Written By John VanDerLaan
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We hunt hundreds of hours every year out of climbing tree stands and we have tested every climber on the market for comfort, reliability, ease of use, size, weight, portability and other factors in order to help you find the right one for your situation.
Below we will share our top picks for best overall, most comfortable climbing stand, best for big guys, best for bowhunting, best lightweight, best for youth and more.
Our choice for the best climbing tree stand is hands down the Summit Viper SD. We have literally tested every climbing stand on the market and none of them are as reliable, comfortable and easy to use as the summit viper.
There are many more climbing stands out there that are really good, so we have reviewed them all below.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Summit Viper SD
- Extremely comfortable for all day hunts.
- Roomy 20" x 36" platform.
- Sections nest together for easy transport with the included backpack straps.
- Simple stand up sit down climbing.
- Super lightweight at only 20 pounds.
The Summit Viper SD is the ultimate climber for bow hunters and gun hunters alike. We have used every climbing stand on the Market and the staff here at DeerHuntingGuide.net overwhelming choose the Summit Viper.
Most Comfortable: Summit Goliath
- The most comfortable climbing tree stand.
- Roomy 20" x 36" platform.
- The seat is wider than the Summit Viper.
- Simple stand up sit down climbing.
- 350 pound weight limit for bigger hunters.
The Summit Goliath is very similar to the Viper, but with a wider seat and a higher weight limit. The tradeoff is that it is slightly heavier. It is truly like sitting in an easy chair in the tree. Once you use a Summit climber, you will have a hard time hunting out of any other brand.
Best For Bow Hunting: Summit Open Shot
- Super lightweight at only 15 pounds.
- Roomy 20" x 32" platform.
- No wrap around bar to interfere with bow shots.
- Fold up foam seat.
- 300 pound weight limit.
The Summit Open Shot is the climbing stand of choice for some of our bow hunters on staff because they do not like the wrap around bar on other climbers. The open front design allows you to shoot your bow from a seated position without interference.
Why Should You Trust Us?
We are a team made up of real hunters. We are outdoor writers, contributors, field testers and pro staff that put each of these climbing tree stands through hard use over multiple hunting seasons and then rate and review them based on our findings.
If you have done a google search for the best climbing tree stands, then you have seen numerous pages that were not written by hunters. Some of these pages don’t even make sense!
They are written by internet marketers trying to sell you on the tree stand that they make the most money from.
Don’t be fooled!
We are real hunters and actually use all of the products that we rate and review.
Below you will find in-depth reviews along with links to the best prices that you will find on the internet.
How We Chose The Best Climbing Tree Stands
These are the exact climbing stands that we use every season. Some of these stands are better than others for different situations, such as larger hunters, or better for bow hunting, etc.
Our staff got together with all of the climbers that we use and picked the best stand for each category, based on their actual usage of the stand.
You can see our findings below.
List Of The Best Climbing Tree Stands
Best Climbing Tree Stands: Reviews And Recommendations
Summit Treestands Viper SD - Best Overall
Here at DeerHuntingGuide.net, we do a lot of deer hunting out of climbing tree stands and our staff uses the Summit Viper SD over all other climbers 10 to 1.
Let's take a look at why:
The Summit Viper SD is lightweight, weighing in at just 20 pounds.
It is also super comfortable with the hanging style cushioned seat with backrest and armrests. It is like sitting in an easy chair!
Let's face it, comfort is king when you are trying to stay in a tree stand all day during the rut!
Let's take a look at some of the features of the Summit Viper SD.
Features:
- Roomy 20" X 36" Platform Frame
- Summit-Lokt aluminum construction
- QuickDraw cable retention system
- Deadmetal noise dampening technology
- Umbilical Cord for connecting upper and lower pieces
- Cushioned armrests
- Padded Backpack Straps
- Padded climbing seat bar
- 300 pound weight capacity
- Full-body harness included
- RapidClimb stirrups
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here's a video showing the features of the Summit Viper SD.
Summit Goliath SD - Most Comfortable
The Summit Goliath is very similar to the Viper except that it is slightly bigger, making it the most comfortable option on the market.
Keep in mind that the bigger size, even though it is the most comfortable, comes with trade offs.
It is slightly heavier at 21 pounds and the larger frame is a little more difficult to backpack long distances, but if you are going to sit all day, this would be our choice.
The platform frame measures 20 inches by 36 inches, which is the same size as the Viper.
The Seat frame size is wider than the Viper at 24.5 inches wide compared to 22.5 inches wide on the Viper.
The Goliath also carries a 350 pound weight limit as compared to 300 pounds for the Viper.
You would think that it would be a good selection for big guys and it is, but we have a better choice for big guys below.
When you are trying to outsmart that buck, time on stand is one of the main factors in your success.
The best way to increase your time on stand is to hunt out of the most comfortable tree stand that you can find.
