Best Climbing Tree Stand for Bowhunting (Top 2023 Reviews)

Today I’m going to show you 5 best climbing treestand for bowhunting reviews.

You will not only know how to choose good climbing tree stands, but find out a deep comparison of climbing stand vs hang on, or climber vs ladder stand.

The best part? Some fascinating FAQs are collected in the last section. Now let’s dive into it:

Best Climbing Tree Stands on the Market:

5 Best Climbing Tree Stand Reviews:

In this part, I review 5 top climbing tree stands in details. Each one has its key features. So keep reading:

1. Summit Treestands Viper SD (Top Rated Climbing Tree Stand for Archery):

The Summit Viper SD is in the list of most popular tree stands with maximum comfort and lightweight.

If you're a bowhunter who want something that comes with a well-padded cushioned backrest for all-day comfort, this is the right stand for you.

However, one of its main downsides is its low weight capacity.

Quiet Design

Design wise, the Summit Viper is made of high-quality aluminum, which makes up for its maximum strength, quietness, sturdiness, and concealment.

Thanks to its Summit’s DeadMetal Sound Deadening Technology, which helps to ensure that the stand comes with perfect concealment, and keeps any form of noise at bay.

One of the lightest tree stands

Also, with a lightweight design of 20 pounds, the Viper can hold up to 300 pounds weight without wobbly or make any noise.

However, compared to other models in the Summit lineups, this appears to be the only one that comes with a lower weight capacity.

That said, it has a seat size of 18’’ x 12’’, which is pretty the standard size of other models like the Summit Goliath and also a 20 x 26.5 platform.

Comfortable Sitting

As a closed front climbing treestand, the Viper SD has a lot on its sleeve when it comes to comfort.

It has a suspended and adjustable foam padded seat with backrest, which paves the way for all-day comfort and flexibility.

Strong Built Construction

This hand climber is very easy to climb. The included full perimeter frame that lets it to be used as both a sit and climb tree stand.

Auto Lock

Well, that’s not all. Just like other Summit deer climbing stands lineups, the Viper also features a safe and quiet a QuickDraw cable retention system.

It that lets you insert the cable into the bracket to fit the tree diameter for it to lock into place.

With this innovation in place, you don’t have to pass through the hassle of fumbling with knobs, pins, nuts or bolts.

RapidClimb

The RapidClimb Stirrups are fantastic features that help you to climb up the tree to your desired height swiftly.

Asides these functions, the Stirrups are expertly engineered to keep your hunting boots steadily attached to the platform without slipping off.

There is also an included harness, a strap for added security, backpack straps, a bungee for the stirrups and a harness.

Additional Shooting Rail

In case you use a crossbow, you can attach an additional gun rest (purchase separately) to get more steady shot.

Drawback

First, the front bar can not be moveable or adjustable, which make it less flexible.

Second, the attached harness system is not so good. You'd better get better one for more safety.

Pros

Cons

2. Summit Treestands Goliath SD (Biggest Climbing Treesstand):

The Goliath SD shares the same sweet spots and perks with the Viper SD. But the broader platform and seat provide a little more room for bow hunters.

This one is considered the best climbing tree stand for big guys in my list.

Heavy duty climbing tree stand

When it comes to the platform size of the Goliath SD, the Viper SD doesn't hold a candle.

While the Summit Viper offers a  big platform of 20” x 26.5”, the Goliath gave the Viper a knock out by providing a broader platform of 21” x 30.75” to give big guys more clearance and maneuverability with their bow.

Weigh more 1lbs

Unlike other brands that offer a more extensive platform with cumbersome weight design, the Goliath SD separates itself from the crowd by still retaining and maintaining a lightweight design for the sake of portability.

It comes with a closed front 25 lbs. material aluminum design, which is just 1 pound more than the Viper.

Stronger Capacity

While the Summit Goliath decided to maintain the same seat size of 18 x 12”, this time around it had to step up its game by offering 350 lbs maximum weight, which is 50 lbs stronger than the Viper.

All Day Comfort

Regarding comfort, there isn't any difference here. The Goliath aluminum climbing stand still offers the same suspended foam-padded seat coupled with a backrest to maximize all-day comfort.

