The Best Tree Stands for 2022 (Climbing/Hang On/Ladder) – Buyer’s Guide

If you’re an avid bowhunter then you probably want the best tree stand that you can get. Even though ground blinds are growing in popularity each year, it’s a fact that the vast majority of bowhunters still prefer sitting in tree stands whenever possible. What makes a great tree stand? What is the best treestand for bowhunters? We’ll answer these questions and more throughout this buyer’s guide.

For this buyer’s guide, we’ve picked the best tree stands on the market, three of each subtype; I’ll discuss their features and what we like and dislike about them. The ForgottenHunter team made sure to find the best tree stands for a bird’s eye view in 2022.

The Best Tree stands for 2022 – Our Top Picks

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Different Tree Stand Types

You can break down tree stands into three subtypes: climbing stands, hang-up stands and ladder stands. I’ll discuss their features and their advantages/disadvantages below.

Climbing tree stands

Climbing tree stands are the most portable of all tree stand types. Climbing tree stands are also suitable for different areas and in different seasons. If you are a hunter who likes to change locations, this is the type for you. These stands give the hunter mobility and the option of moving his stand. Climbing stands are usually heavy and make noise when you climb, so it is very important to let the woods settle down after you climb, before you see the animal that you are hunting.

Hang-on Tree Stand

Hang-on tree stands can be screwed directly into a tree, which provides more stability. They are the best tree stands for when you want a more permanent mount in a fixed location, for example on private land that you own and hunt on.

Ladder Tree Stands

Ladder stands come with short ladders that allow you to climb just high enough in the tree to stay out of the prey’s line of sight. The disadvantage of ladder stands is that they take a while to set up properly, and they weigh a lot. Also keep in mind that ladders are visible to deer, so we recommend camouflaging/hiding them well. One advantage of ladder stands is that they can be placed against almost any tree.

Some things to consider before buying a tree stand

Choose a right size

Choosing the right size is important for comfort and ultimately your hunting performance. We recommend finding a reasonable-sized tree stand with comfortable headroom and pedals. Also, make sure the stand and seat are the right size for you. If you are a hunter with a larger frame then you will find more comfort in a larger stand like the Summit Treestands Goliath SD.

Weight Capacity

Tree stands are built with a weight capacity often between 250-500 lbs. It is important to know how much weight you plan to use in the tree stand. So take your own weight and add the weight of your boots, clothes equipment etc. We recommend to steer 10-15% south of the maximum weight capacity for your tree stand of choice.

Durability and Material

Your tree stand is exposed to the elements and it has to carry your weight a long way in the air. Therefore you want your stand to be durable. What makes a stand durable is its construction quality and the materials it is made of. The best tree stands are made from durable materials like steel and aluminum.

Comfort

You’ll probably be up in a tree stand for a long period of time so you want the stand to be comfortable. Some tree stands come with a padded seat and padded armrests or a padded mat to lean on. Size also comes into play, especially the size of the seat.

Safety

When we are looking for the best tree stands then safety is the most important aspect. This is because the hunter is a long way above the ground and if he falls down it can have nasty consequences. So you want your tree stand to be as safe as possible.

Straps and Safety Harness

Fortunately, many climbing tree stands come with straps, so that you can carry the stand through the woods like a backpack, and a safety harness, which you’ll need when you’re up in the tree. A safety harness is vital to safety. Some harnesses that come with stands are not great. Therefore we recommend getting an additional safety harness.

Tree Stand Safety tips

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before you use your Tree stand and Full-Body Harness.
• Don’t underestimate the weight and distribution of your gear.
• Be prepared for specific weather conditions and be sure to remain safe when climbing in and out of your tree stand when it’s raining.
• Check your stand (including straps and chains) every season and also before each use for signs of wear, fatigue, cracks, loose or missing nuts or bolts, and replace as necessary.
• Practice at ground level with your treestand and FBH with another person present before the hunt.
• Learn how to properly use your FBH with a suspension release device.
• When climbing a ladder, keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times.

