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 saddles and climbing stands to robust ladder stands, weve chosen products based on criteria such as ease of setup, comfort, portability, and budget considerations.

　　Editors Note: On November 26, 2025, we updated this guide to include the Latitude Lonestar Saddle and the D’Acquisto Series .5 Hang-On Tree Stand. A Mini Buyers Guide: Climbing Sticks has also been added to help you choose the best sticks to pair with your stand.

　　The Best Tree Stands of 2025-2026 Best Overall Tree Stand Novix Helo Hunt Ready 8.2/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $620 at Amazon Best Budget Tree Stand XOP Vanish Revolution 7.7/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Amazon Best Saddle Tree Stand Latitude Lonestar Saddle 8.9/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at ScheelsCheck Price at Latitude Best Ultralight Tree Stand Lone Wolf Custom Gear D’Acquisto Series .5 Hang-On Treestand 8.0/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS CHECK PRICE AT LONE WOLF CUSTOM GEAR Best Ladder Tree Stand Muddy Skybox Deluxe 7.3/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $300 at Amazon Best Climber Tree Stand Summit Dual Threat PRO SD 8.0/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $500 at AmazonCheck Price at Summit Stands Best Ultralight Tree Stand Runner-Up Beast Gear Hang-On Tree Stand 7.9/10 Rating Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Beast Gear See more picks Best Overall Tree Stand Novix Helo Hunt Ready $620 at Amazon

　　

　　8.2 How we rate products Rating Details Portability 8.1 Comfort 8.5 Ease of Use 7.9 Value 7.8 Specifications 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.

　　Best Budget Tree Stand XOP Vanish Revolution Check Price at Amazon

　　

　　7.7 How we rate products Rating Details Portability 7.5 Comfort 7.9 Ease of Use 7.8 Value 8.9 Specifications 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 grippy, stud-filled 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 $200, meaning this setup is still far more budget-friendly than most.

　　Best Saddle Tree Stand Latitude Lonestar Saddle Check Price at ScheelsCheck Price at Latitude

　　

　　8.9 How we rate products Rating Details Portability 9.1 Comfort 8.4 Ease of Use 9.5 Value 6.7 Specifications Style: Saddle Weight: 2 lbs, 3oz Platform Dimensions: N/A Primary Material: Synthetic airflow padding and webbing Climbing Ladder/Sticks: Not included Pros Insanely comfortable Easily customized Lightweight and highly mobile Value Cons Will need to purchase accessories to be completely set up Heavier than other saddles, due to the comfort features Rachelle Schrute There are a plethora of saddles on the market now, and it can be hard to decide which is the best. In 2026, the Latitude Lonestar ($299) takes the cake, because its built to fix the one complaint many saddle hunters have: comfort, or the lack thereof. And, in the world of saddles, it has a middle-of-the-road price that helps you save some cash for all of the little add-ons and gadgets saddle hunters love.

　　When compared to other, less padded saddles in quick succession, it was clear that the cradle chassis unique to Latitude, the Hip Pinch Reduction System, and the padded webbing all contribute to making it stand above the rest. After an eight and a half hour sit in it, our tester noticed zero sore spots on his hips. Throughout the day, there was never a need to shift around due to discomfort, as there are no pinch points. While he brought a back strap along for extra support, it was never needed, thanks to the broad single-panel design that provides unmatched support.

　　While minimalist saddles are akin to sitting in a cheap Walmart folding chair, the Lonestar is like sitting in high-end patio furniture. If you hunt in saddles and are the type to do all-day sits, this is the way to go.

　　Now, there are some drawbacks to it. All of that support and padding naturally add weight, and it falls on the heavier end of the saddle spectrum, weighing just over two pounds. The extra weight is noticeable when you first put it on, but after four hours in a tree, youll probably find the tradeoff to be worth it.

　　Youll also need to purchase all of the accessories, including sticks, a platform, a linemans belt, a tether, and dump pouches. Thats not really a drawback, though, because thats standard with all saddles. Fortunately, the Lonestar has two rows of Molle webbing, allowing you to customize it with those accessories however you want.

