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The very best hunters are constantly seeking out the best gear for success in the woods. Ladder tree stands can make a critical impact on your hunting success. These contraptions give you an advantage by literally positioning you over future game.
Most ladder tree stands seat you 15-20 feet above the forest floor. The three main pieces of any ladder tree stand are the ladder, the platform, and the seat.
They attach together upon assembly, so you can simply climb to your concealment.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Ladder Tree Stands
- OUR TOP PICK: X-Stand Treestands The Duke Ladderstand
- Most Lightweight: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FXQ7030?&tag=biggamelogic5-20
Comparison of the Best Ladder Tree Stands
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Pros and Cons of Ladder Tree Stands
While ladder tree stands can greatly impact your hunting success, they do have their drawbacks like any type of gear. The following list of pros and cons is here to inform you of the perks and pitfalls of ladder tree stands.
Pros
Better Views
From 15-20 feet high, ladder tree stands give you great views of the forest floor. You will be able to see wildlife at angles you’d never get standing at their same level. This unique perspective is an advantage because you can see animals and they won’t even know you’re there.
Concealment
Remaining stealthy is crucial to your hunting success. Ladder tree stands help keep you hidden, by concealing you high up in the trees. The best stands are designed to be as quiet as possible. Your potential game will have no idea you have an eye on them until it’s too late.
Cons
Heavy to Transport
Some ladder tree stands are more portable than others. Portability depends on weight. If a ladder tree stand is heavy, it will be much harder to transport from place to place.
Complicated Assembly
Most ladder tree stands come with multiple parts and pieces you have to assemble for use. Sometimes the instructions are unclear and other times assembly is complex, even with clear instructions. Effectively using a tree ladder stand requires some effort on your end.
How to Choose a Quality Ladder Tree Stand
When looking for the best tree ladder stand, it is important to know what makes a great stand so great. As you read this product guide, pay attention to the following elements to find the perfect stand for you,
Material
Ladder tree stands are typically constructed with either steel or aluminum. The best models in this review are all made of steel. Steel creates a stable structure for ultimate stability and safety. Steel is on the heavier side of metal materials but is great for its strength.
Portability
As mentioned earlier, portability is important when it comes to hunting gear. Portable ladder tree stands are light enough to carry/transport somewhat easily. Consider your method of transportation and your personal strength when looking at the weight of ladder tree stands.
Height/Size
Ladder tree stands typically range between 15 and 20 ft tall. While five feet doesn’t make a huge difference to many hunters, some people may prefer a particular height. Additionally, the attached platform must be spacious enough for your body and whatever minimal gear you have with you.
Comfort
The seat of any ladder tree stand must be comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time. Many of the best models have seats with padding or special material for your comfort.
Safety
Last, but certainly not least, tree ladder stands must ensure your safety. Almost every stand includes a harness because you will be climbing and sitting up high. The most reliable brands include additional safety gear and information with their model.
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.
Height to Shooting Rail: This generally refers to the height from the ground to the shooting rail, although manufacturers may use other metrics to measure such as full height or height to platform.
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 Height: The distance between the platform and the seat.
Seat Type: The material the seat is made of.
Ladder: The type of ladder and materials it is constructed of. May include other pertinent details about the ladder.
Review of the Best Ladder Tree Stands
Let's take a look at the top models on our list and what makes them stand out.
Best Overall:
X-Stand Treestands The Duke Ladderstand
PROS
CONS
Review
Another excellent ladder tree stand is the X-Stand The Duke Ladderstand. It is popular among customers for its practical features and intricate design.
This ladder is 20 feet tall. While effectively keeping you hidden, it gives you great visibility from such a height. The mesh Comfort-FleX cushion seat was created with your comfort in mind.
Hunters love how practical the adjustable seat design is. Simply flip and fold it out of the way for full platform access. Padded armrests and footrests provide additional comfort. The padded shooting rail is perfect for hunting and can also be adjusted.
Weighing a solid 79 lbs, this ladder is designed for stability and sturdiness. Some users wish this ladder tree stand was lighter for easier portability. However, steel construction contributes this model’s durability.
This ladder is coated in Weather Defender for ultimate resistance to harsh weather, making it ideal for versatile climates. This coating also provides some sound-proofing for your stealth. A full-body harness is included to ensure your safety.
