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Are you tired of trying to stalk up on prey and not having any luck? Maybe it’s time to try a different strategy.
Let the prey come walking under you, while you wait in a treestand to take the perfect shot when it is presented.
These ingenious tools function as suspended platforms or seats that allow you to position yourself above your prey.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Treestands For Bow Hunting
- OUR TOP PICK: Summit Treestands 180 Max
- RUNNER-UP: Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand
- MOST LIGHTWEIGHT: Millennium Treestands M100U
Comparison of the Best Treestands for Bow Hunting
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Types of Treestands for Bow Hunting
If you are thinking about trying to hunt from a treestand, you will need to decide what type of stand you want to use.
Hang-on Tree Stand
If you are hunting in a dense forest, then a hang on stand would be great for you. It helps conceal you and works on oddly formed trees as well. They are normally a bit tricky to set up, but once you get it, it’s easy.
Hang-On Tree Stand (Source)
Ladder Tree Stand
A ladder stand is just what it sounds like; you climb up a ladder to a set platform. These stands are best if you are hunting on your property and can leave it there permanently, as they can be difficult to transport and set up.
Climber Tree Stand
If you want to be able to take your tree stand to a variety of places, a climbing tree stand is the type for you. Lighter than the other two types and transportable with backpack straps, it is also easy to adjust the height and direction you are facing with a climber tree stand.
How to Choose a Treestand for Bowhunting
Now that you know what the three main types of treestands are, it is time to consider what you need to look for when purchasing a treestand to suit your particular needs.
Safety
The first things you need to consider when buying a treestand are its safety features. How well does it secure to trees? Does it have a backup safety harness for you? You need to consider these questions because it is no joke to fall twenty feet out of a tree.
Comfort
If you are going to be sitting up a tree for any period of time hunting, you will need to be comfortable so that you don’t shift around a lot and make noise that could scare off prey.
Summit Treestands 180 Max
Weight Capacity
Depending on who you are, you will also need to consider the weight capacity of your treestand to make sure that you can safely use it without fear of falling.
Ease of Use
You also need to make sure that you will be able to set up your treestand without too much difficulty, especially if you are someone who likes to change where they are hunting from. If you are choosing a permanent site, this is less important.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Platform Size: This refers to the dimensions of the platform for standing and shooting.
- Weight Capacity: The amount of weight the platform can support. This includes supplies.
- Weight of Stand: The actual carrying weight of the stand.
- Seat Size: The dimensions of the seat measured in inches (L x W).
- Seat Type: The material the seat is made of.
Review of the Best Treestands for Bow Hunting
Now that you know the types of treestands and what features and factors to consider before buying one, it is time to take a look at some of the best models on the market.
Best Overall and Most Comfortable:
Summit Treestands 180 Max
PROS
CONS
Review
One of the best climbing treestand models on the market, this stand is made to provide comfort and security while being used. It comes with a fully padded seat and all the necessary equipment that you need to get yourself into a tree. Weighing at 23 lbs, it may not be the lightest model on the market but that pays off as it has a weight capacity of 350 lbs, with a larger seat for a more comfortable wait.
It has Rapid Climb stirrups and a quick draw cable system to make it easier than ever for you to set up the ropes and cables and get up into your tree quickly.
The Summit Treestands 180 Max is a great choice when looking for a secure and quick way to set up your climbing stand. Made with a high-quality aluminum frame and securely welded together, this stand has a weight capacity of 350 lbs.
It also has an easily reversible seat that allows you to shift your position to face either inward at the tree or outward with your back to the tree in a large, comfortable padded seat.
Bottom Line
Along with comfort and a quality build, this treestand comes with a 4-pt safety harness for additional security and peace of mind. The main downside to this stand is that if you use it on a soft bark tree, the ropes and cable systems can damage the tree. However, if you are going to be using it on hard bark trees, this treestand is a perfect choice.
Product Specs
Type of Stand:
Climber
Platform Size:
21 x 38"
Weight Capacity:
350 lbs
Weight of Stand:
26 lbs
Seat Size and Height:
18” W x 12” L seat area (bottom) / 12” W x 20" H seat area (back); Seat Height: Adjustable
Seat Type:
Full back rest, quick release adjustable buckles, padded arm rests.
Maximum Tree Diameter:
20"
Runner-up:
Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand
PROS
CONS
Review
This climbing tree model is a great choice for both beginners and experienced treestand users for many reasons. Built to last and stay useful with Summit’s quality aluminum frame and sophisticated ropes and cables system, you will be able to use this stand on many trees and climb as high as you want with it.
This treestand is also one of the quietest ones on the market to set up in the forest; this is critical so that you don’t scare away any prey that might be wandering nearby while you are assembling the stand and scaling the tree.
The Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand is a great choice for anyone looking to use a climbing stand model. Built to last with quality materials but weighing in at only 20 lbs, this is one of the lightest models on the markets. While this makes it easier to transport, it can be a bit of a small stand for someone larger who needs more room.
Bottom Line
Overall this is still a great model as it is very safe, including a full-body safety harness to prevent falls while in the stand. An added safety feature of this stand is the closed front of frame, which can be especially helpful for bowhunters who have to make more exaggerated movements to get a shot.
In the end, the Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand is a great quality, safe, and useful treestand that will serve you well for a long time.