　　Best Ultralight Tree Stand Lone Wolf Custom Gear D’Acquisto Series .5 Hang-On Treestand CHECK PRICE AT LONE WOLF CUSTOM GEAR

　　

　　8.0 How we rate products Rating Details Portability 8.9 Comfort 7.0 Ease of Use 8.0 Value 6.5 Specifications Weight: 5.8 lbs. (just stand) Dimensions: 23 in. x 16.5 in. Weight rating: 300 lbs. Seat height (Standard): 18 in. Material: 6061 metal, hammered titanium coat Includes: One cam strap, premium backpack straps, seat cushion Integrated versa attachment: In-platform bow holder: Pros Super light Easy to strap to hunting pack Made in U.S. Compact enough to use as premium saddle platform Convenient packability with LWCG sticks Cons Pricey Needs silencing Rachelle Schrute Read Review: Ahead of the Pack: Lone Wolf Custom Gear D’Acquisto Series .5 Hang-On Treestand Review If the comfort of the Lonestar isnt enough to sell you on saddle hunting, the Lone Wolf Custom Gear D’Acquisto Series .5 Hang-On Treestand is the best bet for mobile hunters. At a lightweight 5.8 pounds, its dangerously close to the weight of a saddle and platform setup, with the comfort of a hang-on.

　　When paired with LWCGs micro double climbing sticks, you have a package that fits together perfectly and can attach to a small daypack. Or, if youre going in without a pack, the included premium backpack straps allow for a comfortable carry.

　　For being so lightweight, the stand has a shockingly minimal amount of flex and feels very secure. It will bite the tree well, only requires one strap to be properly secured to the tree, and is rated for 300-pound users.

　　You do give up some features when you go lightweight, however. Most notable is the included seat pad. Our tester found it to be lacking on long sits, and ended up replacing it. It could also use a little soundproofing. But honestly, if running and gunning is your style and you want a seat for those long sits instead of a saddle, this one is tough to beat.

　　Best Ladder Tree Stand Muddy Skybox Deluxe $300 at Amazon

　　

　　7.3 How we rate products Rating Details Portability 5.0 Comfort 9.0 Ease of Use 4.0 Value 8.9 Specifications 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.

　　Best Climber Tree Stand Summit Dual Threat PRO SD $500 at AmazonCheck Price at Summit Stands

　　

　　8.0 How we rate products Rating Details Portability 7.9 Comfort 8.5 Ease of Use 7.0 Value 8.7 Specifications 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.

　　Best Ultralight Tree Stand Runner-Up Beast Gear Hang-On Tree Stand Check Price at Beast Gear

　　

　　7.9 How we rate products Rating Details Portability 8.5 Comfort 7.0 Ease of Use 8.3 Value 7.0 Specifications 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.

　　Tree Stand Comparison Chart

Tree Stand	Price	Weight	Style	Material
Novix Helo Hunt Ready	$580	9 lbs., 15 oz.	Hang on	Aluminum
XOP Vanish Revolution	$220	10 lbs., 8 oz.	Hang on	Aluminum
Latitude Lonestar Saddle	$299	2 lbs., 3 oz.	Saddle	Synthetic Airflow padding and webbing
Lone Wolf Custom Gear D’Acquisto Series .5 Hang-On Treestand	$599	5 lbs., 13 oz.	Hang On	6061 Metal, hammered titanium coat
Muddy Skybox Deluxe	$280	82 lbs.	Ladder	Steel
Summit Dual Threat PRO SD	$450	22 lbs.	Climber	Steel
Beast Gear Hang-On Tree Stand	$599	6 lbs., 12.8 oz.	Hang on	T6 Aluminum

How We Rated the Best Tree Stands of 2026 The perfect tree stand comes down to your hunting style. There are different factors to consider when making a purchase, and usually, gaining performance in one area results in a loss of performance in another. Here are the factors we scored and think of first and foremost when selecting our next stand.

　　Portability We analyzed weight, bulk, and ease of transportation to determine the portability score. Obviously, lighter tree stands score higher in this category, as well as stands with compact platforms that dont catch as much brush as you move through the woods.

　　However, we also considered how mobile the stand is. For example, the Summit Dual Threat stand is very mobile, as it can be stacked and transported easily with the included backpack straps. It is heavy, but theres no need for climbing sticks or additional pieces, so it scores better than the weight would indicate.

　　Comfort Weve spent plenty of November days sitting in a tree stand for over eight hours at a time. The comfort of your stand becomes paramount.

　　The seat padding was one of the most significant factors in this score. We also considered the size of the platform, as well as the maneuverability we had in the stand for those extra-long sits.

　　Ease of Use Ease of use is very multifaceted. It comes down to how easy the stand is to assemble out of the package and how easy it is to place on a tree.

　　Possibly most importantly, we assessed whether the tree stand design allows flexibility in tree selection. The best in this category are saddles, which will enable you to hang from almost any tree in the woods. Theyre really amazing from a flexibility standpoint, and while we hunted public land, that flexibility came in handy.

　　The worst, full ladder stands, require a straight tree and plenty of prep work beforehand. They cant be hung on any tree in the woods.

　　Value Tree stand hunting can start to add up, especially if youre hunting private land with multiple stand locations. When looking at value, we assessed overall price to quality, as well as the need to purchase additional add-ons.

