The best way to get a tree stand and be comfortable on the best line of sight for better sight, high ground, and mobility. If you plan to buy a treestand for hunting, there are hundreds of options in the market. As many types of hunters are looking for climbing tree stands, the buying options and feature sets are almost endless.
Here we have a dynamic range of choices to buy the best bow hunting tree stands. They are different in size and specifications are different from each other. Most of these tree stands are chairs, and they are the most stable solution for bow hunting. Let us go through the whole tree stand review.
Table could not be displayed.Reviews of the Best Treestands for Bow Hunting
We have tested different hang on tree stands, and ladder stands for bowhunters and deer hunters. With our personal review and research over the internet, we have come to a shortlist of the top climber treestand for hunters.
Check out the review section with the advantages, disadvantages, and features to find your best match.
Summit Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand – Best Overall
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Summit Viper SD is the best climbing stand for archery hunting that still qualifies as a solid seat for hunting with bows and arrows. This tree stand consists of two parts. One of them is a seat, and another one is the standing part. All of the small details in this treestand make a lot of sense on working in different conditions and situations.
The most important part of this climbertree stand is the seat part. If you look at the whole thing, it is a fully expanding foam-padded treestand that has cushioning all around the construction. While sitting on the cushion, the cushion on the seat hugs you pretty tightly. With the full-body safety harness, this Viper sd climbing treestand is good for stability with a bow on your hand.
This has some of the most relaxing features you will need for hunting with relaxation. There are removable cushions on side handles and the front flip-up shooting rail as well. This prevents any discomfort while you lean on the front or sides.
Another great thing about this is its portability. This treestand weighs only 20 lbs. This might not be the lightest treestand to carry, but these are the best features you can get within 29 lbs of weight.
Pros
- A great stand for both standing and climbing on high trees
- It has a lot of cushioning for a cozy and comfortable experience
- Standing shots are comfortable and accurate for the right hunting spot
- Comfortable tree stand for a bow hunter
- Viper sd climbing treestand comes with a full-body safety harness
- There are a lot of things that come in a 20 lbs package
Cons
- Installation and mechanism is a bot complicated for using as a beginner
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X-Stand The Duke 20′ – Best Ladder Stands for Bow Hunting
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If you want the perfect tree stand along with a ladder, this is the right one for you. In this package, you will get a ladder that will help you climb the height you will be standing. Though the overall construction is bulky, you get a lot of space to easily stand and hunt for deers using a bow.
So, what makes this the best ladder treestand?
The main feature you will feel right after installing this on a tree is stability. With a lot of small different parts, this tree stand stays put on trees with stability. Installation does not take a lot of time, as the only hassle is setting the ladder up. Two persons together can easily set this up. Both the seat of this climber tree stand is comfortable.
The most advantageous feature is that this is almost a permanent platform where you can climb easily using wide ladders. The seat on the top is pretty comfortable for long hunting sessions for the bowhunter. The rails on the front keep you secure on the platform itself. With a latch trigger, you can engage and disengage the padded shooting rail at your will.
You can keep your stuff close to you. There is also a bottle holder near the rails, a small detailed touch in the design.
Pros
- A treestand that has ladders to climb on tall trees
- The stability of this stand is incredible
- It comes with a comfortable padded seat
- Better weight capacity with these climber tree stands
- Can have perfect standing shots
- The overall capacity is good for overweight people
Cons
- This is a heavy unit that you can not carry alone
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Lone Wolf Alpha Hang On II – Best Hang On Tree Stand for Bow Hunting
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The best part about having Lone Wolf Alpha in your arsenal is the compact size and portability. This is one compact treestand that is super easy to carry wherever you go. It does not have any fancy attachments rather has the only necessary functional things.
The comfort, along with the flexibility, makes it the perfect hang-on tree stand for bowhunting.
The top has a small seat that is cushioned for long comfortable hunting sessions. The floor does have huge space to sit for a long time. You can easily rotate all the way around and hunt the best prey. If you consider the portability and the weight of its portability, this is one of the best ladder trees stands out there in the market.
The leg rest of this Lone wold hang on tree stand is adjustable according to your need. Comparing with the lone wolf wide sit and the lone wolf assault ii, lone wolf alpha ii, I found this one better for long-term hunting with the steel construction design and better safety harness.
You can set it up flat or leaned to the tree if necessary. On the bottom of the standing platform, it has straps to store your bags or necessary things. Also, the fall arrest systems make sure you can have better seating positing in different weight capacities.
Installation is pretty easy for you. You single-handedly can set this bad boy up on the trees. There are no complicated functionalities or adjustments to make while setting it up. Just tighten up two of those backpack straps, and the whole thing is ready to go.