Product Specs
Type of Stand:
Climber
Platform Size:
36 x 20"
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Weight of Stand:
20 lbs
Seat Size and Height:
18"W x 12"L (Bottom) / 12"W x 20"H (Back); Seat Height: Adjustable
Seat Type:
Suspended foam-padded seat with backrest
Maximum Tree Diameter:
20"
Most Lightweight:
Millennium Treestands M100U
PROS
CONS
Review
This model is the one to choose if you are not interested in hauling around a heavy treestand but still want the great quality and capacity of those heavier models.
Made from strong aluminum and coated with a powder finish to protect against the elements, this model is durable and will last you quite some time. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, even though it is the lightest model on the market. This stand also comes with a full body harness for added safety while moving in and out of the stand.
The Millennium Treestand M100U is a great quality choice from someone who may not want to haul around the heavier models, but you will still receive the same great durability.
Weighing in at 11.5 lbs, this model is the easiest that there is to take with you and set up in your tree. Although it is light, it still provides the space you need to be able to stand and take a great shot by folding the seat up to give you added space on the platform.
Bottom Line
This is a very comfortable model with a supportive mesh seat to keep you relaxed and able to move without stiffness throughout the day. The only downside is that the seat can be a little small and restrictive of movement if you are a larger person. However, this is one of the best designs on the market that will last you a long time and keep you comfortable.
Product Specs
Type of Stand:
Hang-on
Platform Size:
20 x 38"
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Weight of Stand:
14.5 lbs
Seat Size and Height:
20 x 16" / Seat Height: 17"
Seat Type:
ComfortMAX contoured, tight sling seat
4. Guide Gear Extreme Deluxe Hunting Climber Tree Stand
PROS
CONS
Review
This is a climbing model that is built to last from sturdy steel and made easy to use by the design of a folding frame. An excellent choice for anyone looking to be able to stand and stretch comfortably while still in their stand, this model has a 19” by 26” platform that is perfect for stretching and positioning yourself to take a great shot when it is presented.
With being sturdy and built for good use, this stand has a weight capacity at 300 lbs, making it any easy option for everyone who is looking for a quality climbing stand.
The Guide Gear Extreme Deluxe Hunting Climber Tree Stand is a great choice for its ease of use and convenient design, which allows it to be folded up neatly when you need to store or transport it.
This climber treestand model also provides great all-day comfort with a thickly padded seat, backrest, and armrests so that you don’t head home with back pain at the end of the day. The only downside to this model is that it weighs 33 lbs.
Bottom Line
Being as it is made of steel and meant to last, the weight is not overly surprising, although it can be a bit of a damper to have to haul around in the woods while looking for a perfect tree to set up in. However, if you are in good shape and can manage the weight then this model is an awesome choice and great for your wallet as well.
Product Specs
Type of Stand:
Climber
Platform Size:
19 x 26"
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Weight of Stand:
33 lbs
Seat Size and Height:
17 x 10"
Seat Type:
Sling seat with 1" thick foam and backrest
Maximum Tree Diameter:
20"
Best 300 Pound Model:
Chonlakrit Tree Stand Climber
PROS
CONS
Review
This treestand is made to last in any conditions for a long time. Built solidly with a weight capacity of 300lbs and made to be comfortable for anyone with adjustable seat height, it is easy to see why it is a great product. This stand offers a closed front frame to provide additional safety for when you are standing to take your shot. It is also one of the folding models that can be condensed into a backpack and transported easily.
The Tree Stand Climber is a great choice for someone who will be using their treestand for a long time to come. Built strongly to hold up to 300 lbs and coated with a powder finish to protect the frame against the elements, this stand will last you a long time. It will also keep you comfortable with an adjustable seat height so that you fit perfectly on the stand. It has the added safety of having a closed frame to keep you from falling when standing for a shot.
Bottom Line
This model may be one of the heavier ones at 30 lbs, but it is also one of the easy ones to transport that folds up into a pack and has shoulder straps attached. Overall, the Tree Stand Climber is a perfect climber model for anyone who is looking to use a treestand.
Product Specs
Type of Stand:
Climber
Platform Size:
19 1/2 x 28 3/4"
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Weight of Stand:
30 lbs
Seat Size and Height:
19" x 16" / Adjustable seat height
Maximum Tree Diameter:
20"
Conclusion
Now that you have seen some of the best models on the market, it is time for you to go look for the perfect treestand for you. Remember to keep in mind the different factors to look for and the benefits and drawbacks to different types of stands.
People Also Ask
Throughout this article, you have learned about the different types of treestands, their benefits and drawbacks, and also what factors and features are important to have. However, you may still have some questions that we haven’t yet covered. Here are a couple common questions that people have about treestands.
How High Should a Treestand be for Bow Hunting?
The ideal height is between 16 and 20 ft in the air, although for bow hunting you may want to stay on the 20 side as you need to be above the notice of the deer when you are drawing your bow. You want to be in the wind so it carries your scent away but not so high that you can’t see because of heavy branch cover.
What Type of Tree Stand is Best for Bow Hunting?
The best type of treestand for bow hunting is the climber models. These versatile, transportable models are the best to use because bow season normally tends to be longer, allowing you the chance to move around to different areas. Climber models also give you the most control over how high you are, which, as mentioned above, is very important in bow hunting.
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