For many, positioning themselves in a tree may be their preferred way to hunt. This gives you a clear vantage point of the area surrounding you. A climbing treestand gives you the height and comfort in one item, providing a place for you to stand and also a seat for when you find yourself needing a rest.
We have browsed the market selecting our top five picks of the best climbing treestands ensuring that they conform to a high standard of quality, comfort with the correct safety features in place. Below, you will also find a buyer’s guide packed with our top tips for selecting the best product for your needs.
If you are in a hurry and don’t have the time to continue reading, we have selected our top pick for you below.
Best Climbing Treestand – Reviews
- EXTREME DELUXE HUNTING TREE STAND – The Guide Gear Hunting Tree Stand is great for deer hunting. Features a 1” padded hunting seat cushion and climbing seat bar.
- DURABLE – Made from durable steel for rugged stability. Our hunting tree stands are built to last for years of use. Includes full-body safety harness.
- COMFORTABLE – Features a 1” thick foam padded seat, padded backrest, and armrests to keep you comfortable all day. An essential part of your deer hunting gear.
- PORTABLE – The metal stand features a nesting design that folds down for easy transport and storage in your vehicle. 300 lb weight capacity.
- INCLUDES FITTINGS – Our deer stands for hunting include everything you need to get started with nylon foot straps and cam-buckle straps to lock the foot and seat platforms in place.
- The Viper SD remains a favorite amongst hunters
- Strong, lightweight aluminum construction makes transporting and climbing a breeze
- Sit comfortably for hours thanks to the suspended foam-padded seat with cushioned backrest and padded armrests
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty
- A modern version of the classic Viper in its original steel construction
- Includes the Quick Draw cable retention system and RapidClimb Stirrups
- Powder-coated steel finish provides rust protection and concealability
- Covered by a 2-year limited warranty
- Comfort-engineered climber that is a favorite for larger-framed hunters or those looking for extra room
- Includes the same design features found in standard Viper SD
- Has a higher maximum weight limit of 350 pounds
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty
- The ultimate customizable climbing treestand for hunting all season long
- New Dual Threat adjustable front bar allows for the best shot possible when using a bow or rifle
- Comes with new Dual Position Seat, allowing for higher and lower seating options
- Has a higher maximum weight limit of 350 pounds
- Aesthetic features on foot platform channels break up straight lines to provide additional camouflage
- The Viper PRO SD takes the climber you know and love to another level with enhanced comfort and efficiency
- Includes the Quick Draw PRO cable system for faster and easier attachment to the tree
- Integrated into the top frame is the FasTrack rail for use with its compatible accessories
- Aesthetic features on the foot platform channels more effectively break up lines to provide additional camouflage in the field
- Design of the upper armrests creates a more roomy feel
- Lightweight open-front climber
- Designed specifically with bowhunters in mind
- Includes versatile fold-up seat with comfortable foam pad
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty
Best Climbing Treestand – Buyers Guide
There are several features that you will need to consider before purchasing your climbing treestand. As there are multiple variations available on the market, it is crucial to select the product that is going to cater to your needs effectively.
We have listed some criteria below that we would recommend you considering before making your purchase.
What is a climbing treestand?
A climbing treestand is used to ascend a hunter into a tree to reach their chosen vantage point. This is done by securing and locking the seat around the tree using the straps provided. Lifting your legs as you climb, you can then raise the platform of the climbing treestand.
A climbing treestand gives you a much clearer view of the area surrounding you in comparison to what would be visible if you were on foot.
The design
A climbing treestand is designed in two parts, the seats itself and the platform below. This provides you with a comfortable place to sit for the duration of the day, or when you need to rest, and the platform provides a secure surface for resting your feet preventing them from dangling uncomfortably below.
Safety features
When ascending to a height in a tree, safety is paramount. It is important to ensure that your tree stand has all of the necessary safety features in place. The harness system holds you in place as you sit down. Also, pay attention to the weight limit. The majority of climbing treestands have larger weight capacities allowing you to sit comfortably while allowing you to move freely while remaining fully supported. There should also be a harness separate from the stand itself that wraps around the tree.
The Comfort
The comfort of a climbing treestand is a crucial influence in the success of your hunt. If you aren’t able to sit comfortably this is likely to affect your interest in the area surrounding you. Ideally, you should invest in a climbing treestand that has a sturdy padded seat with support for your back too. A pivot seat is also beneficial as this allows you to move around freely without any restrictions or compromise of your comfort.
As climbing treestands are available in a variety of sizes, it is important to select the size that is most comfortable for you. The size of the seats themselves can differ. A restriction on the space that you have available is likely to affect your overall comfort and is also going to affect how freely you can move.
Setting up and assembling the treestand
Ideally, your chosen climbing treestand should be easy to install as this saves you a lot of hassle when you have reached your chosen destination. One with complex hinges and straps is likely to result in confusion and difficulties with assembly. Opt for a climbing treestand that has easy assembly instructions as this will make the process much easier. Ensure that each of the joints is secured and locked into place beforehand.
Durability
If you are a regular hunter, the durability of your climbing treestand is crucial. You want to choose a tree stand that is made using high quality, sturdy materials as this is going to ensure that it will withstand daily wear and tear without deteriorating. Also, there may be occasions where you find yourself caught in the middle of adverse weather. If this is the case, a durably designed product isn’t going to degrade following exposure to these weather conditions.
The weight
If you are likely to be walking for a distance on foot to reach your destination, ideally you will benefit from a lightweight climbing treestand. The majority tend to weigh around 20 pounds which makes them much easier to transport between locations without putting any unwanted pressure and weight onto your back.
The weight capacity can also differ between the style of climbing treestand that you choose. You will find some that are built with larger hunters in mind and others that are smaller. This effectively caters to the individual needs of each hunter.
The Tree Type
Some treestands have wider capacities than others. It is important to pay attention to the diameter of the tree that your chosen treestand is compatible with. If you are hunting in an area with a mixture of wide and thin trees you may be limited to the size tree that you can set your treestand up in.
The Cost
The budget that you have in mind is likely to be largely influential in the climbing treestand that you choose. If you are working with a lower budget, then you are still very likely to find a product that fits this. However, it is crucial to ensure that you don’t sacrifice the safety and quality for the price. With treestands retailing at varying price points we have aimed to include a variety in our guide retailing at affordable and more expensive prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are climbing treestands dangerous?
If used incorrectly, yes a climbing treestand can be dangerous. It is paramount that all safety guidelines are followed to prevent the occurrence of any accidents. Whilst some don’t appear to look substantial in their build structure, climbing treestands are actually safe to use. They provide a safe and secure way to climb a tree to reach your chosen vantage point.
Will a climbing treestand scare away deer?
Unless you are positioned fairly close to the deer, then it is unlikely that they will spook. They typically tend to do so if they see or hear you. The majority of climbing treestands are relatively quiet when they are in use and the lack of noise ensures that you don’t scare or spook any surrounding deer when you are in the process of climbing the tree.
Are climbing treestands expensive?
No, not all climbing treestands are necessarily expensive, some great options retail at affordable prices, while there are others that are a little more pricey. It is crucial that you don’t sacrifice the safety of your product for the price. It is worth spending a little more to ensure that your climbing treestand has all of the important features in place.
Are climbing treestands comfortable?
Most are made with foam padded seats which provide comfort while you are sat down, this is particularly beneficial for hunts where you find yourself situated in a tree for a lengthy amount of time. The overall support offered by the treestand is highly influential in how comfortable it is, ensuring that you are able to sit comfortably for the duration of the time that you are in the tree.
