Best Treestands for Bowhunting: How to Choose the Right Treestand

Updated March 2023

Hunting from a treestand can provide many advantages over hunting from the ground. Hunting from a treestand can significantly enhance your bowhunting experience and increase your success rate. If you normally hunt on the ground or use a ground blind, you have probably considered using a treestand at some point. When looking for the right treestand, there are a few things you will need to consider before making a purchase. This article will discuss:

Benefits of Using a Treestand
Types of Treestands
How to Choose the Right Treestand
Recommended Treestands
Best Treestand Brands
Treestand Safety
Tips for Using a Treestand

Summary List

Benefits & Advantages of Using a Treestand

Increased Visibility – When hunting from a treestand, the elevated position allows for greater visibility and the opportunity to see more game. When hunting on the ground, your visibility is generally limited due to vegetation and surrounding topography. When you are 20 feet up in a tree, you are suddenly able to see much more area.

Mobility & Portability – With a climbing or hang-on treestand, you have increased mobility as these stands are usually lightweight and can be worn as a backpack. This can be a big advantage when hunting public land.

Concealment – When up in a tree, you are out of the general sight of an animal that is walking on the ground. Because of this, you can usually get away with minor movements and are more hidden than when hunting on the ground.

Scent Control – When hunting from a treestand, your scent tends to stay up in the tree foilage, above the animals. Treestands do not entirely hide your scent and thermals still play a factor.

Types of Treestands

Ladder – Ladder stands are generally the most stable and easiest type of treestand to set up. To set up a ladder stand, you simply assemble the segments of the ladder and lean it up against a tree and secure with ratchet straps. A ladder stand gets iits name from the ladder that is used to climb into it. At the top of the ladder, there is a platform where the hunter sits. Ladder stands are best for areas or situations where you can leave them up for an extended period of time, such as private land. Because ladder stands tend to be bulky, carrying them by hand to a hunting location is not easy. Some areas of public land do not allow treestands to be left up overnight so a ladder stand will probably not be suitable. Ladder stands usually let you get to around 10 to 18 feet off of the ground and can be affixed to a wide range of tree diameters.

Climber – Climbing treestands tend to be more portable than other types of treestands because they can be worn like a backpack. Climbers are ideal for public land hunting as they can be set up and removed easily. Unlike a ladder stand, climbers have two pieces that are used to climb up a tree without the use of a ladder.

Hang-On – Hang-on stands, also called fixed position or platform stands, involve a seat and standing platform that are attached to a tree via straps at a desired height. To get into a hang-on stand, you need to attached ladder segments or sticks to the trunk of the tree in order to climb up. Hang-on stands tend to be less bulky than ladder stands. Because of the time involved in setting up a hang-on stand, they are more suitable for areas where they can be left up for an extended period of time.

Tripod – Tripod stands, sometimes referred to as tower or box blinds, are just like they sound. They involve three legs that form a tripod with a platform and seat at the top. Platform stands are great for areas where there are limited trees as they are freestanding and do not rely on a tree for setup. Another benefit of a tripod stand is that you have 360-degree shooting opportunities. A great tripod stand you may want to consider is the Muddy Nomad.

How to Choose the Right Treestand

Type – As covered above, different types of treestands are used for different situations. When looking for a treestand, you need to take into consideration what type of hunting you will be doing and the location you will be hunting. If hunting public land where you will be hiking a long distance, a climber is probably your best option as they are relatively light weight and can be worn on your back. Alternatively, if hunting private land where you can keep a treestand up for an extended period of time, a ladder or hang-on stand might be a better option.

Durability – The durability of a stand is also important. You want to consider the type of material that the treestand is made out of. Most stands today are made out of aluminum which is both light weight and sturdy. Some ladder stands you see are made out of steel but tend to be significantly heavier. If you will be using a treestand in harsh conditions, you may want to spend a little more money on a higher quality treestand.

Comfort – The comfort of a treestand is an important factor that should not be overlooked. You will most likely be sitting in a treestand for multiple hours at a time and in some cases all day. You want a treestand to be comfortable where you can stay out for long periods. The last thing you want is to spend money on treestand that you don’t want to use because it is uncomfortable.