Bottom Line
The X-Stand The Duke Ladderstand is a comprehensive, high quality ladder tree stand. Hunters can climb confidently and sit comfortably at 20 feet high. This stand is designed to endure a variety of weather conditions and has many adjustable features for your convenience. It is easy to stay quiet with its essential sound-resistant qualities. This comfy seat is completed by arm and footrests. According to many users of this great tree ladder stand, you may never want to stand back up.
Product Specs
Platform Size:
26 x 18"
Height to Shooting Rail:
20 ft
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Weight of Stand:
79 lbs
Seat Size:
22 x 16"
Seat Type:
Mesh Comfort-FleX cushion seat
Ladder:
4 ladder sections
Maximum Tree Diameter:
9-20"
Most Lightweight:
Rivers Edge One-Man Ladder Stand
PROS
CONS
Review
Another fantastic, portable ladder tree stand, which is one of the most lightweight models out there. The Rivers Edge One Man Ladder Stand weighs less than 40 pounds, making it perfect for you to transport and carry.
This ladder tree stand is 15 feet tall. Its height is impressive given its lightweight design. This stand was made with your comfort in mind. Hunters love the thick padding on the seat and appreciate the stability of the wide platform. The seat can also conveniently flip up for the times you need it out of the way.
Customers also love this model because it is so easy to assemble. Unlike other ladder tree stands with complex assembly procedures, setting up this stand is a straightforward process. The anti-corrosion coating covers the sturdy steel of this ladder. This keeps it durable in a variety of weather conditions.
This ladder tree stand comes with straps for your safety. Some users wish that these straps were thicker for increased strength. However, the majority of users love this lightweight stand and feel it’s a safe, stable product.
Bottom Line
The Rivers Edge One Man Ladder Stand is the best lightweight ladder tree stand on the market. In addition to being so lightweight, it is easy to set up and deconstruct after use. This model is popular for its comfortable seat and the platform provides great space. If you are looking for a great portable stand, look no further. This is one of the most user-friendly ladder tree stands we have found.
Product Specs
Platform Size:
18 x 10"
Height to Shooting Rail:
15 ft 4"
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Weight of Stand:
37 lbs
Seat Size:
19.5 x 10"
Seat Height:
19.5"
Seat Type:
Padded
Ladder:
3 (53" each) sections made of Steel
Maximum Tree Diameter:
20"
3. Guide Gear 15' Ladder Tree Stand
PROS
CONS
Review
The Guide Gear 15’ Ladder Tree Stand takes first place as the “Best Overall” model on the market. Customers love this ladder’s remarkable functionality and high-quality design.
As referenced in the product name, this ladder seats you 15 feet high and gives you a great view of the woods below. Weighing under 45 lbs, its lightweight structure makes it easy to transport. Steel construction creates stability and pinned ladder sections make it simple to store this ladder. Prolonged exposure to the outdoors may lead to rust on its material, but that does not impact its effectiveness.
The support bar on this ladder is adjustable for your ultimate safety and ease of use. This ladder comes complete with two stability ropes, a cam-lock strap, and a full-body harness. To ensure your safety, there is an included DVD that reviews safety protocol.
Some reviews wish that the instruction manual for this ladder tree stand was more detailed. However, the majority of users report that this ladder is easy to assemble, even without great instructions. Many customers are impressed by the quality of this stand at such an affordable price.
Bottom Line
The Guide Gear 15’ Ladder Tree Stand is the best of the best. This model is lightweight, practical, and situates you high above the ground. You’ll have the perfect advantage over any wildlife hidden in the stable, steel seat.
It is easy to stay safe using this ladder with its stability ropes, strap, and harness. For obvious reasons, many hunters seem to agree this is one of the highest quality ladder tree stands in existence.
Product Specs
Platform Size:
17.5 x 12.25"
Height to Shooting Rail:
15 ft
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Weight of Stand:
41 lbs
Seat Size:
13 x 17"
Seat Height:
18.5"
Seat Type:
Mesh seat
Ladder:
Steel
4. Guide Gear 16' Swivel Ladder Tree Stand
PROS
CONS
Review
As the best ladder tree stand for the money, the Guide Gear 16’ Swivel Ladder Tree Stand is impressive for being a high-quality, affordable model.
This ladder is 16 feet tall. The seat design is creatively based on the structure of an office chair. Users love the way the Comfort Tech seat swivels for perfect mobility above the ground. This swivel feature lets you take aim from any angle and is made to move silently. The wide platform offers plenty of room for standing.