That is the Summit Goliath SD
Let's take a look at some of the features.
Features:
- Extra Wide 24.5" X 37.5" Seat Frame
- Summit-Lokt aluminum construction
- QuickDraw cable retention system
- Deadmetal noise dampening technology
- Umbilical Cord for connecting upper and lower pieces
- Super comfortable suspended foam-padded seat with backrest
- Cushioned armrests
- Padded Backpack Straps
- Padded climbing seat bar
- 350 pound weight capacity
- Full-body harness included
- RapidClimb stirrups
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here's a video about the Summit Goliath SD.
Summit Viper Steel - Best For The Money
The Summit Viper Steel is almost the same as the Viper SD, except as the name implies, it is made out of steel instead of aluminum so that it can be offered at a lower price point.
The price is significantly lower than the Viper SD, which is why it is our Editor's choice best for the money.
While it is less expensive, that comes at a cost. It is much heavier than the Viper SD, which makes it much more difficult to transport long distances and more difficult to set up.
The Viper Steel weighs in at 29 pounds, compared to 20 pounds for the Viper SD.
Features:
- 20" X 34.5" Platform Frame
- Summit-Lokt aluminum construction
- QuickDraw cable retention system
- Deadmetal noise dampening technology
- Brown powder coated finish for rust protection
- Umbilical Cord for connecting upper and lower pieces
- Cushioned armrests
- Padded Backpack Straps
- Padded climbing seat bar
- 300 pound weight capacity
- RapidClimb stirrups
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Summit Titan SD - Best For Big Guys
If you are a larger guy and need more room, comfort and weight capacity, then check out our Editor's choice best for big guys, the Summit Titan SD.
This is a big stand and as a result it is heavier than the other top climber tree stands, weighing in at 25 pounds and has a 350 pound weight limit.
The aluminum 6 Channel Platform Frame measures 21 inches wide by 38.5 inches deep and the seat frame measures 24.5 inches wide by 39.5 inches deep.
The size is great if you are a big guy looking for comfort, but it can be very difficult for a smaller guy to transport.
We have some big guys on staff here at DeerHuntingGuide.net and they all use the Summit Titan SD as there go to Climber Stand.
We love the wrap around bar for rifle and crossbow hunting. The bar provides a stable rest, which increases the effective range of a crossbow or firearm.
Features:
- Aluminum 6-Channel Platform Frame with new Dead Metal, Sound Deadening (SD) Technology
- QuickDraw cable retention system
- Huge Platform and seat frame
- Umbilical Cord for connecting upper and lower pieces
- Zippered cushion armrests
- Padded Backpack Straps
- Padded climbing seat bar
- 350 pound weight capacity
- RapidClimb stirrups
- Four-Point FAS with safety strap and attached SRS strap included
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here's a short video about the Titan SD.
XOP Ambush Evolution - Best Lightweight
The XOP Ambush Evolution replaced the Lone Wolf Sit and Climb when the original founder of Lone Wolf founded the XOP brand.
Not only did they replicate the Lone Wolf Sit And Climb, but hey improved on it as well, by making it lighter and quieter.
It weighs in at only 18 pounds and has a 350 pound weight limit.
The seat is nice, but it is not as comfortable as the Summit.
It also packs down to a super thin profile for transporting.
If you are a big guy that is looking for a lightweight climber that is easy to move around and you are willing to sacrifice a little comfort, then you should check out the XOP Ambush Evolution.
Features:
- Lightweight cast aluminum construction
- 30" X 16" platform
- 17" X 15" adjustable seat
- 2-panel, contoured foam seat pad and backrest
- Super quiet rubber traction belts for climbing
- Backpack straps, bungee strap and stabilizing straps included
- Pivoting sit and climb bar
- Cam Action fastening system
- 350 pound weight capacity
- 6-point Fall Arrest System (tested to meet industry standards)
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here's a great video showing how to use the XOP Ambush Evolution.
Summit Open Shot SD - Best For Bow Hunting
Any of the climber tree stands that we have reviewed on this page can be used for bowhunting, but one complaint that we sometimes hear from bowhunter is that the wrap around bar on most of the top rated climbing tree stands can interfere with your ability to shoot a compound bow sitting down.
A lot of those bowhunters choose the Summit Open Shot.
It is super lightweight at only 15 pounds for packing deep into the woods. This makes it a great stand for public land so you can get away from the crowds.
The open front design allows complete archery shot making range of motion, while the fold up seat allows you to stand flush with the tree and provides a cushion for leaning.
The platform frame measures 20 inches wide by 32 inches deep and the seat frame measures 19 inches wide by 20 inches deep.
Keep in mind that this is a hand climber and is more difficult than a stand up, sit down climber.