Weight – The weight of a treestand is also something to keep in mind depending on what you will be using it for. For a climbing stand you will be using on public land, you will probably want to go with a light option for carrying long distances. On the other hand, if you will be setting up a ladder stand on private land and can transport it with a vehicle, weight doesn’t matter that much.

Safety – Safety is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a treestand. You want a treestand that you feel safe using and comfortable sitting in for long durations. You should always wear a safety harness when using a treestand. If you are a heavier person, you will want to check the weight capacity of a treestand prior to use.

Cost – As with any purchase, cost is usually a major factor. In most cases, treestands range anywhere from as low as $100 up to around $400. More of your name-brand treestands tend to be in the higher price range where some of your lesser-known brands tend to be lower in cost.

10 Recommended Treestands

Muddy Skybox Deluxe Ladder – The Muddy Skybox Deluxe ladder stand is a great all around treestand that is designed for just about any situation. The Skybox Deluxe features a solid construction for increased stability and longevity. You can’t go wrong with any Muddy product because of their quality and attention to detail. The Skybox Deluxe ladder stand can be adjusted for different users and has limited metal-to-metal contact for complete quietness.

Features:

Durable steel construction.
Flip-back footrest.
Double rail ladder.
Deep foot platform for a wide stance.
Flip-back seat with padded arm rests for all-day comfort.
Safety harness included.

Specifications

Height: 20 feet
Weight: 82 pounds
Weight Rating: 350 pounds
Foot Platform: 25 X 19 inches

Click here to view this treestand on Amazon

Summit Goliath SD Climber – The Summit Goliath SD Climbing treestand is an extra-large stand that provides more room and greater maneuverability. This ultra-comfortable climber has a suspended foam-padded seat with a backrest. The closed front design creates a secure feeling when sitting in this stand. The Goliath SD climber is a lightweight and quality stand from Summit that is made for just about anything.

Features:

Lightweight aluminum construction.
Flexible cable tree attachments.
Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camouflage.
Safety harness included.

Specifications:

Weight: 25 pounds
Weight Rating: 350 pounds
Foot Platform: 30.75 X 21 inches

Click here to view this treestand on Amazon

Hawk Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On – The Hawk Helium Kickback LVL stand is a great option for those looking for a quality hang-on treestand. What makes this stand a great choice is the lightweight aluminum construction combined with a comfortable mesh lounger seat. This mesh comfort seat makes sitting in the Hawk Helium all day an easy task. This stand is very spacious and is designed for comfort. Hawk made this stand with lubricated Dupont Teflon bushings and washers for a noise-free design.

Features:

XL MeshComfort lounger seat.
Tree digger teeth that bite into bark for increased stability.
Quiet no-squeak design.
Tough, long lasting construction with textured powder-coating.

Specifications:

Weight: 17 pounds
Weight Rating: 300 pounds
Foot Platform: 30 X 24 inches

Click here to view this treestand on Amazon

Lone Wolf Wide Flip-Top Climber – The Lone Wolf Wide Flip-Top Climber is the ultimate climbing treestand that features a wider stance that makes climbing a tree even easier. The padded seat is mounted higher than other treestands and is meant to be flipped up and out of the way for a quick shot. This minimalist-designed stand is quick, easy to set up and is extremely comfortable.

Features:

Contoured foam seat pad.
Fits trees 9 to 19 inches in diameter.
Cast aluminum construction.
Backpack straps for easy transportation.

Specifications:

Weight: 21 pounds
Weight Rating: 350 pounds
Foot Platform: 30 X 19.5 inches

Click here to view this treestand on Amazon

X-Stand The Duke Ladder – X-Stand’s The Duke ladder stand is a durable single-person ladder stand that is designed with safety in mind. X-Stand’s featured Safety System provides ease in know that your stand is safe and secure before you leave the ground. The mesh seat on this treestand allows for maxium comfort for extended periods of time. The Duke features self-lubricating nylon washers that eliminate metal on metal contact for a quiet design. This stand is powder coated with X-Stand’s Weather Defender technology to protect against the elements and eliminate sound.

Features:

Strong steel construction.
Comfort-Flex seat cushion.
Safety harness included.

