Greatest Tree Stands of 2022

We’ve come a good distance from plywood and 2X4 tree stands that creaked like outdated wooden flooring and began to rot after a number of seasons within the components.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

There are loads of choices, too. From progressive small producers to massive established corporations, there’s by no means been extra manufacturers making higher tree stands than there are right now. So, that will help you discover the very best tree stand to your searching fashion, a crew of three testers spent a weekend evaluating seven of the very best tree stands and placing them via a collection of exams. 

How We Examined Tree Stands

We examined tree stands over two days in northern Virginia, utilizing hardwood timber 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 a 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, velocity, noise, consolation, stability, and taking pictures. We examined the ladder stand on how simple it was to assemble, consolation, and stability. Right here’s the total breakdown of the take a look at crew and our protocols and scoring system. 

The Take a look at Staff

Billy Philips: Is an city bowhunter who has the chance to hunt 12 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: Outside Life‘s gear editor and skilled cellular hunter. 

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

Packability 

To check how nicely a stand carried via the woods, we arrange every stand in its pack configuration. Then, a tester carried the stand down a path. The 2 testers who weren’t carrying stands stood alongside the path, listening for any noise. We additionally carried the stands via thick woods to see if any a part of the stand caught on brush. Every tester gave a rating for packability from one to 5, with 5 being the very best. The packability rating was decided by a stand’s carrying consolation, maneuverability, and perceived noise. 

Pace

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 ft (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 once they have been standing on the platform. You’ll see these instances in the important thing options part for every stand. 

Noise

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

Consolation, Stability, and Capturing  

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 in addition 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 Choice

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

Key Options

• Weight: 16 kilos
• Tree Diameter: 8 to twenty inches
• Makes use of two ratchet straps  
• Consolation Rating: 5
• Noise Rating: 4.5
• Setup Time: 3 minutes 56 seconds

Why It Made the Minimize

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

Professionals

• Bites the tree exceptionally nicely
• Straightforward to go from seated to standing
• Silent as soon as connected 

Cons

• Not splendid for cellular searching 

Product Description 

We have been impressed with your complete subject of tree stands, however the one which stood out as being the very best tree stand of the bunch was the Summit Twin Axis. 

We discovered the stand simple 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 a couple sensible options. Every connection level has Teflon washers, so that you’ll by no means have to fret about an ill-timed squeak blowing your hunt. Additionally, Summit’s Useless Metallic Sound Deadening Know-how fills parts of the stand with increasing foam. We examined that tech by tapping our steel wedding ceremony bands towards the stand and have been impressed with the uninteresting, muted sound moderately than a high-pitched “ting.” 

The Twin Axis’ enamel bit the tree higher than any of the stands we examined, and it was probably the most secure. Within the stand, we didn’t discover any motion. It bit the tree so nicely that once we eliminated the straps, it stayed linked to the tree, and we needed to pull it off. 

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

Additionally whenever you flip up the seat, it turns into a snug backrest. The seat locks within the upright place so it received’t unexpectedly drop on you. To unlock the seat, carry up and ease it down. It is very important point out that all of us discovered the seat very snug and thought it was good to go for an all-day sit. An fascinating factor we found throughout testing is that the seat makes for a superb knee relaxation for saddle searching, and when you scaled the stand down just a bit, it will make for an awesome saddle platform. 

At 16 kilos, the Twin Axis is a bit heavy for a cling and hunt. Nevertheless it might fill that position when you’re operating light-weight sticks. We expect it shines for presets and as a semi-permanent stand. 

Key Options 

• Weight: 19.5 kilos
• Adjusts to leaning timber as much as 15 levels
• Platform Dimensions: 24 inches extensive and 37 inches deep
• Consolation Rating: 5
• Noise Rating: 4
• Setup Time: 3 minutes 56 seconds

Why It Made the Minimize

The chair on the Millenium is like sitting 20 ft up in top-of-the-line tenting chairs.

