone. This seat provides you comfort so that you can move quickly.

A Quiet Tree Stand

A disturbance during hunting can distract you, and due to the voice of tree stand, any animal will not come around. One of the best animals you can hunt is deer that too with a gun and deer is one of the fastest running animals, so think before you choose your tree stand.

Tree Stand Made In America

You might be thinking that finding an American tree stand is easy, but it’s not. Most of the hunting stands are manufactured overseas, but very few of them are built in America. Some countries make treestand by using the material imported by America.

But this doesn’t mean that tree stand is made in America. There is a solution to this problem. There is a company named “Family Tradition,” which manufactures treestand that is 100% American. You can go for this if you want an original made in American treestand. These were some of the features which you must compare if you are buying a tree stand or if you already have a tree stand.

What Are The Different Types Of Tree Stand?

There are different types of tree stands with various features. Given below are some of the types of hunting stand

Hanging Tree Stand

This type of tree stand is the most portable and light one, and you can easily hang it on the tree with the help of some straps and other supports. You can also take the help of branches to fit them. They are made up of aluminum; that is why it is light weighted.

Drawback: The drawback is that it does not provide any climbing facility, which makes it challenging to get in place.

Climbing Tree Stand

It is quite similar to hanging tree stand, but it has some positive point that it is grounded, and you can climb on the tree stand easily. It is safer and portable, especially for inexperienced hunters.

Some of them are made up of steel and are light-weighted so you can carry this wherever you want. You need to adjust this on high raised branches, so either fit this on the tree, which does not have a low branch or remove them.

Ladder Tree Stands

These type of tree stand are substantial and probably safer than any other stand. Most of them are made up of streel; thus, they are quite heavy. If it is once fitted, then you can easily climb and hunt, climbing down the tree is also very easy as it comes with a ladder.

Can a deer survive a Lung shot?

If you are a hunter and you are thinking about shooting a deer, then you should know the points were you can kill the animal in one shot. Deer will not survive after a long shot, it can survive for a while or more, but he will not survive for days or weeks.

After you shot deer, you will see blood everywhere, and after a few hours, he will die. If you want confirmation of this, then you have to hunt a deer for this.

Best Tree Stand Harness

The harness protects you during hunting. There is a possibility you can get harm, and there should be a protective element. Never be overconfident or careless about your safety. If you don’t take precautions, it means you do not value your life. Below are some of the best harness you can choose among them as per your convenience

Patriot

If you are in search of the most versatile harness, then your search ends here. It is different from others because it can be worn from both sides; it is quick to wear and have multiple safety measures. It is of superior quality and looks unique from others. You will hardly find any harness as versatile as a patriot.

Ultra-Lite

It is a light weighted and most flexible harness to carry anywhere from one place to the other. This harness has a distinct camouflage design, which makes this unique. It is light and very comfortable. You will be glad to hear this that it will not disturb you while hunting.

Tree Spider Tree Harness

It is a type of harness that you can wear both inside and outside of your primary clothing. This harness is comfortable and fit to wear; you will not even feel like you are wearing any harness. It is more protective and spacious and has the most robust straps.

Bowhunter harness

If you are looking for affordable and comfortable tree stand harness, then this is for you. It is new in the market with different sizes as well as for all climatic types from summer to winter. It comes with a complete package that includes DVD, safety straps, safety use.

Big Game Harness

It comes at an affordable price. It is functional, and it has different beautiful colors and also gives you comfort.

Conclusion

If you are a passionate hunter and are searching for equipment for hunting, then this article for you. We have mentioned about tree stands, different types of the tree stand, and which tree stand you should choose.

We have also shared information about different types of hunter stands, which are very readily available on Amazon. You can purchase it from there. Also, in this article, you will find safety measures during hunting and equipment for it. Find your choice from the above options, and leave for the hunt. We hope this article was helpful.

Johnson Tree Stands
Logo