Overall, we believe that weight-conscious hunters looking for a compact stand could thrive with the compact yet sturdy Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II.

And, for its hefty price tag, we’d love it if it came with a harness. That said, its lack of features actually makes for a higher range of motion for shooting. It’s missing a few features that we like with Summit Viper SD we recommended above, specifically armrests and a backrest. It’s only five inches thick when folded up, making it a super compact option for hike-in hunting trips. Rated to hold up to 350 pounds, its cast aluminum frame and beefy traction belts work together to ensure that your stand will stay anchored to the tree, no matter what. Though it’s lightweight as they come, the Hand Climber II is no slouch when it comes to durability.

Best for: Long-distance hunting on public landįor the hunters who like to keep their setup as lightweight and compact as possible, the 17.5-pound Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II might check off all of the boxes.

Cons: Only works on certain tree types, can be a bit tight for larger hunters.

Pros: Lightweight, packable, quiet, sturdy, extremely comfortable, comes with harness.

It can also be a bit of a tight squeeze for larger hunters, but we find it to be the perfect size for anyone with a compact setup who doesn’t need a ton of extra room to move around.įor our lightweight and compact hunting style, we couldn’t think of a better stand to get us up above our prey and ready for action. Like all other climbing tree stands, the Summit Viper SD is built only for skinny and straight trees with little or no branches on the way up. It won’t squeak or rattle as you creep through the woods either, as it’s made from sound-deadening aluminum meant to let you move about as silently as possible. Its Mossy Oak camo cushioning and padding should both blend in well with whatever tree you latch it to, keeping you stealth as you stalk your prey from above. It’s comfortable, too, as its generously cushioned seat and backrest are suspended by sturdy straps that promote good blood flow to your butt and legs as you sit for hours on end. Weighing in at only 20 pounds, this agile climber will easily lash to the outside of your hunting pack and keep you light on your feet as you pursue your prey. If you’re a big game hunter who travels long distances to put themselves deep into the wilderness, the Summit Viper SD climbing tree stand has your name written all over it. Ready to find your best tree stand for the 2023 season and beyond?

This no-nonsense guide is here to help you maximize your dollar, stay light on your feet, and keep poised for an accurate shot as you wait for that trophy buck to wander through below. That’s why we’ve made a helpful guide to walk you through the main differences between the three and have recommended our top picks for each type, specifically: From that bunch, there’s likely one type that’ll best suit you and your hunting style. There are three types of tree stands to consider: climbing, ladder, and hang-ons.

Because when you spend long periods of your life hanging out in a tree, your stand can be your best friend or your worst enemy. If you’re the type of guy or gal who hunts those deer and elk from above, getting your hands on one of 2023’s best tree stands is an absolute must. The Lightest & Best Tree Stands of 2023: Climbing, Ladder & Hang-On

Xstand ladder stands