Figuring out which is the best tree stand for your hunt is no easy feat. It just isn’t a product that lends itself to an easy test drive. Tree stands often have a painful price tag and it’s one that isn’t easy to swallow if your stand makes your toes fall asleep mid-hunt.
When it comes to hunting, the right tree stand can make a significant difference in your overall experience and your success in the field. The right tree stand not only enhances your ability to spot game and remain concealed but also provides the comfort and stability needed for extended sits on harsh days.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to upgrade your gear or a beginner seeking your first tree stand, we’re here to help provide some insights to help you make an informed decision on what stand is best for you. From lightweight climbing stands to robust ladder stands, we’ve chosen products based on criteria such as ease of setup, comfort, portability, and budget considerations.
From lightweight hang-on stands to semi-permanent ladder options, we can help you dig through the options and find a stand that will work for you. After perusing our recommendations, be sure to read through our Buyer’s Guide, check out our comparison chart, and clear up any confusion with our FAQ section.
The Best Tree Stands of 2024
- Best Overall Tree Stand: Novix Helo Hunt Ready
- Best Budget Tree Stand: XOP Vanish Revolution
- Best Ultralight Tree Stand: Ingwe Gear Hang-On Tree Stand
- Best Saddle Tree Stand: Tethrd Phantom Elite
- Best Ladder Tree Stand: Muddy Skybox Deluxe
- Best Climber Tree Stand: Summit Dual Threat PRO SD
- Best Compact Combo Tree Stand: Beast Gear Stand and Sticks
Tree Stand Comparison Chart
How We Tested Tree Stands
With a host of experienced writers, contributors, and testers across the country, we are fortunate to have a breadth of knowledge and experience to pull from. From hang-on stands in the palm trees of the Everglades to saddle platforms in the backcountry of Idaho, we’ve stuck a stand in pretty much every location imaginable.
We’ve walked stands into the hardwoods, packed them in and out of the mountains, and napped in them in the mid-day sun. On-season and off-season finds us in any number of locations, putting tree stands up and taking them back down. Hours have been spent sitting in the most comfortable and least comfortable stands.
As we speak, we know of at least 30 tree stands that are currently in trees across the U.S. that are frequented by their GearJunkie owners. There may even be a stand on a light pole at the edge of left field at a Little League baseball field somewhere in central Montana. Some views can’t be beat.
We hunt year-round in countless different environments after countless different species. Our team has the unique ability to test these stands in a variety of settings without the pressure of picking a stand and sticking with it. If we don’t like a stand, we don’t use it. If we love a particular stand, regardless of the cost, we can let you know about it.
If you’re looking to spend some quality time up in a tree stand, make sure you’re suited up properly to stay warm and comfortable. Check out Gearjunkie’s guide to the best base layers for hunting, and keep your hands warm with a good pair of hunting gloves.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our Team
We’re certainly fortunate to test tree stands across countless environments in pretty much any condition. From mountain hunting in the west for elk and deer to beating the Texas heat in an aluminum seat, we see the spread of hunting conditions, the spread of seasonal conditions, and just about every target species you can imagine.
Hunt & Fish Editor Rachelle Schrute spends a lot of time in the woods, as her title implies. She’s hunted mountain mule deer, elk, whitetail, hogs, and even a few exotic species, all from the comfort of a tree stand. From old, rickety stands that her father put up to the newest, latest, and greatest, she’s spent some serious time in stands and has vowed to spend more time up there as the years go on.
Editorial Director Sean McCoy grew up hunting from tree stands and still finds the chance on occasion to scurry his way toward the sky in the pursuit of midwestern whitetails.
It isn’t easy prepping trees, putting up stands of all kinds, and taking them back down. You could almost say it’s a real job. Luckily for us, we actually do this as a real job, and we’re happy to break a sweat hauling in a variety of stands so you don’t have to.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Tree Stand
Finding the best tree stand for you is no easy feat, particularly if you’re inexperienced. The best bit of advice we can offer before you bust out your wallet is to find someone with a tree stand and ask if you can sit it. It’s hard to know what you’re looking for if you’ve never made that climb and taken that seat.
Aside from that, there are some things you should pay attention to when it comes to adding a stand to your pack.
Weight Considerations
Weight is likely one of the biggest considerations when it comes to modern tree stands. Though it might not seem like a lot of weight when you look at the specs, hauling these things in and out of an area can be a struggle. Not to mention, it can be an all-out battle to get on in a tree once you get where you’re going. When it comes to weight, two factors come into play.
Portability: Choose a lightweight stand if you plan to move frequently or cover long distances. This is especially true for climbing and hang-on stands. If that isn’t a concern, you can go all out with a heavy stand carried on the back of… your truck.
Stability vs. Weight: While lighter stands are easier to carry, ensure they do not compromise on stability and safety. Sometimes ultra-light isn’t always best. What you’ll find with lightweight stands is they may have a bit of flex that you might not like the feel of in a tree, particularly when the wind picks up.
Types of Stands
Hang-On (Lock-On) Stands
This style of stand is the most versatile (aside from a saddle) and can be used in various tree types, including those with branches. They do require some kind of climbing aids like ladders or climbing sticks unless you just want to give it a go with your boots (not recommended). The Novix Helo Hunt Ready is our favorite hang-on stand.
Climbing Stands
These are ideal for mobile hunters who need to change locations frequently but want a bit of comfort and a secure feel. They are relatively lightweight stands but require straight, branch-free trees — think of those clean Midwestern hardwoods. Though pricey, the Summit Dual Threat PRO SD is much lighter than a ladder stand and comfortable enough for extended sits.
Ladder Stands
This stand style provides the most stable and comfortable platform, which is great for long hunts and for both older and younger hunters. They are heavier and more challenging to move but offer increased stability and accessibility. The Muddy Skybox Deluxe is a great ladder stand, just remember that it weighs 82 pounds, and that will limit where you can set it up.
Safety Features
Straps and Harnesses
When it comes to hand-on (or lock-on) stands, you will need straps to secure your stand and… secure you. Ensure the stand you’re ordering either comes equipped with dedicated straps. If it doesn’t, you can always order straps separately.
You should always wear a tree stand harness. This is a non-negotiable item when hunting from a tree stand. There is no reason not to wear a harness of some kind. A fall from that king of height, with razor-sharp weapons in your hand, could mean the end of your hunts and the end of your life. I highly recommend the Summit Tree Stand Harness. Your Black Diamond harness from your rock climbing days will absolutely do in a pinch. We don’t recommend you skip out on wearing a tree stand harness, but if you’re without one, please wear some kind of harness.
If you’re serious about spending any length of time hunting from trees, make sure to invest in a proper harness with a tether and a tree strap.
Weight Capacity
Many people overlook the weight capacity of a stand. Every tree stand has one. Make sure to verify the stand’s weight rating to ensure it can safely support your weight plus your gear. Play it safe and give yourself some weight-wiggle room.
If you’re a larger hunter having a hard time finding a stand rated for you, there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe and hunting from a ground blind or even an elevated box blind.
