Figuring out which is the best tree stand for your hunt is no easy feat. It just isnt a product that lends itself to an easy test drive. Tree stands often have a painful price tag and its one that isnt 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 youre a seasoned hunter looking to upgrade your gear or a beginner seeking your first tree stand, were 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, weve 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 Buyers 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 Best Overall Tree Stand Novix Helo Hunt Ready Specs Style Hang On Weight 9 lbs., 15 oz. Platform Dimensions 26.5” L x 16”W x 0.8 H Primary Material Aluminum Climbing Sticks/Ladder Included

　　Pros All-in-one system Budget conscious Lightweight Comfortable Easy to pack Cons Somewhat complicated attachment points Rachelle Schrute The Novix Helo ($580) strikes the perfect balance for a tree stand. The all-in-one system is a true plug-and-play package that is easy to get into a tree and comfortable once you get up there. The seat is amply cushioned, and the platform allows for plenty of space to shift your weight around and choose your shooting lane.

　　With climbing sticks that mount directly to the stand for pack-in and pack-out, even at nearly 10 pounds, its a convenient haul. However, full disclosure: Make sure you check out how the climbing sticks fit into the clips on the stand itself. We spent a good 15 minutes trying to get them reattached the first time. Now that we have the attachment pattern dialed in, its slick.

　　Because of the configuration, it isnt tough to haul two or more of these in at once. Packed in opposite directions on your pack frame, you can easily carry in double.

　　Check Price at Novix Outdoors Best Budget Tree Stand XOP Vanish Revolution Specs Syle Hang on Weight 10 lbs., 8 oz. Platform Dimensions 27 L x 19 W Primary Material Aluminum Climbing Sticks/Ladder Not included

　　Pros Budget friendly Comfortable Large, sturdy platform Cons A bit heavier than other options Does not include climbing sticks Rachelle Schrute The XOP Vanish Revolution ($220) is a budget-conscious stand with almost all the perks of a higher-price-tag tree-hunting setup. Its certainly not ultra-light, but for the price tag, its pretty nimble. The Vanish Revolution also happens to have one of our favorite platforms. The studded, grippy texture and wide front end make for a secure feel in the tree, which isnt something to take for granted.

　　The seat of the Vanish Revolution is also one of our favorites. It likely helps up the weight factor, but the trade-off for the added comfort is totally worth it. There is a mountain of cushion on this stand, which really makes a difference when the sitting gets long.

　　One thing to note about this wallet-friendly option is that it does not include climbing sticks. That being said, you can pick up a set of X2 climbing sticks from XOP for under $100, meaning this setup is still far more budget-friendly than most.

　　Check Price at Scheels Best Ultralight Tree Stand Ingwe Gear Hang-On Tree Stand Specs Style Hang on Weight 5 lbs. Platform Dimensions 24 L x 15 W Primary Material Aluminum Climbing Sticks/Ladder Not included

　　Pros Ultra lightweight Easy to pack in and out Quick, easy mounting Minimalist Cons A bit expensive Climbing sticks not included Rachelle Schrute As far as we know, the Ingwe Gear Tree Stand ($575) is about the lightest tree stand you can get your hands on. Without the added heft to your pack, this stand goes up smoothly, feels secure, and is shockingly comfortable for being so minimalist.

　　The seat isnt as bulky and padded as some of the other stands on the list, but its still very comfortable for what it is.

　　A detail we really appreciate is the hook (pictured at the top of the image above). Because this stand is so lightweight, you can just attach it to a belt look and walk in.

　　Now, this might be a lightweight tree stand, but that weight doesnt include climbing sticks, so keep that in consideration. You will need to pick up a set of climbers to get yourself in the tree.

　　That all being said, for really long, difficult pack-ins to unruly areas, the weight savings is well worth it.

