Best Tree Stands of 2022

We’ve come a good distance from plywood and 2X4 tree stands that creaked like previous wooden floors and began to rot after a number of seasons within the components. Today’s stands are way more sturdy, they’re additionally lighter, extra snug, and quieter than stands many people discovered to hunt from.

There are a whole lot of choices, too. From modern small producers to giant established corporations, there’s by no means been extra manufacturers making higher tree stands than there are right now. So, that can assist you discover the most effective tree stand to your looking type, a workforce of three testers spent a weekend evaluating seven of the most effective tree stands and placing them by means of a collection of checks. 

How We Tested Tree Stands

We examined tree stands over two days in northern Virginia, utilizing hardwood bushes of various diameters. On the primary day we examined cling ons and climbers, in spitting rain, which helped us consider platforms for his or her grip and seats for the way a lot water they held. The second day was all about constructing and testing the ladder stand. The climbers and hang-ons adopted the identical take a look at protocol of packability, pace, noise, consolation, stability, and taking pictures. We examined the ladder stand on how straightforward it was to assemble, consolation, and stability. Here’s the complete breakdown of the take a look at workforce and our protocols and scoring system. 

The Test Team

Billy Philips: Is an city bowhunter who has the chance to hunt twelve months a 12 months and takes full benefit of these alternatives with 150 days spent in a stand or saddle. 

Josh Philips: Like his brother Billy, Josh is a four-season bowhunter with over 100 days spent in stands and saddles annually. 

Scott Einsmann: Outdoor Life‘s gear editor and skilled cellular hunter. 

Using our mixed expertise, we examined every stand with the next protocols: 

Packability 

To take a look at how effectively a stand carried by means of the woods, we arrange every stand in its pack configuration. Then, a tester carried the stand down a path. The two testers who weren’t carrying stands stood alongside the path, listening for any noise. We additionally carried the stands by means of thick woods to see if any a part of the stand caught on brush. Each tester gave a rating for packability from one to 5, with 5 being the most effective. The packability rating was decided by a stand’s carrying consolation, maneuverability, and perceived noise. 

Speed

We timed how lengthy it took to arrange the stands on a straight tree with a 14-inch diameter. For the climbers, the testers began on the base of the tree with the stand on their again after which climbed to 10 toes (base of the platform). For the cling ons, we pre-set two climbing sticks. Then began the clock as soon as they started climbing and stopped the clock after they had been standing on the platform. You’ll see these instances in the important thing options part for every stand. 

Noise

While we had been hanging every stand, two testers stood on reverse sides of the tree and scored the perceived noise stage on a one to 5 scale (5 is the quietest).

Comfort, Stability, and Shooting  

We examined all of the stands for consolation and stability and shot our bows from the stands. We gave every stand a consolation rating on our one-to-five scale, with 5 being probably the most snug. We judged consolation sitting within the seat but additionally factored the stand’s consolation whereas standing. 

We outlined stability as motion felt whereas on the stand. So, any wiggle or bounce was famous as we moved round on the platform. We additionally shot seated and standing to collect notes on the taking pictures expertise. You’ll see notes on stability and taking pictures expertise within the product description of every stand. 

Tree Selection

We examined every stand on bushes of various diameters in addition to straight and leaning bushes. 

Key Features

• Weight: 16 kilos
• Tree Diameter: 8 to twenty inches
• Uses two ratchet straps  
• Comfort Score: 5
• Noise Score: 4.5
• Setup Time: 3 minutes 56 seconds

Why It Made the Cut

The Summit Dual Axis is a quiet stand that’s rock stable on the tree and has a seat made for critical hunters. 

Pros

• Bites the tree exceptionally effectively
• Easy to go from seated to standing
• Silent as soon as hooked up 

Cons

• Not ideally suited for cellular looking 

Product Description 

We had been impressed with your complete area of tree stands, however the one which stood out as being the most effective tree stand of the bunch was the Summit Dual Axis. 

We discovered the stand straightforward to hold with the 2 included ratchet straps. It was pretty quiet throughout setup, with the one actual noise coming from the ratchets. It was silent as soon as on the tree thanks to some good options. Each connection level has Teflon washers, so that you’ll by no means have to fret about an ill-timed squeak blowing your hunt. Also, Summit’s Dead Metal Sound Deadening Technology fills parts of the stand with increasing foam. We examined that tech by tapping our steel marriage ceremony bands in opposition to the stand and had been impressed with the boring, muted sound moderately than a high-pitched “ting.” 