Constructed out of steel, this ladder is sturdy and durable. It comes with padded, wrap-around rails for increased stability and safety. With pinned ladder sections, an adjustable support strap, and two additional ropes, this model comes complete and is a great deal for the money. A full-body safety harness is also included.
Some customers wish this ladder tree stand was simpler to assemble. The directions are reportedly not very detailed.
Bottom Line
Sometimes it is difficult to find high-quality products at an affordable price, but the Guide Gear 16’ Swivel Ladder Tree Stand is an excellent, affordable model. This ladder is reliable and durable with a steel build for stability. The swivel chair is a unique, innovative feature and is great for hunting mobility. If you can figure out how to properly assemble this ladder tree stand, it will not disappoint. This is by far the best ladder tree stand for the money on the market.
Product Specs
Platform Size:
32 x 32"
Height to Shooting Rail:
16 ft
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Weight of Stand:
85 lbs
Seat Size:
22 x 13"
Seat Type:
Comfort TechTM seat with backrest
Ladder:
Steel
Best 2-Man Model:
X-Stand Treestands The Jayhawk Ladderstand
PROS
CONS
Review
Are you looking for a great ladder tree stand for more than one hunter? If so, the X-Stand The Jayhwak Ladderstand is the very best two-man model out there.
This ladder can safely support up to two hunters. It has an impressive weight capacity of 500 lbs. Its structure is strong and made of steel. Users love the Comfort-FleX seat, complete with a supportive backrest. This mesh seat can flip up and over for easy adjustability and platform access. The spacious platform is nearly double the width of the average ladder stand, making it perfect for more than one person.
Two full-body harnesses are included with this ladder and are designed for optimal safety with four support points. The whole ladder tree stand is coated with Weather-Defender for ultimate endurance in whatever weather conditions you may face. This model comes with stealth silencers to help you and your hunting buddy stay as quiet as possible up above the forest floor.
Weighing 122 ponds, this ladder tree stand is heavier than the average. However, the average stand isn’t fit for two hunters. Portability may be more challenging with this model but it is still the perfect stand for more than one person.
Bottom Line
The X-Stand The Jayhwak Ladderstand is the best ladder tree stand for two hunters. At 20 feet tall, this stand keeps you concealed and quiet with its special silencing features. There is plenty of space for two bodies, with a double Comfort-FleX seat and wide platform. Using this high-quality, durable stand, any pair of hunters can get great visibility of the woods below.
Product Specs
Platform Size:
38 x 24"
Height to Shooting Rail:
17 ft
Weight Capacity:
500 lbs
Weight of Stand:
85 lbs
Seat Size:
38 x 18"
Seat Height:
19"
Seat Type:
Flip up mesh
Ladder:
4 steel ladder sections
Best Portable Model:
Guide Gear 16' Deluxe Ladder Tree Stand
PROS
CONS
Review
Portability is an essential quality of great ladder tree stands. The easier it is to carry your stand, the better your hunting trip will be. With the Guide Gear 16’ Deluxe Ladder Tree Stand, portability has never been easier.
Weighing only 70 pounds, this lightweight stand is ideal for carrying into the woods. The stand is made of steel and comes with a foot rest for your comfort. Users love relaxing in the padded seat and appreciate this product’s overall lifetime longevity. The shooting rail is adjustable and can flip up when you don’t need it. An adjustable ladder support bar is also included.
Storing this tree ladder stand is simple with the pinned ladder sections. It also comes with a safety harness for your security up to 16 feet high. According to some customers, the powdered coating on this stand is prone to chipping. It is also noisier than other models designed for silence. Overall, however, most users love this portable product.
Bottom Line
If portability is important to you, the Guide Gear 16’ Deluxe Ladder Tree Stand is an excellent model for your needs. This lightweight ladder tree stand is perfectly portable at only 70 pounds. Sitting in the padded seat, 16’ high, you can kick back and relax using the footrest. Adjust the bars and rails of this stand to your liking. This model is the grab n’ go ladder tree stand for hunters.
Product Specs
Platform Size:
17.25 x 12.25"
Height to Shooting Rail:
16 ft
Weight Capacity:
300 lbs
Weight of Stand:
52 lbs
Seat Size:
19.25 x 13.5"
Seat Height:
21"
Seat Type:
Padded
Ladder:
Steel
Conclusion
Investing in a ladder tree stand proves to be a great decision for many hunters. When choosing your own ladder tree stand, remember to consider the elements of stand material, portability, height/size, comfort, and safety. The models we’ve reviewed in this guide are some of the best on the market and are made to increase your hunting success.
