Best Tree Stands for Hunting
Let’s just assume that your boss is very impressed with your work that they decided to give you a couple of days off.
You use this vacation to go out into the woods to enjoy being around mother nature, and let’s also assume that we’re in the hunting season and you enjoy the kick-back out of a rifle on your shoulder.
If it’s been a while since you’ve been in the woods, maybe you haven’t seen a metallic chair hanging on a tree before or a small ladder with a metallic surface at the top.
Under other conditions, if you’re an expert hunter who needs to upgrade your game in hunting.
Well, you’re in luck! Because in this article we’ll be talking to you about tree stands and their variations and we’ll help you reach your A-game in hunting.
What is a Tree Stand?
A tree stand is a small platform for hunters, its main purpose is to give the hunter an advantage on their prey by giving the hunter a vantage point.
A vantage point is a place or a position that can afford the hunter a better view for longer distances.
It could be hung on a tree using belts and chains, or it could be a stand-alone such as the tripod stand which is technically not exactly a tree stand but serves the same purpose.
What Are the Types of Tree Stands?
Tree stands come in different types and shapes, I’ll explain to you further about them and show the worthiest choices.
Climbing Stand
It’s basically a chair with a standing area, the top part consists of a seat and is wrapped around the tree with a metallic piece that’s shaped like a boomerang or a couple of cables tightened on the tree.
Ladder Stands
They’re very similar to the climbing stands with the exception that you use a ladder to climb the tree.
They’re stable and can fit up to two people comfortably. There’s no risk for injury if the safety regulations are followed.
Although, they can be difficult to move around due to their big size and they could surely blow your cover.
Hanging Stand
If we have a ladder stand and we remove the ladder, then we have a hanging stand. The stand is usually prefixed on the tree using cables and chains and the hunter uses a separate ladder or some portable climbing sticks.
They’re very easy to move, can go to any height preferable and they’re comfortable.
You might want to get your own ladder though or some external steps to climb to the stand.
Tree Stands Reviews
Here are our top picks for best tree stands on the market.
Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand
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A perfect combination of comfort and lightweight, it’s ideal for guns or bows.
It also comes with cushioned armrests for comfortability, closed-front aluminum climbing stand to help you always minding your surroundings and it also comes with a full-body fall harness system to avoid falling from high trees.
Pros
- Closed-front aluminum climbing stands for safety purposes
- Weighs 20 lbs. and holds up to 300 lbs
- Inexpensive
Cons
- The bar across the front is a little low to steady rifle
Summit 180 Max SD
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The perfect choice for a bowhunter, this product is given the brand’s proprietary SummitLokt technology, which means that it’s been welded perfectly to offer extreme rigidity and excellent strength.
Pros
- Pivots 180 degrees
- Weight limit: 350 lbs.
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive
Summit Dual Performer
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This ladder stand is made to handle the weight, it can take up to 250 lbs of two people just so you can bring in your friend or child to hunt together.
Pros
- Ideal for new hunters
- It can take up to 500 lbs for two persons and 350 lbs for one
Cons
- It weighs 88 lbs.
Muddy Huntsman
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The steadiest and most reliable ladder stand. With all-steel construction and heavy-gauge flooring, it can go up to 17 feet.
Pros
- Good for night hunting
- Weighs only 62 lbs.
Cons
- It has an uncomfortable bar under the seat which may be irritating
Big Dog Stadium Series
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This ladder stand is built for the hunting party, it can take up to 500 lbs, with dual rail ladder and four ratchet straps for safety.
Pros
- It has four security straps
- The ladder is adjustable
Cons
- It weighs 90 lbs.
Millennium Treestands M150 Monster Hang-On
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This Hang-on treestand can offer you comfortability, durability, portability, and safety.
Pros
- It weighs only 19.5 lbs.
- It can take up to 300 lbs.
- Big platform
Cons
- Not the best when it comes to stability
Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting Hang-On Tree Stand
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Designed to be fixed high in the trees, the Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting Hang-On Tree Stand offers hunters few features when it comes to safety and stealth.
Pros
- It has a low price
- Stable
Cons
- The low price reflects on less quality metal pieces
Rivers Edge RE554 Big Foot XL Classic Hang-On Stand
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With an extra-wide platform for your feet to rest, this stand will give you comfort while still being easily movable.
Pros
- Dual post-flip-up seat
- Lever is stable
- Large platform
Cons
- More expensive than its competitors
Lone Wolf Assault II Hang-on Tree Stand
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The lightest tree stands you could find, with only 11 lbs. It can offer portability as well as versatility and extreme rigidity.
Pros
- Very lightweight at only 11 lbs.
- 350 lbs. weight limit
Cons
- Seating is uncomfortable
Tree Stands Safety Regulations
Before going into a hunting party, you need to follow these few rules to guarantee your safety and the safety of everyone around you.
- Always use a safety harness.
- Always unload your firearm and attach it to your haul line.
- Always use the three points of contact when you climb the stand.
- Always be attached to your lifeline.
Tree stands are the modern evolution to the hunting sport worldwide, they come in many types and brands, they differ in a few things but they all can be very useful for your adrenaline rush.
Just remember, it’s better to be hanging from a tree than falling from the top of a one.