The Dual Axis’ enamel bit the tree higher than any of the stands we examined, and it was probably the most secure. In the stand, we didn’t discover any motion. It bit the tree so effectively that after we eliminated the straps, it stayed related to the tree, and we needed to pull it off. 

The Dual Axis’ seat was our favourite function and one of many important issues that made it considered one of the most effective hang-on tree stands. It isn’t a seat that’s constructed to rock you to sleep. But it does preserve you snug whilst you’re ready for a shot. We particularly appreciated how simply we may transition from sitting to standing. We’ve all sat in stands with seats which might be like cozy recliners, however getting out of them is rather like getting out of your favourite chair—you’ll be able to’t get out with out effort and a groan. That doesn’t work for bowhunting. You want a chair that’s straightforward to face from and places you in a very good posture for seated pictures. That’s what the Dual Axis seat affords. If it’s good to stand for a shot, it’s very straightforward to pop up.

Also if you flip up the seat, it turns into a cushty backrest. The seat locks within the upright place so it gained’t unexpectedly drop on you. To unlock the seat, elevate up and ease it down. It is necessary to say that all of us discovered the seat very snug and thought it was good to go for an all-day sit. An attention-grabbing factor we found throughout testing is that the seat makes for a wonderful knee relaxation for saddle looking, and when you scaled the stand down just a bit, it could make for an ideal saddle platform. 

At 16 kilos, the Dual Axis is just a little heavy for a cling and hunt. But it may fill that position when you’re working light-weight sticks. We assume it shines for presets and as a semi-permanent stand. 

Key Features 

• Weight: 19.5 kilos
• Adjusts to leaning bushes as much as 15 levels
• Platform Dimensions: 24 inches vast and 37 inches deep
• Comfort Score: 5
• Noise Score: 4
• Setup Time: 3 minutes 56 seconds

Why It Made the Cut

The chair on the Millenium is like sitting 20 toes up in among the best tenting chairs.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Giant Platform 
• Easy to hold

Cons

• Some motion to the stand

Product Description 

Millennium is thought for his or her nice seats, so it shouldn’t be shocking that we unanimously picked the M150 Monster as probably the most snug. It’s the kind of stand you’ll be able to nap in and really get high quality sleep. The seat is mesh and has simply the precise give for consolation. It has a slight recline, and the straps act as good armrests. The M150 has a footrest for added consolation. One downside of the seat is that it isn’t the simplest to face up from. Getting up takes effort as a result of your butt sits decrease than your knees within the stand, however that’s additionally why it’s so snug. 

If you want numerous area, that is your stand. Its large platform lets you go away the seat down and nonetheless have loads of standing room. The giant platform isn’t nearly consolation. The further actual property made it straightforward to shoot almost 360 levels within the stand with a bow as a result of you’ll be able to stand away from the tree for pictures behind the stand. The draw back of the lengthy platform is that it has extra bounce than a shorter stand. From the bottom, the motion was apparent, nevertheless it’s barely noticeable if you’re within the stand. 

To cling the stand, you first strap the receiver to the tree after which slide the stand onto the receiver. The receiver is a genius methodology for hanging a big stand, and it eliminates the necessity to maintain an almost 20-pound stand with one arm whilst you safe the strap with the opposite. Instead, you simply drop it into the receiver and end securing the stand. 

This is the last word stand for consolation, and it’s additionally an ideal stand for introducing new hunters to treestands due to its giant platform. 

Key Features 

• Weight: 12 kilos
• Platform leveling adjustment 
• Platform Dimensions: 24 inches vast and 30 inches deep
• Comfort Score: 3.5
• Noise Score: 3
• Setup Time: 3 minutes 

Why It Made the Cut

At half the value of ultralight hang-on stands, the Hawk Helium Pro is a good worth for its weight. 

Pros

• Easy to stage
• Fast to hold 

Cons

• Needs upgraded backpack straps

Product Description 

The Hawk Helium Pro is a 12-pound stand and a very good choice for cellular looking with just a few modifications. First, we’d take away the adjustable footrest as a result of we discovered the seat can get caught in it throughout setup, and it’ll reduce some weight. We’d additionally counsel upgrading the backpack straps—they’re fairly Spartan. You can purchase padded aftermarket straps for below $50 from a number of suppliers.

The Helium was quick to hold, though just a little noisy, and solely makes use of one cam-buckle strap to hook up with the tree. The strap connects to the stand with plastic-coated steel hooks, which assist reduce noise. We discovered the platform and seat leveler very straightforward to make use of and took simply seconds to regulate. We had some issue getting the Helium Pro tight to the tree as a result of it wouldn’t chunk the tree effectively and cam-locking didn’t assist a lot both. That’s seemingly why we observed extra motion whereas standing and taking pictures from the helium than different stands. It does have a pleasant roomy platform with good grip. 

