The Finest Tree Stands of 2024

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, we’ve stuck a stand in pretty much every location imaginable.

We’ve 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.

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 can’t 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 don’t like a stand, we don’t use it. If we love a particular stand, regardless of the cost, we can let you know about it.

If you’re looking to spend some quality time up in a tree stand, make sure you’re suited up properly to stay warm and comfortable. Check out Gearjunkie’s 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

We’re 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. She’s 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, she’s spent some serious time in stands and has vowed to spend more time up there as the years go on.

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 isn’t easy prepping trees, putting up stands of all kinds, and taking them back down. You could almost say it’s a real job. Luckily for us, we actually do this as a real job, and we’re happy to break a sweat hauling in a variety of stands so you don’t have to.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Tree Stand

Finding the best tree stand for you is no easy feat, particularly if you’re 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. It’s hard to know what you’re looking for if you’ve 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 you’re 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 isn’t 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 isn’t always best. What you’ll 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.

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

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 you’re ordering either comes equipped with dedicated straps. If it doesn’t, 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 don’t recommend you skip out on wearing a tree stand harness, but if you’re without one, please wear some kind of harness.

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

FAQ

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 you’ve 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 you’ll 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 don’t fit in your ability, there’s nothing wrong with hunting from a ground blind.

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 you’re up there will help make your tree stand hunt safe. One of the biggest things you can do is to make sure you’re wearing a dedicated tree stand harness at all times.

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.

Yes. Every state is different. It’s important to get a copy of your state’s hunting regulations to ensure your are using a tree stand legally. Some states do not permit rifle hunting from tree stands. Others won’t allow you to leave a tree stand on public ground. With regulations that change every season, it’s important to stay up to date with what’s current in your location.

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.