Regarding construction, the Goliath still maintains the same design and construction pattern. However, there are a few significant differences with its younger brother.

Bigger Frame

First, the Aluminum frame size of the Viper SD is 19.75 x 26.5, while that of the Goliath is 21.75” x 26.5”, which gives enough room for its sturdiness, strength, and rigidity.

The backpack straps are also excellent additions, which make carrying the climber on your back a breeze.

You will still get the same DeadMetal Sound Technology for quiet operations and perfect concealment.

The QuickDraw is also present to sturdily cable attachment which wrapping around the tree for a fast and secure climbing.

RapidClimb

What about the RapidClimb Stirrups and the SummitLokt? They are also included.

Summit ensured that the Goliath is a well-thought-out tree climber that is built from the inside out to give you the best security when climbing trees.

Drawback

The manual is not too clear which taking more time to make acquainted with. Besides that, the safety harness should be upgraded to better one due to low quality.

Pros

Cons

3. Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II (Most Comfortable Climbing Tree Stand):

The unique features that set the Lone Wolf Sit apart from other hunting tree climbers are its gorgeous foam seat and backrest that is designed to make all day sit a cinch.

In addition to impressive features, the Lone Wolf climber tree stand also offers a large platform size.

But it's an open front climber and does not come with an armrest for bowhunting.

Design

The Lone Wolf Sit is the only climber on our list that features a lightweight design of 21lbs and well-built to hold up to 350 weight capacity without sacrificing performance.

The best part is that it is straightforward to use and hassle-free.

Slim Packing

This means that you will enjoy the benefit of owning a climber tree stand that is portable, packable and balanced packing.

Bow Holder

If you're a bow hunter, you might be interested in the bow holder, which give your bow a rest without worrying about dropping.

Biggest Size

The Lone Wolf is made of a 3-D Camo Aluminum material. It also comes with a platform size of 30" x 19.5", and a height of 21”, which makes it the most massive size around. So don't worry if you're a heavy hunter.

Whole Day Sitting Comfortably

The two-panel contoured seat pad is a game changer here.

What it does is to give you the most comfort you can get from any tree climber stand on the market. You can sit on the seat for a whole day straight without any discomfort or fatigue.

Secure with Stabilized Straps

As far as safety is concerned, this tree stand set features is a six-point harness and stabilizing straps that are attached to prevent it from sliding down or going anywhere.

Pros

Cons

4. OL'Man Treestands Multi-Vision (Best Self Climbing Treestand for Crossbow and Rifle Hunting):

The Ol Man Steel Tree Climber is different from every other treestand on this list due to its net seat without a single backrest, which makes it good tree stand for sitting in a couple of hours since it doesn't offer a comfortable foam seat.

Here's the deal:

One excellent feature of this treestand is the included reversible gun rest/footrest, which comes in handy for gun hunters, to act as a rest and support when you’re about to take a clean shot on target.

But this seems to be a little bit of an obstacle for shooting a bow, as it can be in the way of aiming prey.

Sturdy but heavy frame

The heavy steel frame design makes it one of the quietest climbing stand on the market and also 10x sturdier than any aluminum climbing deer stand.

However, its sturdiness comes with a sacrifice; and that is the 29 lbs weight it possesses, which is pretty on the high side and a hassle to move around.

Large seat

With that said, the OL seat size is pretty more significant than the Summit Viper SD with an 18 x 32” seat size, which makes it among the top rated climbing tree stands with a more massive seat platform.

Secure tether

Besides, the Treestand features a tether between the lower and upper platforms to prevent the platform from being too far apart.

It also features a connection strap hardware coupled with a safety pin and a screw, which locks in perfectly for maximum safety.

For Run and Gun Hunting

Regarding comfort, the OL offers a comfortable mesh seat that can last you for a couple of hours of hunting.

Drawback

But, the harness that came with it isn’t impressive, so you need a backup harness when using this bowhunter tree stand.

Pros

Cons

5. Guide Gear Extreme Deluxe Hunting Climber (Best Budget Climbing Tree Stand):

The Guide Gear Extreme is the most cumbersome climbing deer stand on our list with 33 lbs weight.

Even worse, it can only support 300 pounds weight capacity, despite its immense weight.