Professionals

• Snug
• Big Platform 
• Straightforward to hold

Cons

• Some motion to the stand

Product Description 

Millennium is thought for his or her nice seats, so it shouldn’t be stunning that we unanimously picked the M150 Monster as probably the most snug. It’s the kind of stand you may nap in and really get high quality sleep. The seat is mesh and has simply the correct give for consolation. It has a slight recline, and the straps act as good armrests. The M150 has a footrest for added consolation. One disadvantage 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 happen to like numerous area, that is your stand. Its big platform lets you depart the seat down and nonetheless have loads of standing room. The massive platform isn’t nearly consolation. The additional actual property made it simple to shoot almost 360 levels within the stand with a bow as a result of you may 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, however it’s barely noticeable whenever you’re within the stand. 

To hold 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 a virtually 20-pound stand with one arm whilst you safe the strap with the opposite. As a substitute, you simply drop it into the receiver and end securing the stand. 

That is the last word stand for consolation, and it’s additionally an awesome stand for introducing new hunters to treestands due to its massive platform. 

Key Options 

• Weight: 12 kilos
• Platform leveling adjustment 
• Platform Dimensions: 24 inches extensive and 30 inches deep
• Consolation Rating: 3.5
• Noise Rating: 3
• Setup Time: 3 minutes 

Why It Made the Minimize

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

Professionals

• Straightforward to degree
• Quick to hold 

Cons

• Wants upgraded backpack straps

Product Description 

The Hawk Helium Professional is a 12-pound stand and choice for cellular searching with a number of 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 lower some weight. We’d additionally counsel upgrading the backpack straps—they’re fairly Spartan. You should buy padded aftermarket straps for underneath $50 from a number of suppliers.

The Helium was quick to hold, though a bit noisy, and solely makes use of one cam-buckle strap to connect with the tree. The strap connects to the stand with plastic-coated steel hooks, which assist lower noise. We discovered the platform and seat leveler very simple to make use of and took simply seconds to regulate. We had some problem getting the Helium Professional tight to the tree as a result of it wouldn’t chew the tree nicely and cam-locking didn’t assist a lot both. That’s possible 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 cozy for half-day hunts, however it’s foam so that you in all probability don’t need to depart it out for a complete season. 

Key Options

• Weight: 26 kilos
• Platform Dimensions: 25 inches extensive and 36 inches deep 
• Packability: 3
• Consolation: 4
• Noise: 3.5
• Arrange and climbing time: 8 minutes

Why It Made the Minimize

The Summit Viper Stage Professional SD is a refined climber that’s silent on the ascent and cozy whilst you hunt.

Professionals

• Quiet
• Straightforward to degree the stand 
• Steady
• Snug

Cons

• Poor maneuverability whereas packing
• Expensive

Product Description

There’s lots to love concerning the Summit Stage Viper Professional SD, however one space it struggles in is packing. Through 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. One other subject was the dimensions of the stand. It doesn’t collapse flat and stands proud considerably, which is one thing you’ve gotten to pay attention to as you navigate the woods. The nice half is that the stand was quiet whereas strolling, and the seat acted as a lumbar pad for further consolation. 

Climbing with the Stage Viper Professional SD was simple, thanks to a couple sensible options. The cables alter to the correct size simply and quietly. As a substitute of straps to your ft, the Summit makes use of plastic stirrups which offer you a stable grip on the stand. And the enamel chew exceptionally nicely into the tree, making for a secure climb. The climbing time on the Stage Viper Professional 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 nicely. After the climbing take a look at although we discovered a way for overcoming that subject. As a substitute of lifting straight as much as transfer the platform, pull straight out to disengage the enamel, then pull up. 

As soon as at searching peak, the Summit received us over. “You’ll be able to’t get any higher for rock stable stability,” Billy stated. The stand felt prefer it was a part of the tree and it was very snug to face and shoot from. You’ll run into interference points from the bar when you’re utilizing a recurve or longbow. The stand’s seat is roomy and cozy, however we expect the arm rests are too excessive to be usable. One other good function of the stand are the levelers on each stand items that mean you can flip a dial to micro alter the extent.