Pros
- A compact and lightweight climbing tree stand to carry on hiking and remote hunting sessions
- The seat of these hang on tree stands has cushioning for all-day comfort
- The lone wolf is convenient to use and easy to set up on trees
- It comes with a higher weight capacity for big bow hunters
- the overall capacity is 350 lbs which are mention-worthy
Cons
- Standing on this small platform is not that secured
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Summit Treestands 180 Max SD
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Summit 180 Max SD is the best climbing stand for bow & deer hunting that most hunters recommend for using in cold winter weather. The most incredible thing about this treestand is that seat. The seat on this treestand is just like a cocoon. It hugs you tightly as you sit in it properly.
If you look at the design and cushioning on this treestand, there is a lot of cushioning for the best comfortable seating here. The real is also cushioned, as you can see. The seat also has this reversible design that allows you to set this up reversely to your need. The super-wide footrest is also one great feature worth mention.
The platform is made of metal that keeps you dead stable in any situation. All the metal parts here are coated with thick paints. Also, the tree stand safety is provided by the safety harness. This prevents the metal from corrosion. The thick layer also reduces the vibration caused during installation or carrying in the jungle.
180 Max SD is one great climbing tree stand with many features, and most of them make sense. It has been equipped with a summit lock that ensures that you have the highest bond with your tree.
Pros
- It has a lot of features to ensure durable performance over time
- It has a safety harness for particular trees
- The metal parts are coated with a thick paint layer to prevent corrosion and noise.
- Can place the climbing sticks and other hunting gear
- The seat is super comfortable and best for cold winter weather
Cons
- This is a heavy unit to carry on long hikes
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X-Stand The Comrade X – Best Heavy Duty Tree Stands for Hunting
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If you are looking for the best 2 man ladder stand for bowhunting, this is the one. Comrade X is a two-person treestand that has been made for the ultimate hunting experience. This is just like the other X-Stand that we mentioned in this review. But this is the big brother of that treestand. If you are a couple going bowhunting, you should have this in your collection.
The best tree stand feature is that it comes with a ladder. The ladder is a stationary part of the treestand. This is made of solid metal, and it is super stable as you install this on a tree.
For stability, there is an upper jaw that holds the ladder-style tree safely. It has been designed using geometrics, and that is what makes it a strong treestand. Two of the chairs have individual rails that can be engaged and put down separately. There is also a central holder to keep your common things closer to your reach.
The flor is made of mesh. It is helpful when you are carrying a lot of small objects. Even if anything falls, it is not going to fall below the platform.
Pros
- A great treestand for two persons
- These climbing tree stands are comfortable
- Has different rails for different seats
- Can hang climbing stick on this deer stand
- It is stable and extremely durable for long hunting sessions
- Upper jaw safety system added with backpack straps is a great addition
Cons
- These are not easy to install on trees
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X-Stand Treestands The Jayhawk 20
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This is another 2-person climbing tree stand, but the catch here is that this is a lightweight one. If you plan to go hunting with a lightweight backpack and lightweight packages, these are the best ladder stands for deer hunting to take with you. Most beginners like to take this one for their training purpose, and still, professional hunters choose this one for convenience.
Just like the last one. This stays super secure to the trees that you are installing on. For safety. they have their trademark jaw mechanism to ensure that the stand is secured and locked with the tree. The ratchet strap is there for the best grip and fitting needed for your whole hunting session.
The comfort of this two-seated good tree stand is also worth mentioning. The hand rests have paddings that ensure that you won’t have to move and adjust a lot. The super stable stand will never disappoint you as it is the strongest with two persons at once.
The whole thing standing in trees is never going to make a noise. There are nylon washers in between joints. These are long-lasting and do not wear off that quickly.
Pros
- A minimal and compact treestand for two persons
- You can rotate for the best viewing experience
- Has full body harness for proper safety
- Has separate seats for two persons
- Easy and lightweight to carry on long hikes
Cons
- The overall durability does not seem too strong for two persons
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Guide Gear 18′ Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand
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IN a very minimal package and features, Guide Gear Jumbo is the best climbing heavy-duty tree stand for hunting. For a single person, there are a ton of spaces on it. As you set this up, you can still carry two of your bags if necessary and keep them on the floor. The durable construction and high-quality welding ensure that you can use this stand for several years.
The adjustability of this tree stand is also versatile. You can change the positioning of the rails and the footrest to your need. Adjust the footrest to your necessities, and you are good to go for hours. You can set your gun up on the rails for stable shots. You can also lean on the rails if you are using a bow for hunting.
The overall comfort is amazing on this. It has the widest seat of all. This will be a perfect climbing tree stand if you are packing for a whole day hunting. The padding on the rail and the armest is also spot-on for comfort.