The seat cushion is thick and comfy for half-day hunts, however it’s foam so that you in all probability don’t wish to go away it out for a complete season. 

Key Features

• Weight: 26 kilos
• Platform Dimensions: 25 inches vast and 36 inches deep 
• Packability: 3
• Comfort: 4
• Noise: 3.5
• Set up and climbing time: 8 minutes

Why It Made the Cut

The Summit Viper Level Pro SD is a refined climber that’s silent on the ascent and comfy whilst you hunt.

Pros

• Quiet
• Easy to stage the stand 
• Stable
• Comfortable

Cons

• Poor maneuverability whereas packing
• Pricey

Product Description

There’s rather a lot to love in regards to the Summit Level Viper Pro SD, however one space it struggles in is packing. During the packing take a look at, we discovered the straps snug whereas standing nonetheless, however as quickly as we began strolling the elastic within the straps amplified any stand motion, and you’ll really feel the stand bounce as you stroll. Another challenge was the dimensions of the stand. It doesn’t collapse flat and stands proud considerably, which is one thing you’ve to pay attention to as you navigate the woods. The good half is that the stand was quiet whereas strolling, and the seat acted as a lumbar pad for further consolation. 

Climbing with the Level Viper Pro SD was straightforward, thanks to some good options. The cables alter to the precise size simply and quietly. Instead of straps to your toes, the Summit makes use of plastic stirrups which provide you with a stable grip on the stand. And the enamel chunk exceptionally effectively into the tree, making for a secure climb. The climbing time on the Level Viper Pro SD was pretty sluggish at 3 minutes as a result of we had a tough time disengaging every stand part from the tree as we climbed, which resulted from the enamel biting the tree so effectively. After the climbing take a look at although we discovered a method for overcoming that challenge. Instead of lifting straight as much as transfer the platform, pull straight out to disengage the enamel, then pull up. 

Once at looking top, the Summit gained us over. “You can’t get any better for rock solid stability,” Billy mentioned. The stand felt prefer it was a part of the tree and it was very snug to face and shoot from. You will run into interference points from the bar when you’re utilizing a recurve or longbow. The stand’s seat is roomy and comfy, however we predict the arm rests are too excessive to be usable. Another good function of the stand are the levelers on each stand items that will let you flip a dial to micro alter the extent.

Key Features

• Weight: 21 kilos
• Platform Dimensions: 18 inches vast and 32 inches lengthy 
• Packability: 4
• Comfort: 4
• Noise: 2.5
• Set up and climbing time: 11 minutes, 9 seconds

Why It Made the Cut

The Ol’ Man Alumalite was simpler to maneuver with by means of thick brush and canopy than the Summit, because of its weight distribution and slim profile.

Pros

• Packs nice
• Super snug seat
• Feels lighter than its precise weight

Cons

Product Description

If your hunt begins with a one mile hike, then the Ol’ Man Alumalite CTS is the most effective climbing tree stand for you. We had been impressed with how effectively this stand packed. It folds down flat and has a slender profile, so it gained’t be wider than most hunter’s shoulders. And as a result of the stand sits near your physique it feels lighter and maneuvers effectively. You can enhance the packability by including padded straps and a further bungee to safe the cables. 

While we beloved carrying the stand, getting it on the tree and able to climb wasn’t a stroll within the park. There’s just a few design flaws that decelerate the method and make it rather a lot noisier. One of the primary ones is that the cables slide right into a tube and are secured with a pin. Matching the outlet within the stand to the outlet within the cable takes just a little trial and error. But when you get all of it adjusted, it climbs rapidly. In truth it was twice as quick because the Summit for climbing. 

At looking top, we appreciated the stand’s seat and regarded it to be loads snug for an all-day sit. But, the handrails tighten down if you sit, so it may not be snug for a bigger hunter. Also, in case you have something in your belt like a knife or fanny pack, it can get caught within the handrails if you stand. 

Key Features

• Height: 20 Feet
• Weight: 82 Pounds
• Platform Size: 23.5 inches vast X 30 inches deep
• Assembly Time: 2 hours 

Why It Made the Cut

This ladder stand assembles simply and is secure and comfy to hunt from. 