Key Options

• Weight: 21 kilos
• Platform Dimensions: 18 inches extensive and 32 inches lengthy 
• Packability: 4
• Consolation: 4
• Noise: 2.5
• Arrange and climbing time: 11 minutes, 9 seconds

Why It Made the Minimize

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

Professionals

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

Cons

Product Description

In case your hunt begins with a one mile hike, then the Ol’ Man Alumalite CTS is the very best climbing tree stand for you. We have been impressed with how nicely this stand packed. It folds down flat and has a slender profile, so it received’t be wider than most hunter’s shoulders. And since the stand sits near your physique it feels lighter and maneuvers nicely. You’ll be able to enhance the packability by including padded straps and an extra bungee to safe the cables. 

Whereas we liked carrying the stand, getting it on the tree and able to climb wasn’t a stroll within the park. There’s a number of design flaws that decelerate the method and make it lots noisier. One of many essential 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 a bit trial and error. However when you get all of it adjusted, it climbs rapidly. Actually it was twice as quick because the Summit for climbing. 

At searching peak, we preferred the stand’s seat and thought of it to be loads snug for an all-day sit. However, the handrails tighten down whenever you sit, so it won’t be snug for a bigger hunter. Additionally, in case you have something in your belt like a knife or fanny pack, it can get caught within the handrails whenever you stand. 

Key Options

• Top: 20 Ft
• Weight: 82 Kilos
• Platform Measurement: 23.5 inches extensive X 30 inches deep
• Meeting Time: 2 hours 

Why It Made the Minimize

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

Professionals

• Quick meeting
• Snug 

Cons

Product Description 

All of us within the take a look at group are cellular hunters, however we by no means cross up a chance to hunt from a ladder stand. The great seats and simple climb make them a luxurious. However, we’ve additionally all climbed rickety ladder stands with steel seats and no padding. The Hawk Bighorn is unquestionably not rickety or uncomfortable, and after testing, we expect it’s top-of-the-line choices in ladder stands. 

We began the take a look at by laying out all of the items and constructing the stand. Placing collectively any ladder stand is a mission, and the very best 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 fastidiously as you undergo every step. One other space of confusion is that a few of the bolts are very related with only a ¼ inch distinction in size, so you should definitely manage them earlier than you begin tightening bolts. Our complete time of meeting was two hours and that included a number of errors that wanted to be undone and stuck. We advocate driving the stand as shut as you may to its closing location after which assembling the stand. Constructing it in a single location, after which carrying it in items is feasible however tougher than constructing it on the website. Additionally, one individual can arrange the stand, however two individuals 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 depart off the arm rests and gun relaxation as a result of we positioned the stand on a bowhunting-only property, however they’re an awesome options for gun hunters. One other function we preferred was the extensive ladder steps which have been very simple to climb.

Key Options 

• Weight: 14 kilos
• Platform leveling adjustment 
• Platform Dimensions: 19 ½ inches extensive and 30 inches deep
• Consolation Rating: 3
• Noise Rating: 5
• Setup Time: 2 minutes 30 seconds

Why It Made the Minimize

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

Professionals

• Quick to hold
• Silent
• Straightforward to pack

Cons

• For greatest outcomes, should 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 you will discover them used and it’s nonetheless top-of-the-line tree stands for cling and hunts. I’ve used the Alpha for that function 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 benefit 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 degree on leaning timber and a seat leveler. As soon as within the tree, we discovered the Alpha to be very secure. It additionally has a bow holder lower into the platform that works nicely with parallel limb bows. 

Whereas it’s quick to hold, you’ll need to improve the backpack straps. We additionally discovered the inventory seat uncomfortable and suppose the Lone Wolf is greatest for half-day hunts. However, the seat is the correct peak to offer you seated taking pictures posture. 

How you can Select a Tree Stand

The primary and most essential step in selecting a stand is deciding between a hang-on, climbing, or ladder tree stand. Listed below are some components to contemplate when selecting the kind of tree stand that’s best for you.

Cling-On Tree Stands

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

Climbing Tree Stands 

A climbing stand is each your searching platform and climbing help. These self-sufficient techniques are perfect for public land hunters. They do have two essential drawbacks: they’re heavy and might solely climb straight, limbless timber. 

Ladder Stands

You’ll be able to’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 simple to maneuver and are a chore to assemble. 

FAQs

Closing Ideas

Tree stands hold hunters hidden whereas ready for a shot alternative. However, the very best tree stands are quiet, snug, and simple to make use of. Every of the stands we examined fulfill the necessities to be thought of one the very best.