Pros
- This is a very comfortable climbing tree stan for long hunting sittings
- The welding and the overall steel construction are on point
- The ladder stand is helpful for quick climbing and descending
- This climber stand is easy to set up
Cons
- The backrest is not wide enough for the most comfortable experience
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Types Of Tree Stand
We mentioned some of the best treestands that are available in the market. Not all of them are the same. Some of them are climbing treestands, and some are ladder treestands. We have not mentioned two more types of tree stands that are popular among hunters. Tripod stand and permanent climbing stands are the treestands that we have not mentioned in this review. Let us talk about the types of treestands we can buy from the market.
Ladder Treestand
Ladder treestands are the most popular tree stands available in the market. If you want to buy the safest tree stand, this is the one you should look for. Ladder treestands generally have a ladder that a hunter uses to climb to the top.
The ladder has to be set up, wrapping around the tree. Most of the weight of the stand and hunter will be carried by the part attached to the tree. The ladder will carry the other half weight and provide support for you. Most professional hunters use ladder treestands for hunting.
Climbing Tree Stand
These are the newest addition to the treestand market. The principle here is that the treestand itself will be used for climbing the tree. It has a clever mechanism that helps you climb trees very easily.
You have to be careful and skillful enough to use a climbing tree stand. There are primarily two parts in a climbing treestand. The bottom part is the base where you will stand while the treestand is engaged. The upper part is the seat where you will generally seat.
Hang on Treestand
Hang on treestands are the most temporary and the most portable climbing stands of all. These hang-on stands are not rated to be the safest treestands. It has been targeted for most mobile hunters. The overall weight does not exceed more than 15 to 20 pounds. You can easily carry them through the forests.
The most complex part about these hang-on stands is how it has to be lofted to install on trees. You will need a separate ladder system to climb up to the treestand.
Tripod Treestands
These are the most permanent climbing tree stands of all. These are basically not climbing tree stands; instead, they are stands by themselves. You will not need any support from trees or anything. It has three or four legs to support a platform where you will stand and hunt.
Most people do not like tripod treestands because of their portability. It has a lot of loose parts that you will have to carry to set up properly.
Permanent/DIY Treestands
These were the most popular climbing tree stands back in the day. In this case, you have to arrange to set up a platform at a specific height. It will be a permanent choice for you. Experienced hunters know how to set up tree stands in different situations and utilize them properly.
How to Choose the Best Treestand for Hunting? Buying Guide
Hereafter having all the answers to the most important questions relating to treestands, we have a buying guide that will definitely help you out to pick up the perfect treestand. Let us dive right into the buying guide.
What Type of Tree Stand Do You Need?
The best answer to this query is already mentioned in the middle part of this review. We mentioned that there are three types of treestands available in the market. Three of them are targeted at different types of users.
Some people love hanging tree stands because they are lightweight. People love the conveniences of ladder tree stands, where they have to accept that they have to carry a lot of weight while hiking. It is up to you what you choose to have in your hanging hunting experience.
Is it Durable Enough?
The durability of a hunting stand would matter a lot as you will be using it for your professional purpose. The treestand has to be sturdy to stand your weight. If you are using fixed position tree stands, use the durable normally with the full-body harness.
Almost all treestands will have a capacity rating in their specification sheet. You have to purchase considering them.
Make sure you are leaving a big headroom while choosing your portable tree. It will be safe for you to stand and maneuver around.
Does it Have Sound-Dampening Features?
The most annoying and the most challenging thing about tree stands is the sound it makes. As treestands are made of metal elements, these metals tend to make a lot of noise. This is definitely not good for hunting in the silent woods.
Many manufacturers use sound dampening washers around the joints or thick painting on the metal rods to keep the noise as low as possible. Lookup for these features while going through a review.
How Comfortable is the Ladder Tree Stands?
The comfort of a treestand will matter as long as you are engaged in hunting for long sessions. The comfort you seek from a treestand is from the cushioning and the seating positions. A thick padded seat with cushioning will help you with getting better comfort on longer hunting sessions.
Cushions on the grabrail, front rails are also additional touches that enhance the comfort.
Is it Adjustable Enough?
The main goal of buying a treestand instead of making yourself one is to get the maximum adjustability possible. For adjustability, these treestands will have latching mechanisms.
You can change the seat height, rails, and the base can be adjusted using a locking mechanism. For dynamic users, these features must be checked before the purchase.
Safety Features Must Be Checked
The number one safety feature you will see on a treestand is the rails. The rails should be there to protect you from falling from the high base.
You should also check how the treestand is attached to the tree. If it is not secure enough, you should avoid purchasing it. Many trees stand come with safety laws that ensure maximum safety while it is on load.