Open or Closed Front / Rail

The best climbing tree stands have a rail on the front. This rail can be used by rifle hunters to aim their target. However, climbing stands with a rail are not the best option for bow hunters because the front rail can get in the way of the bow while aiming. If you hunt with a rifle, then you should look for a model with a rail, and if you hunt a bow, then you should look for a model without a rail. Some climbing stands have a removable rail or a rail that folds up when you want to move it. These are of course suited for both.

Sound

As a hunter, you always want to be as silent as you can be. Therefore you also want your hunting gear to be relatively silent. The best tree stands are made to be as quiet as possible.

Portability

You should know that tree stands are made for backpacking purposes. The tree stand that you are buying should be portable enough to transport. In this case, consider buying a tree stand which is normal in size but is made from light material, for example, aluminum so that you can easily carry it on your back.

Cost

Of course, you also have to consider the budget you want to spend on a treestand. The more features a treehouse has, the more expensive it usually is.

The type of material the stand is made of also plays a role, and therefore durability. More expensive stands are also more comfortable. Basic models usually have less padding and are smaller, while more expensive models usually have more padding and more space.

We do not recommend looking at budget tree stands. These are often not durable and therefore will only last one or a few hunting seasons.

If you are willing to spend a little more on a quality tree stand, you will not only have a better hunting experience but also end up saving money. After all, a more expensive stand that you use for longer will soon be cheaper than having to buy a cheap stand every year.

The Best Climbing Tree Stands

Summit Treestands Goliath SD – Best Overall

The Summit Goliath SD is a climbing tree stand that is designed for larger-framed hunters. It has extra space and a 350-pound weight limit. The Summit Goliath SD features a comfort-engineered design, but with a wider top compared to its predecessor, the Viper SD. Summit Treestands managed to keep the Goliath SD both lightweight and portable.

The Summit Goliath SD has a simple, fast and quiet cable attachment system. No fumbling with pins, knobs, nuts or bolts necessary. The stand’s high-quality extruded aluminum and precision welds provide maximum rigidity and strength. Each joint is “locked” into place before welding and designed so that stress its welds is minimized.

The RapidClimb stirrups are easy to use and adjustable to fit any boot. They are designed to keep your boot securely attached to the platform, these ergonomic stirrups allow you to quickly and safely climb to your desired height. The Summit Goliath SD is the best climbing tree stand for big guys in 2022.

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Summit Viper SD – Most Value

Our number two climber is another Summit stand, which should be no surprise. Summit makes some of the best tree stands on the market. Their Summit Viper SD is one of the lightest climbing tree stands on the market and one of the best treestands for bowhunting. The Viper SD was specifically designed to provide a perfect balance of roominess, comfort, versatility, and low weight. This makes the Viper SD is a solid choice for hunters who would like a more portable stand.

The Viper SD Top features a comfortable foam-padded seat that can be raised for bow hunting and lowered for hunting with a gun. The solid front bar makes climbing easier and works well as a gun rest.

Every little bit of noise reduction goes a long way in keeping you concealed. Summit’s Dead Metal sound deadening technology works by filling in critical parts of the platform with a custom engineered expanding foam to reduce unintentional noises caused by movement on the platform.

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Guide Gear Deluxe – Best Budget

The Guide Gear Extreme Deluxe is a great hang on tree stand that comes for an affordable price. Guide Gear’s Extreme Deluxe Hunting Climber is built strong, with sturdy steel, so you know it’s durable and lasts multiple hunting seasons.

The stand’s thick, 1-inch padding on the seat, plus padded backrest and armrests add comfort and packing and storage are easy thanks to nesting design that folds down to a low profile for transport. Adjustable nylon foot straps for quick, easy climbing. It is one of the best tree stands for hunters that have a limited budget.