Small Seat and Platform

Design wise; this thing is made of steel, which contributed to its cumbersome weight.

That said, I wasn't impressed with it seat size. It has a seat size of 10" x 17" and a 16” x 26” platform size, which is pretty on the low side.

Comfort

It features a thick padded seat with foam, plus a padded backrest and armrests for added comfort.

Construction

As a closed front, this climbing tree stand is rock solid--thanks to its sturdy steel. It features an adjustable nylon foot straps for easy and quick climbing.

It also offers Cam-buckle straps that lock the seat and foot platforms in place.

Drawback

However, we did find out that the straps are flimsy and do not keep proper tension to the feet. Besides that the seat and platform size is quite small, so it's only suitable for small guy.

Pros

Cons

How to Choose the Best Climbing Treestand for Bowhunting:

What are the factors one should consider to know which self climbing tree stand is recommended. The following are the key features to keep in mind to pick the best climbing deer stand.

In next chapter, I'll share with you tips to save your climbing effort without worrying dropping your climbing platform. But first, check these important features:

Safety

Stand safety is the most crucial factor if you ask me. A treestand that isn't well-built would quickly fall and collapse under heavy loads.

So, the treestand should be sturdily built from the inside out to carry heavy loads, and the steps should all come with excellent traction to prevent your feet from sliding off while climbing.

Besides, we also encouraged bow hunters to use high-quality straps and a 4 to 6 point harness system to keep you securely safe while using.

Comfortable

A comfortable hand climber is a key factor in a pleasant hunting experience if you plan on sitting on it all day long.

To get the best climbing stand for bow hunting that comes with the maximum comfort, go with the ones that offer a backrest, armrest and the ones with nice padded foam to give you the best comfort all day.

Adjustable to Variety of Tree Sizes

Climbing tree stand comes with 'tree diameter' feature, which gives you the flexibility when choosing trees.

The larger the climber, the better. So, we recommend you pick an 'adjustable' climber that comes with a big diameter that works great with most tree sizes.

Rock Solid

As earlier said, your climbing treestand should be made of aluminum and steel material and should be extremely durable to carry a weight up to 300-350 pounds.

There shouldn't be any wobbling when sitting or standing on it. Good climbing tree stands should be firm, stable, durable and well-built to last you for a lifetime.

Weight

A best bowhunter climbing tree stand should be packable, portable and lightweight for hunters who hunt in distance over a terrain.

If you're a mobile hunter, who walks more than half a mile, then you want to go for a treestand that offers a lightweight design, which falls within 15 - 21 pounds weight and can support 300 to 350 pounds weight capacity.

Easy to Climb

The treestand should be easy to climb. It should come with traction to keep your feet firm without slipping off as you climb on it. More importantly, it should fit most tree types and work perfectly on them.

Easy to Set Up

Find out if the treestand can be set up in a couple of minutes. You don't want to pass through the hassle of setting up a treestand that would end up taking up a whole day.

So, to ensure you don't go through that stress, make sure the climber you're picking is easy to set up.

Quiet

You don't want to startle the game you’re trying to hunt, do you?

To prevent this from happening to make sure you choose a climber that is as silent as a mouse. It shouldn't make the slightest noise so as not to give you a way to the targeted prey.

Legal Law

Yes, you also need to keep your State Law in mind before buying a treestand. Here in Florida, the law tags it illegal to use a climbing treestand with "metal spikes" (steps, screw in bow hangers, etc.) on the WMA.

This is because the stands will kill a pine tree in a heartbeat. The truth of the matter is, I have witnessed this happen.

So, it’s of utmost importance you get to know the rules and regulations guiding the use of treestand in your state so you won't be breaking the law.

Climbing Tree Stands vs Hang On:

What is the difference between a climbing tree stand and a hang on?

Versatility

They work best on trees that are straight and has a few or no limbs.

This means you can climb on this type of trees as high as you want without passing through the hassle of cutting down branches to create a space for the stand.

Hang-ons, on the other hand, are versatile and can go with any tree. They don't require a particular type of tree to be able to hunt. But most times, you will have to cut down branches to make room for your hang on stand.

Weight

They are easy to carry due to their lightweight design.