　　For example, the Summit Dual Threat scored high because when you purchase it, you have every single thing you need in the box at a reasonable price. Others, like saddles, scored poorly because theyre expensive on their own and require you to purchase climbing sticks and safety equipment as well.

　　Mini Buyers Guide: Climbing Sticks

　　

　　Setting hang-on tree stands; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) If you spring for a hang-on stand or saddle (some of our favorite treestands), your shopping isnt over. As a general rule, neither of those stand types comes with all the equipment youll need to get 20 feet up in a tree. Enter climbing sticks, a vital piece of equipment that can be just as important as the stand itself.

　　Climbing sticks are mini ladder steps that you attach to the tree in a series as you climb. As with any gear, there are multiple price points and varying levels of quality. Some are small, while others are large, and they can attach in various ways. Heres a short list of some of our favorites and why we like them:

　　Gear Junkie Contributor Morgan Nowels Top Pick: Arsenal ICON X20 ($399 per 3-pack)

　　

　　Climbing sticks are the ticket to getting you up in a tree; (Photo/Morgan Nowels) Ive gone all-in on being as mobile as possible, which means having the best, regardless of price. With a telescoping design, the X20s are that. They shrink down to a 13 length when on my back and expand out to 20 tall when Im ready to climb. Since theyre so compact on my backpack, they dont catch brush when moving through the woods.

　　The camo cork wrapping along the sheath not only makes them silent, but it also means your hands wont freeze when you grab them in frigid weather. They clip together nicely with c-clips and weigh a light 25 oz. each.

　　Each ten-inch dual step is lined with ridges, providing for sure footing. As a bonus, there are reflective, glow-in-the-dark tabs on the end of each step, which really ups my confidence when climbing down the tree in the dark.

　　There are no clunky straps, and the sticks connect to the tree with a RopeLok System that stows nicely on the stick for transport. The RopeLok can be trusted, and when placed correctly, there is no slippage. Add a cheap aider to each one, and the 3-pack of ICON X20s will get you as high as you need to go, without feeling like you have a small ladder on your back. — Morgan Nowels

　　Hunt/Fish Editor Rachelle Schrutes Top Pick: NOVIX Single-Step Climbing Sticks ($279 per 4-pack) The Novix Single Step Climbing Sticks are slick. What really sold me is how they snap right onto my Helo stand with the Hunt Ready System. No rattling. No duct-tape hacks. Just a clean, quiet pack-in and pack-out.

　　On the tree, they lock in hard with an offset bracket that bites hard and doesn’t shift. The single-step design keeps the profile slim without feeling sketchy, and the traction is solid even when boots are wet or muddy. They’re aluminum, so the weight is reasonable, and the stacking system makes hauling them in painless (mostly).

　　For me, it’s the rare combination of being easy to carry, simple to set, and absolutely trustworthy once I’m off the ground. That’s why they’ve become one of my go-to choices when Im not chasing things on the ground. — Gear Junkie Hunt/Fish Editor Rachelle Schrute

　　Best Budget Climbing Sticks: XOP LMO4 ($179 per 4-pack) When I first started tree stand hunting, the cost of all the add-ons began to push me out of my financial comfort zone. I needed multiple stands, none of which came with everything I needed to get up into a tree. It was starting to add up, but I fortunately found the XOP LMO4 sticks for a reasonable price.

　　With each stick at a length of 32, you can comfortably get 15-20 feet into a tree with ease. No need to buy aiders or anything else.

　　Theyre made of aluminum and lock together for transport. The teeth bite well, and the steps provide a solid footing, despite the compact, folding design. The only real downside is the bulk and weight. The XOPs heavy-duty build makes them near indestructible, but they are not fun to pack around. The strap system adds additional bulk and weight to your pack as well.

　　Due to that, Ive found them to be best for semi-permanent stands and still use them to this day for those setups. I have used them on mobile setups; it just wasnt ideal. Overall, though, theyre solid sticks for a great price. — Morgan Nowels

　　

　　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.

　　For those 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 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.

　　Saddles

　　

　　(Photo/Rachelle Schrute) Saddles are gaining massive popularity in the whitetail scene, and for good reason. A saddle is more of a climbing harness than a treestand, allowing hunters to be lightweight and highly mobile. Youll need to pair the saddle with climbing sticks, and while a platform isnt necessarily required, it effectively is. Youll be miserable using a stick as a platform. With a saddle, you can climb virtually any tree, a huge advantage over climbers, and most complete setups weigh less than half of a traditional stand. Some people have complained about comfort, but the best, like the Latitude Lonestar, are plenty comfortable for all-day sits.

　　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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