　　Check Price at Ingwe Gear Best Saddle Tree Stand TETHRD Phantom Elite Specs Style Saddle Weight 1 lb., 8 oz. Platform Dimensions N/A Primary Material Synthetic fabric Climbing Ladder/Sticks Not included

　　Pros Lightweight and easy to hike in Tons of storage Easily move locations Comfortable for long sits Cons Expensive for whats included No platform or climbing sticks included Rachelle Schrute Alright, this isnt truly a tree stand, but saddle hunting from a platform feels like it qualifies. The TETHRD Phantom Elite ($340) is anything but minimalist and is shockingly comfortable. With plenty of storage options, you dont have to worry about skimping on what snacks you bring with you to the tree. Any tree stand hunter knows that snacks are what actually make or break a hunt.

　　Technically, you dont have to have a platform to saddle hunt, but when it comes to really sweet honey spots, theres no reason not to put up a bit of a base to help you hang out longer. The Predator Platform is a solid, lightweight choice for rounding out the setup.

　　Check Price at Tethrd Best Ladder Tree Stand Muddy Skybox Deluxe Specs Style Ladder Weight 82 lbs. Platform Dimensions 19” W x 25” L Primary Material Steel Climbing Ladder/Sticks Included

　　Pros Very budget friendly Comfortable and secure Easy climbing ladder Flip-down rail Cons Heavy Cant be packed into hard-to-reach areas Rachelle Schrute Now we get to the big boys. Ladder stands are notoriously heavy, and the Muddy Skybox Deluxe ($280) is no exception. At 82 pounds of steel, this stand is prime for flat ground and UTV life. While the downside is so much weight, the upside is comfort and accessibility. Ladder stands are easier to get into than a traditional tree stand and climbing sticks.

　　The Muddy Skybox would make an epic semi-permanent stand for those with a spot that begs for hunting year after year. For those with some mobility limitations, kids, or just those hunters who are more comfortable hunting from a secure stand with a flip-down rail, this is such a low-cost option with high-caliber features.

　　Not to mention, its comfortable in ways traditional stands just cant touch.

　　$270 at Amazon Best Climber Tree Stand Summit Dual Threat PRO SD Specs Style Climber Weight 22 lbs. Platform Dimensions 20 W x 36 L Primary Material Steel Climbing Ladder/Sticks Built in

　　Pros All-in-one climber system More comfortable than most hang-on stands Adjustable front bar to accommodate rifle and bowhunters Cons Heavy More involved tree prep Rachelle Schrute The ultimate all-in-one package has to be the Summit Dual Threat PRO SD climbing stand ($450). Its not nearly as heavy as a ladder stand but double or more what youd find with a traditional stand and sticks; a climber that really stands on its own.

　　Best suited for non-brushy hardwoods, climber stands are growing in popularity in the Midwest. These styles of stands do require a bit of prep work, though. Because of the way they climb the tree themselves, youre going to need to bring your nippers along. Branches are going to have to fall.

　　Climbers offer a midway point between the comfort of a ladder stand and the portability of a stand and sticks. The Dual Threat has an incredibly comfortable seat and an adjustable front bar, allowing you to optimize your shooting opportunity whether youre bowhunting or rifle hunting.

　　$432 at AmazonCheck Price at Summit Stands Best Compact Combo Tree Stand Beast Gear Hang-On Tree Stand Specs Weight 6 lbs., 12.8 oz. Platform Dimensions 29 in. L x 16 in. W Weight Rating 275 lbs. Seat Height 21 in. Material T6 Aluminum Includes Seat cushion, shoulder straps, fastening straps

　　Pros Lightweight Generous platform space Easy to carry on hunting pack Sticks and stand have excellent tree bite Cons Noisy without Stealth Stripping Stand exhibits minimal flex Rachelle Schrute This isnt a true combo, as in you are buying a stand and sticks separately. That said, the Beast Gear Stand and Sticks combo ($599) is ultra-light and packable in ways most combos arent.

　　If youre serious about ambush-style mountain hunting and you have an intense hike, it doesnt get much better than this setup. For its weight, it has a generous platform and a comfortable seat.

　　A bit noisy, its best to get this setup into your tree before the season, but aside from that, this combo bites the tree well, is easy to load and carry, and certainly accomplishes anything you might need from a traditional stand.

　　For a deeper dive, check out GearJunkies full review of the Beast Gear Stand and Sticks.