Pros

• Fast meeting
• Comfortable 

Cons

Product Description 

All of us within the take a look at group are cellular hunters, however we by no means go up a possibility to hunt from a ladder stand. The good seats and simple climb make them a luxurious. But, we’ve additionally all climbed rickety ladder stands with steel seats and no padding. The Hawk Bighorn is certainly not rickety or uncomfortable, and after testing, we predict it’s among the best choices in ladder stands. 

We began the take a look at by laying out all of the items and constructing the stand. Putting collectively any ladder stand is a venture, and the most effective tree stands go collectively simply. We discovered the instructions to be OK. The stand items usually are not labeled so that you’ll have to check the images rigorously as you undergo every step. Another space of confusion is that a number of the bolts are very related with only a ¼ inch distinction in size, so you’ll want to set up them earlier than you begin tightening bolts. Our complete time of meeting was two hours and that included just a few errors that wanted to be undone and stuck. We advocate driving the stand as shut as you’ll be able to to its last location after which assembling the stand. Building it in a single location, after which carrying it in items is feasible however more durable than constructing it on the web site. Also, one individual can arrange the stand, however two folks make the job a lot simpler.  

We discovered the stand to be stable as soon as on the tree and really snug. Hawk has some good options like two accent hooks for hanging rattling antlers, a bowhunting backpack, or further layers. We determined to go away off the arm rests and gun relaxation as a result of we positioned the stand on a bowhunting-only property, however they’re an ideal options for gun hunters. Another function we appreciated was the vast ladder steps which had been very straightforward to climb.

Key Features 

• Weight: 14 kilos
• Platform leveling adjustment 
• Platform Dimensions: 19 ½ inches vast and 30 inches deep
• Comfort Score: 3
• Noise Score: 5
• Setup Time: 2 minutes 30 seconds

Why It Made the Cut

The Lone Wolf Alpha II is a good stand for cellular hunters as a result of it’s straightforward to pack and cling. 

Pros

• Fast to hold
• Silent
• Easy to pack

Cons

• For finest outcomes, have to be used with Lone Wolf Sticks
• Seat is uncomfortable for lengthy sits 
• Heavy for a cellular stand

Product Description 

The Lone Wolf Alpha II has been discontinued, however yow will discover them used and it’s nonetheless among the best tree stands for cling and hunts. I’ve used the Alpha for that goal for the final 5 years and our take a look at mannequin was my private stand. The Alpha is supposed for use as a system with Lone Wolf’s climbing sticks. Stack the sticks on the stand, strap them down with the stand’s straps, stroll in so far as you need, and throw up the stand in a matter of minutes. 

In our take a look at, it was the quickest stand to hold and the quietest. The ease of hanging comes from the Versa Button design. To connect it to the tree, you loop the straps over the button, pull the straps tight, and cam the stand. It additionally has a leveling system that brings the platform stage on leaning bushes and a seat leveler. Once within the tree, we discovered the Alpha to be very secure. It additionally has a bow holder reduce into the platform that works effectively with parallel limb bows. 

While it’s quick to hold, you’ll wish to improve the backpack straps. We additionally discovered the inventory seat uncomfortable and assume the Lone Wolf is finest for half-day hunts. But, the seat is the precise top to offer you a very good seated taking pictures posture. 

How to Choose a Tree Stand

The first and most necessary step in selecting a stand is deciding between a hang-on, climbing, or ladder tree stand. Here are some elements to contemplate when selecting the kind of tree stand that’s best for you.

Hang-On Tree Stands

The important benefit of a hang-on is their versatility. They can be utilized in nearly any tree and are simply moved if it’s good to alter stand location. You may also pack them in, cling them, and take them down every time you hunt. That’s necessary for public land hunters and personal land hunters that solely wish to purchase one stand. Unlike climbers and ladder stands, a cling on wants climbing sticks or steps along with the stand. So you’ve added price and complexity to the system. 

Climbing Tree Stands 

A climbing stand is each your looking platform and climbing help. These self-sufficient methods are perfect for public land hunters. They do have two important drawbacks: they’re heavy and may solely climb straight, limbless bushes. 

Ladder Stands

You can’t beat the comfort of a ladder stand. They’re the simplest to climb and really snug to hunt from, which is why they’re nice for placing in a honey gap and for introducing new hunters to the game. The draw back to ladder stands is that they aren’t straightforward to maneuver and are a chore to assemble. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Tree stands preserve hunters hidden whereas ready for a shot alternative. But, the most effective tree stands are quiet, snug, and simple to make use of. Each of the stands we examined fulfill the necessities to be thought-about one the most effective.