There is a wide variety of tree stands on the market and we’ve narrowed it down to the Top 5 bow hunting tree stands for you to peruse. A quality stand is one of those bow hunting accessories which can make the hunt more enjoyable, safer, and at the end of the day, more successful.
There’s a range of prices in this Top 5 bow hunting tree stands list so you can match your budget to one of the best and definitely get your money’s worth.
1. Lone Wolf Alpha Hand Climber II Combo
There’s a lot to like about this lightweight climbing tree stand. It packs to just 2.5 inches thick and is remarkably lithe at 14.5lbs. The cast aluminum platform offers a generous 4+ square feet of standing room, enough to give you the positioning and angle you want for the perfect shot.
Other important features of the Alpha Hand Climber II Combo from Lone Wolf include the unique 3-D platform design for better secrecy, the bow holder molded into the platform, the backpack straps that make transporting it much easier, and the comfortably contoured padded seat with included fasteners. This tree stand fits trees with 6” to 19” diameter and is rated to 350lbs.
2. API Outdoors Grand Slam Extreme Climbing Treestand Model ACL405A
This comfortable and sturdy stand features Alumni-Tech design that combines lightweight materials with rugged construction. The welded aluminum frame is very quiet and provides a secure 20×27 inch platform for mobility and comfort.
The padded climbing bar, armrest, and adjustable seat make this a good choice for long days waiting for that premium buck to swagger into range. Other top features include the power-grip chains for trees from 9” to 20” in diameter, the folding footrest for climbing ease and comfort, traction ridges on the platform and the triangular extrusions which act to enhance strength while reducing noise. It includes backpack straps and a bag for your bowhunting accessories.
The API Outdoors Grand Slam Extreme Climbing Treestand is rated to 300 lbs.
3. Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Treestand
Lone Wolf makes the list again, this time with a lightweight hang-on stand with 3-D camouflage platform and cast bow holder that fits most parallel limb compound bows.
At just 11lbs, getting this stand to your hunting zone is easy, especially with the included backpack straps. Once you get there, the 14”x21” padded seat offers more comfort as you await your prey.
The one-piece cast aluminum platform offers 26”x19.5” of room. A TMA-approved fall arrest system is included. The Assault II Hang On Treestand from Lone Wolf fits trees up to 22” in diameter and is rated to 350lbs.
4. Summit Viper SS Climbing Treestand
The seat on this Summit treestand is adjustable to fit your style whether bow hunting or gun hunting. Or remove the seat altogether if you’d prefer, with just a few quick steps.
A solid front bar is useful for climbing and works as a padded gun and armrest. The Summit Viper SS Climbing Treestand package includes a 4-point safety harness, Rapid Climb stirrups and the ropes and straps you need to secure your stand to trees up to 20” in diameter.
This stand is a bit heavier than most at 20lbs, but it offers a large 20×28.75 inch platform and comfortable padded seat that goes 18×12. The comfortable backrest is 12×20. The Summit Viper SS is rated to 300lbs and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
5. Gorilla New Greyback 47027Climber Treestand
This is a deluxe tree stand, though heavy at 27lbs. Still, if your trek from the truck to the tree isn’t too long, assisted by adjustable backpack straps you’ll have a very comfortable and roomy treestand to hunt from.
The platform is 18×30 inches, the seat is 18×12 and the backrest is 12×20. This is a versatile stand with 2 accessory bags that can be detached to take with you.
The steel construction accounts for the weight, and also the strength of the unit rated to 300lbs. Pivoting arm grips work well on trees from 8” to 20” in diameter. For quiet, comfortable stability, the Greyback 47027Climber Treestand from Gorilla earns a spot on our Top 5 bow hunting tree stands list for this season.
Climbing vs Fixed bow hunting stands – Which is better?
Hunters enjoy a good debate about equipment and you can always get one started by asking “Climbing vs fixed bow hunting stands–which is better?”
Both types have their supporters and much of it comes to personal taste, agility, comfort level, and hunting conditions.
In this guide, we offer an overview of how climbing stands and fixed stands work, then address the pros and cons of each one and end by suggesting who should use each type.
Climbing Bow Hunting Tree Stands
Climbing stands grow in popularity as better designs make them easier and safer to use. Climbing bow hunting stands consist of 2 platforms, each with a brace that is opened, fitted around the tree, and re-secured.
A seat or step below the bracket fits snug against the tree and when downward pressure is put on the seat of step, the tension holds it firmly in place. When the seat or step is lifted, the tension is released and the platform can be moved up or down.
The hunter pushes the seat platform up and secures it against the tree, putting his weight onto it to hold himself. Using his feet, he loosens the lower/step platform and slides it up the tree.
He stands on the step and moves the seat up again. In this way, the hunter climbs the tree in incremental, inchworm-like steps until the right height is reached for the climbing bow hunting stand.
Fixed Bow Hunting Stands
Fixed bow hunting stands are also called hanging bow hunting stands. They feature platforms that attach securely to the tree with the use of chains or straps.
The back of the platform is usually straight or slightly curved to accommodate the curve of the tree. To hang the bow hunting tree stand, the hunter can climb the tree if the tree is suitable. Otherwise, a lightweight ladder or climbing sticks are used to hand and access the stand.
See below how to shoot a deer from a climbing stand