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The Best Hang On Tree Stands

Lone Wolf Alpha II – Best Overall

The Lone Wolf Alpha II is one of the best tree stands in 2022. Lone Wolf hang-on stands come in 2 sizes, the alpha II is the largest of the two with a platform measuring 30 inches long by 19.5 inches wide. The seat is the same on both models measuring 14 by 12 inches, seat height is set at 21 inches high measuring from the platform. The height of the seat is what I especially love from this stand. It makes a big difference on all day sit.

The stand is lightweight, roomy, deadly quiet, and easy to use. The Alpha II features a convenient self-leveling seat and platform, and accepts the E-Z Hang Hook accessory, allowing users to preset multiple stand locations for quick, easy hanging.

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Rivers Edge Big Foot TearTuff XL Lounger – Most Value

The Rivers Edge Teartuff XL hang-on treestand is a comfortable, highly portable treestand built for all-day hunting. This hang-on stand has an oversized platform that gives a little extra room for standing shots as well as a built-in footrest for added comfort. The seat and armrests flip up independently to allow full use of the platform.

The TearTuff XL treestand features a unique lever-action attachment system that eliminates metal-on-metal contact for noiseless attachment. With a foldable design for easier carry, the Rivers Edge Teartuff XL Hang-On Treestand features an oversized platform for versatile hunting and all-day comfort.

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X-Stand Treestands The Patron – Best Budget

X-Stand’s Patron is a heavy-duty steel hang-on treestand that offers the superior comfort and durability needed for all-day hunts. Constructed from steel with a weather-resistant, powder coat finish. The Patron features a Comfort-Flex seat that contours to your position and flips up for the option of full platform use. Flexible mesh seat and X-Force metal foot grate provide added strength and traction against the elements. To any hunter who plans on long sits, I highly recommend this stand.

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The ‎Best Ladder Tree Stands

X-Stand THE DUKE 20″ – Best Overall

The Duke X features a revolutionary safety system. Hunt at ease knowing that your stand is safe and secure before you leave the ground. Stealth Silencer washers keep your tree stand quiet while the Quick Hitch receiver adjusts the level and seat of the platform for easy location change while hunting.

The Duke X Ladder Stand has X-Stand’s Jaw Safety System that secures your stand from the ground level for a rock-solid setup. Plus, it has a number of features to keep your stand stealthy and quiet, so you don’t spook game. It is the best and most versatile ladder tree stand in 2022.

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OL’MAN TREESTANDS Assassin – Most Value

The Ol’Man Assassin Dual Ladder Stand provides extreme comfort for the ultimate hunting experience. All-day sits will be a breeze, thanks to the Millennium Style ComfortMax seat with lumbar support that folds in both directions.

An adjustable padded shooting rail and arm rest, along with a full platform and footrest, keeps you secure and comfortable The ladder bolt design adds strength and eliminates noise, while it’s Bridge Support adds rigidness and eliminates the need for a tree brace. Tough thick tubing, coupled with a strong powder coat finish, makes this stand as durable as it is comfortable.

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Rivers Edge Lockdown Wide Man – Best Budget

No longer will you have to trade security for height. Ratchet the platform tight to the tree before ever leaving the ground, with our patent pending Ground-Level ratcheting technology. This clever system allows the user to pull the straps up to the top of the stand while standing on the ground. Then ratchet the straps tight up top, firmly securing the stand to the tree from the ground. Nothing is safer or easier to use.

The Lockdown Wide ladder stand features an extra-wide, flip-up, TearTuff mesh seat for standing shots. The oversized platform and flip-out footrest provides plenty of room for leg stretching or space to stand and shoot. The Lockdown Wide features a 2-way adjustable shooting rail allowing you to set a height and depth that works for you. The Lockdown Wide features dual tree blades, oversized platform ratchet straps, and octagonal tubing for unmatched stability.

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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tree Stands

Should I use a Tree Stand or Ground blind?

The Advantages of Using a Hunting Tree Stand

The Advantages of Using Ground Blinds

Best Hunting Blinds in 2022 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Conclusion

Which tree stand suits your needs best depends on your personal situation and preferences. I hope this buyer’s guide helped you to find the best tree stands in 2022. Always take good care of your tree stand and happy hunting!