Specifications:

Height: 20 feet
Weight: 79 pounds
Weight Rating: 300 pounds
Foot Platform: 26 X 18 inches

Click here to view this treestand on Amazon

Big Game Spector XT 2-Person Ladder – The Big Game Spector XT is a 2-person ladder stand that is a great option for you and your hunting partner, or if you want extra space for just yourself. This treestand comes fully-loaded with padded flip-back seats and an extra deep and extra wide foot platform. This durable and spacious stand is as comfortable as it gets.

Features:

Extra-large platform and seat design.
Flip-back safety rail.
9 inch minimum tree diameter for installation.
2 safety harnesses included.

Specifications:

Height: 17 feet
Weight: 85 pounds
Weight Rating: 500 pounds
Foot Platform: 44 X 29 inches

Click here to view this treestand on Amazon

API Outdoors Alumi-Tech Bowhunter Climber – API’s Alumi-Tech Climber is made specifically with the bowhunter in mind. What makes this climber different than others is the open-front design for easy shooting with a bow. The all-aluminum construction of this treestand makes it durable and lightweight at the same time. The stand also has backpack straps for easy transport in and out of the field.

Features:

Unrestricted, wide-open shooting windows.
Lightweight design for enhanced performance.
Foldable footrest for added comfort.
Tractions ridges for increased stability.
Safety harness included.

Specifications:

Weight: 23 pounds
Weight Rating: 300 pounds
Foot Platform: 28 X 20 inches

Click here to view this treestand at Cabelas.

Lone Wolf Assault II Hang-On – Lone Wolf’s Assault II hang-on stand is one of the leanest and lightweight hang-on treestands on the market. This treestand is designed to be set up in just about any tree and is perfect for mobile hunters who want a light setup meant to be squeezed into tight places. Made from cast aluminum, this a durable and quality stand for any extreme situation. The Assualt II also has backpack straps for easy transportation.

Features:

Lightweight and spacious design.
Minimalist design for setup in hard to reach places.
Fits trees 4 to 22 inches in diameter.
In-cast bow holder.

Specifications:

Weight: 11 pounds
Weight Rating: 350 pounds
Foot Platform: 26 X 19.5 inches

Click here to view this treestand on Amazon

Muddy The Boss Hang-On – Muddy’s Boss Hang-on stand is a durable all around quality hang-on stand for just about any situation. The platform seat on this stand flips back for full platform use and has limited metal on metal contact for complete quietness. The comfortable mesh seat makes all day sits a breeze.

Features:

Comfortable mesh seat.
Wide stance platform.
Durable steel construction.
Designed for comfort and stability.

Specifications:

Weight: 17 pounds
Weight Rating: 300 pounds
Foot Platform: 30 X 24 inches

Click here to view this treestand on Amazon

Summit Viper SD Climber – Summit’s Viper SD climber is one of Summit’s best-selling treestands that offers versatility, comfort and functionality. This treestand’s lightweight design is sturdy and reliable for many years of use. The suspended foam seat offers extra comfort for all-day use. Overall, the Viper SD climber is a quality stand that is meant to last.

Features:

Lightweight and quiet design.
Closed front for added stability.
Safety harness included.

Specifications:

Weight: 20 pounds
Weight Rating: 300 pounds
Foot Platform: 36 X 20 inches

Click here to view this treestand on Amazon

Best Treestand Brands

Summit – Summit makes some of the most silent, secure and concealed treestands on the market and are best-known for their comfortable climbing stands. Summit treestands are made to be sat in all day with total comfort due to their lounge-style seats. Summit also makes hang-on stands as well.

Lone Wolf – Lone Wolf has been around for more than two decades and are most known for their portable, minimalist, and light weight treestands. Lone Wolf stands are meant to be easily carried for long distances with minimal effort. Lone Wolf makes some of the highest quality climbing and hang-on treestands on the market. Lone Wolf stands tend to run on the more expensive side but are definitely worth it in terms of quality.

Muddy – Muddy makes all different types of treestands that are both quality and easy to use. Muddy makes a variety of products including safety harnesses and camera accessories. As with all Muddy products, you can expect the best.

Guide Gear – Guide Gear is most known for their affordable and functional treestands. Guide Gear stands are designed to get the job done while on a budget. Guide Gear stands are a solid option for most situations and are great for beginner bowhunters.

Big Game – Big Game has made a name for themselves in the treestand industry due to their innovative and advanced ladder and climbing treestands. Big Game treestands are all around quality treestands that are an excellent option for just about any situation.