How Stable Is the Stand?
The stability of a treestand will depend on how it has been built. The overall quality will affect how it is keeping everything tight and secured up there.
The shooting rail, bow holder, and ladders should be high-quality steel to stand stable on the above trees.
People Also Ask on Ladder/Climbing Treestands
Here are the brief answer on treestands questions we have found over the internet and forum sections.
What is the best ladder stand for bow hunting?
This is one of the most controversial questions of all. There is no best treestand to be found in the market. The best would be the one that suits your needs.
If you want lightweight backpacking, the best hang-on tree stands for bow and deer hunting would be the right choice for you. If you are willing to carry a hefty treestand to get the best experience, ladder treestand is the best choice. They are strong, durable and these can also be used as a permanent solution for hunting on a stationary platform.
Do you aim high or low from a treestand?
This is another subjective question for hunters. Some hunters suggest that you should air a but high for hunting from a high platform. This is wrong. Hunting from a high platform is the same as hunting from a ground level.
You can aim high if the distance is too far. It will be necessary to aim high if the elk or deer is more than 50 yards far from your platform. It will also be a wise discission to aim low if possible.
Moreover, the accuracy of your targetting and shooting will depend on your practice. You have to practice a lot to make sure that you are hitting the target accurately with the right angle.
What is the best hang-on treestand?
We already mentioned that hang-on treestands are the best choice if you are planning to hike lightweight. Though there are hang-on treestands that weigh more than 20 pounds, they might not serve as much value as they cost.
We are confident that X-Stand Treestands The Comrade X is a top-rated tree that stands for bow hunting. It is strong and durable and has the comfort that you will need for long hunting sessions.
What is the most comfortable hang-on stand?
As you go through different products for purchasing, there are too many trade-offs that you have to consider. You might have to leave the comfort for the best portability. But if you want the most comfortable hang-on stand with the best comfort, Guide Gear 18′ Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand is.
The platform unit is lightweight and portable. You can easily carry them anywhere you like to. The best part about this treestand is that it has the most comfortable seats. It has large and wide seats where you can easily relax and spend a good time watching around your hunting ground. The additional grabrail cushioning makes it the most comfortable one out of the bunch.
Is the weight capacity enough for me?
The weight capacity is a big factor to consider while looking for the best climbing tree stand for bow hunting. You have to make sure that the capacity rating on the specification sheet can handle your weight.
In most cases, the maximum capacity of a is rated up to 300 pounds for climbing trees. If you look through this review, you will see that we recommended the only treestands that have 300 pounds rating and those that offer to stand locked. You can easily choose one of these, and it will do fine.
What is the Minimum Tree Diameter for a Stand?
There is no rating for what diameter the tree should have. This is a subjective thing for different persons and different treestands. If you are buying any of these climbing tree stands we recommended here, you will at least need to have a tree diameter of 15.
It will be better to go high up from the ground where the diameter closes up, and you might find tree parts where the diameter is around 12 inches.
If you are setting up treestands for two persons, it is recommended to wrap them around 18 to 20 inches trunks. It is better to be safe than sorry.
How High Should a Tree Stand Be for Bow Hunting?
For bowhunting, there is a limit to go high. Most professional hunters suggest that you should go at least 20 feet high above the ground. This is based on average opinions. You can set your tree stand up as high as you will need.
The height will depend on how clean the forest is and how dense the trees and branches are. You have to have maximum visibility on the upper ground.
Make sure that you are reaching up to a bushy brunch to hide as much as you can. It will also be necessary to make sure your arrow will hit your target without any obstacles. 18 to 20 feet will be enough for sure.
What is the Best Tree Stand for a Big Guy?
The overall capacity is not the only thing you have to look for when it is about the best treestand for big guys. The comfort and ease of use will also be a matter.
In our suggestion list, Summit Treestand 180 Max SD is the best one for big guys. It has padded rails, and hand rests. The seats are also adjustable. You will not have to worry about the capacity here as it has been rated to carry more than 350 pounds.
The secured fit will also be a factor when buying millennium tree stands for a big guy. Keeping the weight balance is necessary while you are too high from the ground.
Conclusion
For archers and bowhunters, buying a treestand is a huge investment. A treestand will cost as much as your bow costs. You can still minimize the cost if you are clever and capable enough. You can invest in a low-cost treestand, and you have to be ready to get it up in a complex way or doubt the overall quality.
If you are keeping good money aside, you can milk out great hunting experiences. Always focus on four things: portability, quality, and features. The last thing is practice. You know practice makes a man perfect.
Looking at the bluest sky, I forget all my stresses. Going through the green I try to breathe, more than I do in my reality. So, that’s why I love camping.
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