Typically they weigh around 12 to 30 lbs, depending on the material the stand is made of. You can basically move them from one place to another in the woods using the backpack straps.

They are the way to go when you’re hunting new properties, moving in on deer, and for an all-day sit hunt.

Unlike climbing sticks, Hang-ONs are way too bulky to take along with you into the woods.

Safety

Climbers are safer due to their build and structure. Some do come with foot placements, which is a huge safety factor to let you have either a single or BOTH feet at the same height on the stand.

They also have a center section and other safety nuggets to ensure you have full support while on the stand.

They are more balanced, very stable with a strap holding them, and also very quick to put up.

Price

Owning a single climber is cheaper than hangs ons. If you decide to go with a hang on stand, you will still need a climbing stick on your hunt which will cost you more.

Durability

While climbers are flexible and mobile, Hang-ons come out stronger, more durable and tend to last longer.

Setup

If you are an avid hunter who is always on the go and hunts in a different tree, a climber will work fine in this situation.

The main reason a climber shines brilliantly compared to a hang on is it is straightforward to set up on the go.

Using a climber doesn’t confine you to a particular tree and also gives you the ability to pack on the fly due to its portability.

Unlike a climbing Stand, Hang-on Stands are great if you want to be hunting on the same tree in the same area for a long time.

This will allow you to easily set up the stand just the way you want it and also check the shooting lanes and the treestand straps, and ensure they are entirely in shape.

Height

Climbing treestands are higher than hang-on treestands. The best part is that they are easily adjustable to a required height compared to a Hang-on Stand whose height is usually fixed.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, a climber wins hands down. Most climbers have padded seats, arm and backrests. You are also likely to see shooting rails, or convertible rail, which is an excellent option for bowhunters. Similarly, some climbers even fold flat for easy transportation.

Hang on stands are not so. They not are mobile friendly and do not provide such great comfort to be used on any tree on the fly.

However, Hang-ons are convenient when you have them up already in the right spot. All you need is do is to walk into that exact spot and climb on it. The downside to this is that someone can easily steal it at any time.

The Bottom Line:

A climber is a fast and more useful tool to have in your hunting gear in certain situations.

Although they are more mobile, they still require the right type of tree, which are normally straight and limbless trees.

This alone makes it less concealed because you have to cut limbs as you go.

While Hang-On Stand takes more time and effort to set up and move, you can easily conceal it and use it in a wide range of trees.

Climbing Tree Stands vs. Ladder Stands:

Are you are so confused on which to get between climbing stands vs ladder stand? Then this comparison guide will give you a clear picture of which one to choose.

Setup

Setting up a climber will only take a couple of minutes. Both the setup and take down are a breeze to carry out alone without hassle.

But because a ladder stand is heavier, bulkier and cumbersome, it will take more time and effort to set it up. It will even be more difficult if you're setting it up alone.

Mobility

As earlier said, climbers are great for movement and offer improved portability. They don't tie you down to a particular spot, giving you the edge to sneak into feeding areas and set up rapidly.

A ladder stand, on the other hand, is a pain to move after you set them up.

Easy to Spot

A deer can easily spot you on a climber stand because the tree is bare and limbless, and has little or no cover.

Similarly, ladder stands can also be in the line of sight of your deer mainly due to their cumbersome size.

So, ensure you have a lot of natural covers to conceal the stand from dear and reduce their curiosity.

Height

Another selling point of climbers over Ladder Stand is that it gives you the flexibility to adjust the height of the climber.

Ladder stands are quite low and can't be adjusted to the desired height. You will typically see them at 15” or 16” in height.

Easy to be Stolen

Apart from the fact that climbers are versatile, they also make stand location and tree stand theft discovery less of a problem.

Unlike the climbing stand, ladder stand can easily be stolen, because they are hard to pack in and out of a location.

Durability

The ladder stand is more durable, and of high quality. They are well-built, rock-solid and at the same time bulky, which is one of the reasons they aren't mobile.

The ladder can last you for years if you rarely move them. Due to their sturdy design, they come with great ease in shooting game right from your position.

Safety

Ladder Stands are more secure and safe. Once you set them up, all you need to do is to walk right up into it without the need of taking it down.