Features:
- Aluminum 4-Channel Platform Frame with Dead Metal, Sound Deadening (SD) Technology
- Foam seat pad
- RapidClimb® Stirrups
- QuickDraw cable retention system
- Backpack straps and utility strap included
- Summit umbilical Cord for connecting upper and lower pieces
- Coated steel climbing cables
- 300 pound weight capacity
- Four-Point FAS (harness) with safety strap and attached SRS strap included
RELATED: Off Season Tree Stand Maintenance
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here's a video showing setup and climbing with the Summit Open Shot.
Summit Treestands 180 Max SD - Best Tree Facing Climbing Tree Stand For Rifle, Muzzleloader or Shotgun
The Summit 180 Max SD is our Editor's choice best for rifle, muzzleloader or shotgun and it also one of the most comfortable tree stands you'll ever hunt from.
Its unique 180 degree seat that allows you to face forward or backward also makes it the best tree facing climbing stand.
The 180 Max SD is a large stand with the platform frame measuring 21 inches wide by 38 inches deep and the seat frame measures 24.5 inches wide by 43 inches deep.
All of that size comes at a price with the 180 Max weighing in at 26 pounds.
Its size, comfort and 350 pound weight capacity make it a great choice for the big guys as well.
Features:
- 6-Channel Aluminum Platform Frame with new Dead Metal, Sound Deadening (SD) Technology
- Super comfortable, reversible foam seat with backrest can be used tree facing.
- RapidClimb® Stirrups
- QuickDraw cable retention system
- SUMMITLOKT® Structural Enhancement
- Backpack straps and utility strap included
- Summit umbilical Cord for connecting upper and lower pieces
- Coated steel climbing cables
- 350 pound weight capacity
- Four-Point FAS (harness) with safety strap and attached SRS strap included
- Padded armrest and bar
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here is a video about the Summit 180 Max SD.
Summit Mini Viper SD - Best For Youth And Smaller Adults
If you are looking for the a great climbing stand for kids, then the Summit Mini Viper SD is for you.
It is also a great stand for smaller adults as well.
It has the same super comfortable suspended seat and backrest as all of the Summit Climbers.
It is slightly smaller than the Summit Viper SD and weighs in at only 18 pounds with a 300 pound weight capacity.
The platform frame measures 20 inches wide by 32 inches deep and the seat frame is 22.5 inches by 33.5 inches.
We like the closed front climber design for added safety with kids.
One more thing to consider with youth hunters is make sure you get them a good quality tree stand harness that fits them correctly.
Features:
- Aluminum 4-Channel Platform Frame with Dead Metal, Sound Deadening (SD) Technology
- Super comfortable suspended foam seat with backrest
- RapidClimb® Stirrups
- QuickDraw cable retention system
- SUMMITLOKT® Structural Enhancement
- Backpack straps and utility strap included
- Bungee style umbilical Cord for connecting upper and lower pieces
- Coated steel climbing cables
- 300 pound weight capacity
- Four-Point FAS (harness) with safety strap and attached SRS strap included
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here's a video about the Summit Mini Viper SD.
OL'MAN TREESTANDS Alumalite CTS - Best Crossbow Hunting
When we asked all of our pro staff members what was their favorite climbing tree stand for crossbow hunting, we were surprised at how many times the OL'MAN TREESTANDS Alumalite CTS came up for discussion.
When we asked why, the answers ranged from the fact that it is lightweight aluminum and easy to climb with, but the one thing that kept coming up was that the front bar is just the right height for a perfect rest for shooting a crossbow when it is in the upright position.
RELATED: Best Hunting Crossbow
One of the great features of this stand is that the front bar can be put in the down position and used as a footrest if you prefer.
This makes it a great choice for bowhunting as well.
It is definitely a lightweight stand at only 21 pounds and it has a 300 pound weight capacity.
The platform measures 18 inches by 32 inches and the seat is 21 inches wide.
The seat is not as comfortable as the seats on the Summit climbers and it does not have a backrest.
Ol'MAN Treestands has quite the history and we are proud to include the Alumalite CTS in our best climber stand roundup.
Features:
- Super strong aluminum oval tubing
- Patented ComforTechTM seating
- Pivoting spreader arms
- Rubber coated steel cables
- Straps secure top and bottom pieces
- 300 pound weight capacity
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Here's a really informative video showing how to set up and climb with the Alumalite CTS.