Treestand Safety

Safety Harness – A safety harness is the most important aspect of treestand safety. Safety harnesses have prevented countless hunters from treestand falling injuries. A safety harness is designed to stop a hunter from falling out of their treestand. A safety harness should be worn at all times when using a treestand. Below are a few popular harnesses you may want to consider:

Hunter Safety System X-1 Harness

Muddy Magnum Pro Harness

Summit Pro Harness

Height – On average, a treestand will allow you to hunt from 10 to 20 off of the ground. Some treestand hunters even go as high as 30 feet in a tree. In general, ladder stands are the safest type of treestand as they provide the most stability and are easy to setup. Ladder stands typically range from 10 to 18 feet in height, whereas a climber or hang-on treestand can be placed higher.

TMA Certification – Treestand Manufacturer’s Association is an organization that is committed to improving treestand safety through education and relationships with treestand brands. TMA certifies treestands that provide the highest level of safety. When looking for a treestand, you should always go with one that has TMA certification. On TMA’s website, you can search treestand models by brand to see if they are certified by TMA.

Inspect Your Treestand – You should make it a habit to inspect your treestand before each use. Prior to the start of the hunting season, it is best practice to look over your treestand to make sure all bolts and screw are snug and there are no cracks in the frame. When setting up your treestand, pay attention to anything that looks damaged or weak.

Inform Others – In general, it is always a good idea to let others know where you will be hunting and is even more important when hunting out of a treestand. Let others know the general location where you are hunting so they can assist if an accident were to happen.

For more information on treestand safety, Lancaster Archery has this informative video:

Tips for Using a Treestand

Choosing the Right Tree – Choosing the right tree to hang your treestand is just as important as choosing the right treestand. First, you want to make sure the diameter of the tree is the right size. The optimal diameter tree for setting up a treestand is 16”-24”. A tree diameter smaller than this will most likely not be as stable and provides less surface area for your stand to mount to. Also, you never want to set up a treestand in a dead tree. It is rare that you will always find the perfect tree to set up in. I carry a folding saw for removing small branches on the trunks of trees that are in the way. I prefer the Gerber Vital pack saw. Primos also makes a good folding saw that is ideal for treestand use.

Location – When choosing a location to set up a treestand, you want to target areas such as travel corridors, pinch points, food and water sources and bedding areas. Finding a tree in or near these locations will provide the best opportunities. You also want to choose a location that provides optimal shooting lanes. In densely vegetated areas, you may not be able to set up a treestand very high because the thick tree foliage will block your shooting lanes. If setting up a stand for an extended period of time, you may want to use a pole saw or pruner to trim your own shooting lanes from the ground to provide for better shot opportunities.

Practice Shooting from an Elevated Angle – When hunting from a treestand, you will be shooting from an elevated angle. As you will find, this is slightly different than shooting flat on the ground. It is best to practice shooting from an elevated angle prior to hunting from a treestand. Some archery ranges even have elevated platforms you can shoot from. You may also want to consider a rangefinder to help with judging angled distances. View a comprehensive rangefinder buyer’s guide and a list of recommended rangefinders.

Bow Hanger – When hunting from a treestand you will want to make sure your bow is readily accessible. Rather than holding your bow the entire time, you may want to consider a bow hanger. A bow hanger is an arm that screws into the tree where your bow hangs and can be accessed quickly and easily when needed. A bow hanger provides a convenient and safe location to keep your bow when hunting from a treestand.

Bow Rope – Most new treestands come with a bow rope or hoist. If yours doesn’t, you will want to consider a treestand bow rope. A treestand rope assists in safely getting your bow up to you after you have climbed into your treestand.

Treestand Lock – Lastly, if you will be leaving your treestand for an extended period of time on public land, or even private land, you may want to consider a lock. Unfortunately, there are others out there who think it is acceptable to steal. To keep your treestand safe, you may want to consider a treestand lock. Big Game Treestands sells a good treestand lock.

Summary

As covered above, there are a number of different factors to consider when purchasing a treestand. This article was intended to provide guidance and tips on choosing a treestand. The most important factors are the type of treestand for your specific needs and treestand safety. For more articles and buyer’s guides, please check out other articles on Bowhunting Depot!