And because of their steel design, they tend to last you forever without having you falling out of the stand.

Noise

With a ladder stand, you can get in and out of the stand quietly. There is no need to start packing or disassembling them to trigger any loud sound.

Unlike a ladder stand, climbing Stands are likely to produce some squeaking noise, especially when you're trying to take them down.

Brief Conclusion:

The sweet perks about climbing sticks are the maneuverability, adjustment, mobility, and comfort. All this makes it the ideal hunting stand.

The main downside is you need a straight tree without big branches to have it set up.

Best Climbing Treestands - FAQs:

How High Should A Tree Stand Be For Bow Hunting?

The general rule of thumb is that you should be at least 30 feet up to keep your scent above the ground. This will prevent the deer from smelling you or noticing your presence.

But if you discover that you are having difficulties shooting because of the height, then you might want to adjust it to 22 feet in height, which is an excellent comprise.

With this range, you can still get a nice angle for a double-lung hit on deer without getting burst.

How to Quiet a Climbing Tree Stand?

The following steps will teach you how to quiet any treestand that is dead loud.

What you need:

Steps:

How Big A Tree Do I Need For A Climbing Stand?

Aside from the size of the tree, a simple rule of thumb is to look for rough bark, or gnarly trees your climber’s tree teeth can dig into firmly.

Avoid slippery, soft or smooth trees as much as possible to give you security and extra stability once you are off the ground.

And after that, choose trees that are at least 6" - 10" diameter at the base" or close to the max so that you can hide.

# How to Secure a Climbing Tree Stand to Prevent Theft?

Lock your Stand Up

If you want to leave your stand for some time around  your best deer feeder location, then, the best thing you want to do is to lock up the stand.

Buy a dark chain and padlock, or a bicycle lock to keep it away from treestand theft.

Have Good Cover or add more covers

Trees that have more covers and horizontal limbs provide natural cover for the treestand. This will ensure the treestand has a good canopy cover to keep it naturally shaded.

With this in mind, you also want to conceal the treestand by brushing around the stand and also intertwine the treestand with tree limbs to cover the stand from thief and deer.

Monitor With Cameras

You can also mount a camera to monitor your stand. To ensure the camera is not stolen, make sure you camouflage the cameras with leaves, twigs, and other vegetation to deter someone from taking it.

Remove Some Steps

You can remove a section of the climbing sticks to deter someone from taking your stands. You can either remove part at the top or at the bottom to make it safer.

Take Them Down

The best way to prevent stand theft is to take them down. While it may be quite challenging to take down a more massive 20- to 30-pound stands, it does makes sense to pull down lightweight climbing sticks without much hassle.

If you follow these simple steps, you’ll reduce the chances of someone stealing your Stand this season.

Is It Safe To Carry A Cocked Crossbow When Climbing Up A Tree Stand?

First, before climbing a treestand, ensure you cock your crossbow, but don’t load an arrow on it yet. What you want to do is to utilize a stout pull rope to raise the bow up into your climbing stands, while the butt of the stock is facing up.

You should load the bow only when you're safely seated in your treestand.

Make sure you don't pass it across a fence, into your treestand. You may get injured if it goes off.

And if you want to uncock a crossbow, ensure you do this by shooting a field-tip arrow into a soft ground, or a target or sand.

Do not try to decock it by utilizing the cocking rope or any other known method.

How to Keep Climber Tree Stand and Platform Together?

And one the most secured strap on that does a pretty good job in keeping you, and the stand on the tree is the Third-Hand Stabilizer straps. This strap ensures that it is easier to retrieve the foot platform if the stand accidentally comes off your feet.

It also helps to hold the top part of a self climbing stand and help to clinch both the seat and the platform tightly together while walking through the woods.

What's Next?

If you're probably confused about which is the best self climbing tree stand to choose, I recommend you pick the Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD.

Editor's choice:

One of the significant advantages of the Lone Wolf climber is that it prevents your seat part from getting bumped and falling down due to its included straps to keep your climber securely to the tree.

In addition to the above, Lone Wolf climber also delivers other impressive features like:

If you find this guide useful and interesting, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. If you have any questions regarding the best climbing tree stand for bowhunting, leave a comment below, and we will be right in time to reply to each comment.