The treestands you choose to hunt from will have a huge impact on your hunting experience. They are also an investment, so picking the right one can be daunting. Whether you are buying your first tree stand or upgrading to something easier and more comfortable than what you currently have, there are a few things to keep in mind when making this decision.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the factors worth considering plus we give some recommendations of treestands we think to be worth buying.
Today’s climbing treestands are, for the most part, excellent. Some are better for bigger hunters, and others are extremely light weighted. So. What should I look for?
There are a few things that you want to consider. Make sure it has these features: quality build materials, easy setup, and adjustment with or without tools (although this is a bonus), plus a comfortable seat.
At a Glance: The Top Climbing Treestands
+ BEST OVERALL – Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD. Harness system included. Closed-front aluminum climbing stand. Summit Quality.
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+ GREAT VALUE – Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II. The 2-panel contoured foam seat pad provides comfort all hunt long. Only 21 pounds and slim 4-inch profile
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+ MOST QUITE – OL’MAN TREESTANDS Multi-Vision. Lightweight steel design, quite. Three different configurations possible. 21″ wide net seat. Made in the USA
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+ FOR BIGGER GUYS- Summit Treestands 180 Max SD. Carries up to 350lbs. Aluminum construction with a closed front.
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+ ALUMINUM – Summit Treestands Cobra SD. Full back rest. Quick release adjustable buckles and a padded arm rests.
For us, the Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD is, without doubt, the best climbing treestand – but make sure to also check any of the other top products on our list!
Top-Tier Climbing Treestands 2023
Best Overall – Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD
Summit Treestands. We love them! We strongly recommend checking their products. They are top-notch and offer absolutely quality products. This is more than true for the Summit Treestand 81120 Viper SD (Mossy Oak).
Here are the facts:
Pros:
- Easy to climb
- Closed-front aluminum climbing stand
- Weights 20 lbs. – Holds up to 300 lbs.
- Harness System included
- Full Back Rest
Cons:
- The Carrying Setup
Overall the best one out there (at least that´s what we think) Reputable company with a good track record of satisfied customers. Very comfortable and functional.
A thought out product with all the bonuses. Summit Treestands is known for: Sound-deadening technology, structural enhancement, …
Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II
Lone Wolf Treestands are well known for their comfortable and convenient treestands. The Sit & Climb Combo II is no exception.
The 2-panel contoured foam seat pad provides comfort all hunt long. With only 21 pounds and a slim 4-inch profile, this stand is easy to carry but never the less offers a pound weight limit of a whopping 350 lbs.
Pros:
- Only 21 pounds
- Packs down to a 4-inch profile
- Max. weight limit of 350 lbs.
- Comes with a 6 point harness system
Cons:
- Straps/Stirrups for securing your feet are missing
This stand can be mounted on trees with trunk diameters 6 inches to 19 inches. Therefore it should be suitable for most trees. Read… more about the Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks.
Summit Treestands 180 Max SD
Another masterpiece from Summit Treestands: The 180 Max SD – Comes in Mossy Oak and offers a comfortable vantage point.
You are tall? No problem, the extended-top frame helps with that. The seat itself is height-adjustable and reversible. A special structural enhancement helps to minimize stress on the welds – The result: A strong, safe, secure, and silent stand.
Pros:
- Includes all necessary pads, hardware, ropes, and straps
- only 23 lbs.
- More room for bigger hunters
- Weight limit up to 350 lbs.
- Reversible seat
Cons:
- Its length: 38 inches could make carrying cumbersome
The summit treestand is made of precision-welded aluminum and all critical parts of this platform are filled with a custom-engineered foam to reduce noises!
Summit Treestands Cobra SD
Summit Treestands Cobra SD Climbing Treestand, Mossy Oak. You probably recognize a scheme here … Summit Treestands again! Well, they are good and to be honest it´s impossible to ignore all the quality products they offer.
The five-channel platform frame is lightweight (only 18 lbs.) but is engineered with the same finesse and craftsmanship as the other Summit products on our list.
Pros:
- Lightweight with only 18 lbs.
- Max. weight limit of 300 lbs.
- Pattern blends in well
- Seat is adjustable
Cons:
- Not as wide as other Summit Treestands
Yet another of Summits fine products. They are one of the leading brands out there. When you are looking for quality and innovative products Summits is for you.
OL’MAN TREESTANDS Multi-Vision Climbing Stand
The OL’MAN TREESTANDS Multi-Vision Climbing Stand is legendary. You want it quite? Like really quite? Here we go. This steel multi-vision treestand has a 21″ wide net seat and a stand weight of 29 pounds.
Pros:
- Really quiet! (like really)
- Solid construction
- 3-in-1 treestand
- Ideal for bowhunters
Cons:
- A little heavier than other products
Straight bar and footrest are included. Good for trees up to 20″. Extremely comfortable.
Read.. How To Choose a Treestand
What Makes A Quality Climbing Treestand?
Weight Limit
The stand must be able to carry your weight plus that of your equipment too. Check before pulling the trigger and going for a certain model.
Safety
All I say is FAS (Fall Arrest Systems). You want something that is approved and tested! Safety first! Don’t be cheap!
Portability
You have to carry the stand around. Make sure to buy a model that fits your capabilities (read.. awesome hunting tree saddle). As you know: Most good hunting spots are somewhat deeper in the woods…
Durability
It´s not always sunshine. Do you remember those rainy days? Well, choose a construction that will last longer than one hunting season and endures any weather.
Which Climbing Treestand Is The Best?
After comparing all of the stands on this list, I feel that the Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD is the best one, with the TheOL’MAN TREESTANDS Multi-Vision Climbing Stand coming in as a close runner up.
If you are in the market for the best stand, I would highly urge you to go with the Summit Treestands 81120. In my opinion, it is the best option available.