　　Check Price at Beast Gear Tree Stand Comparison Chart

　　A lot of time, a lot of conditions, a lot of stands; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) 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, weve stuck a stand in pretty much every location imaginable.

　　Weve 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.

　　If youve got a long hike in, its best to go with a lightweight stand; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) 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 cant 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 dont like a stand, we dont use it. If we love a particular stand, regardless of the cost, we can let you know about it.

　　If youre looking to spend some quality time up in a tree stand, make sure youre suited up properly to stay warm and comfortable. Check out Gearjunkies 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 Were 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. Shes 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, shes spent some serious time in stands and has vowed to spend more time up there as the years go on.

　　Testing tree saddles and platforms; (photo/Adam Moore) 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 isnt easy prepping trees, putting up stands of all kinds, and taking them back down. You could almost say its a real job. Luckily for us, we actually do this as a real job, and were happy to break a sweat hauling in a variety of stands so you dont have to.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Tree Stand

　　(Photo/Rachelle Schrute) Finding the best tree stand for you is no easy feat, particularly if youre 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. Its hard to know what youre looking for if youve 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 youre 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 isnt 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 isnt always best. What youll 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

　　Setting hang-on tree stands; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) 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

　　Securing a harness before the pack-in; (photo/Mark Schwomeyer) 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 youre ordering either comes equipped with dedicated straps. If it doesnt, 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 dont recommend you skip out on wearing a tree stand harness, but if youre without one, please wear some kind of harness.

　　If youre 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 youre a larger hunter having a hard time finding a stand rated for you, theres nothing wrong with playing it safe and hunting from a ground blind or even an elevated box blind.

　　FAQ What type of tree stand should I get? The type and style of stand you should consider will depend on a variety of factors.

　　First and foremost, you have to have a stand that is capable in your hunting environment. If you have a mile between the road and the tree you plan on hunting from, you are not going to want a ladder stand. Your focus will much more likely be on weight savings, which will either find you in a hang-on stand or a tree saddle. The Ingwe Gear Hang-On Tree Stand is a good choice if youve got a long hike ahead of you.

　　You also have to look at your tree species and size. Some tree stands have a maximum and minimum tree diameter, meaning youll have to plan your stand accordingly if you have straggly trees or bulky beasts.

　　Aside from environmental conditions, you need to consider your physical abilities. Are you capable of climbing a tree? If not, you may have to consider a climber stand or a ladder stand. If those still dont fit in your ability, theres nothing wrong with hunting from a ground blind.

　　Is hunting from a tree stand safe? Hunting from a tree stand has obvious risks. One way to mitigate the risks that come from hunting from a tree stand is to take a tree stand safety course. Understanding the risks associated with getting into a stand and hunting safely while youre up there will help make your tree stand hunt safe. One of the biggest things you can do is to make sure youre wearing a dedicated tree stand harness at all times.

　　What are the benefits of hunting from a tree stand?

　　(Photo/Kolton Bachman) Ambush-style hunting has a lot of benefits over spot-and-stalk hunting. The biggest advantage is the hunters ability to have a perch above the wildlife below. While in a tree, animals can walk, unalerted, right below you. This gives a tree stand hunter the advantage of both positioning and time. Where spot-and-stalk ground hunters often have to make hasty pursuits and take split-second shots, tree stand hunting offers a bit more leniency and time to set up your shot.

　　Not to mention, sitting in a tree stand conserves a whole lot of energy over hiking around through the hills.

　　Are there any laws or regulations about using tree stands to hunt? Yes. Every state is different. Its important to get a copy of your states hunting regulations to ensure your are using a tree stand legally. Some states do not permit rifle hunting from tree stands. Others wont allow you to leave a tree stand on public ground. With regulations that change every season, its important to stay up to date with whats current in your location.

　　How high should I set my tree stand in the tree? Most hunters place their stands somewhere between 15 to 20 feet off the ground. This will vary depending on the terrain, the types of trees you have available, your shooting lanes, and the game behavior. We have tree stands that only sit 10 feet off the ground and others that sit 30 or more feet up. It really will depend on your environment, your target, and your comfortability that high up.

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