Climbing Stand Comparison Chart
Model | Weight | Platform Size | Weight Limit | PRICE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall - Summit Viper SD | 20lbs | 20" x 36" | 300lbs | |
| Most Comfortable - Summit Goliath | 21lbs | 20" x 36" | 350lbs | |
| Best For The Money - Summit Viper Steel | 29lbs | 20" x 34.5" | 300lbs | |
| Best For Big Guys - Summit Titan | 25lbs | 20" x 38.5" | 350lbs | |
| Best Lightweight - XOP Ambush Evolution | 18lbs | 16" x 30" | 350lbs | |
| Best For Bow Hunting - Summit Open Shot | 15lbs | 20" x 32" | 300lbs | |
| Best For Rifle, Shotgun, Muzzleloader- Summit 180 Max SD | 26lbs | 21" x 38" | 350lbs | |
| Best For Youth - Summit Mini Viper SD | 18lbs | 20" x 32" | 300lbs | |
| Best For Crossbow Hunting - Ol'Man Alumalite CTS | 21lbs | 18" x 32" | 300lbs |
Wrapping Up The Reviews
We have shared with you our top picks for best climbing tree stand along with in depth reviews so that you have the knowledge to choose which one is right for you, or as a gift for the hunter in your life.
Our top choice is the Summit Viper Sd and once you try one, you will know why.
If you are still on the fence and don't know which one is for you, try going through our buyers guide and frequently asked questions section below.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to using climbing tree stands. I love the mobility of them. You can move them easily and quickly, but you can only use them on certain size trees that are relatively straight.
To learn more about the different tree stands for hunting visit our best tree stand page.
These are the exact climbers that I, and every member of the DeerHuntingGuide.net staff uses to hunt deer every season.
You can not go wrong with any of them.
RELATED: Best Ground Blinds
What to look for when buying a Climbing Tree Stand
RELATED: How To Keep Your Feet Warm While Hunting
- Comfort - Our number one criteria in determining the best climbing tree stand is comfort! If you’re not comfortable, you are not going to last long in that stand. The key to comfort in any tree stand is a large platform and a comfortable seat with backrest and cushioned armrests, which is why we chose the Summit Viper HD as the best overall. It is as close to sitting in an easy chair as you will find in a tree stand! Also consider one of the best tree stand umbrellas if you are going to be hunting in bad weather. Don't overlook your hunting clothes for helping you to remain comfortable in your stand. Quality hunting pants and a jacket will go a long way towards increasing your comfort level.
- Ease of Use - Let's face it, if the stand is not easy to use it is going to be collecting dust in the garage. Most of the top rated climbers utilize a sit down, stand up climbing method that is very easy to master with a little practice.
- Weight - How much the stand weighs should be a consideration, but there is a caveat. You shouldn’t just pick the lightest climbing stand that you can find because there will be a trade off for comfort. We have found it better to find a climbing stand that is comfortable first and a weight that we still find easy to backpack to and from the tree.
- Weight Capacity - Most of the climbing tree stands that we have reviewed have a weight capacity of 300 pounds. There are a few that go up to 350 pounds. Keep in mind that the weight capacity is for hunter and gear, that includes weapon, backpack, clothing, binoculars and everything that you have in the tree with you, so plan appropriately.
- Noise - Be sure to consider how quiet the climbing stand is. Obviously it is impossible to be completely quiet, but most manufacturers take steps in design and manufacturing to reduce the amount of noise the stand makes during setup, climbing and use.
- Design - The specific design of a climbing stand can make or break it for some hunters. For instance, some hunters love the wrap-around padded bar on the seat section, while some bowhunters can’t stand that and prefer an open front design, especially hunters that use recurve bows, which are much longer than compound bows.
- Ease of Transport - The top climbing stands have comfortable backpack straps that make transporting the climber very easy. The top and bottom pieces mesh together and then you simply put the straps over your shoulders and you can effortlessly move them for miles. This is one of the instances where the weight of the stand needs to be considered.
- Is it Easy to Shoot Standing Up? - Many hunters like to shoot standing up, so you need to consider how easy and quiet it is to stand up and move the seat out of the way. The best climbing tree stands have a seat that silently slides or folds out of the way so that you can stand and shoot without being detected.
- Safety - Climbing tree stands had a bad reputation when they first came out, but today’s climbers are very different from your fathers climber. Advances in design and safety have solved all of the issues with safety. All climbing tree stands now have a cord to secure the top and bottom sections (Summit calls it the Umbilical Cord), so that if the bottom section does get away from you, you simply pull it back up by the cord. Designs have also improved on how the stand bites into the tree, virtually eliminating the stand sliding, even in the rain. Of course, it goes without saying that you should never use a tree stand without wearing a hunting safety harness.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best climbing tree stand is the Summit Viper SD.
Hunting height for a climbing stand is between 15 and 25 feet high. Any lower than that and you begin to lose the advantages of hunting from a tree stand such as getting above your prey's line of sight and giving you a better vantage point. Any higher than that and you begin to have difficulty with shot angle. This is especially true with bowhunting and crossbow hunting. The higher you climb, the smaller the vitals target becomes.
Yes climbing tree stands are worth it. They are the most comfortable tree stands that you can buy and they are also easy to move around from tree to tree making them extremely versatile.
No climbing tree stands do no significant damage to trees. They do rough up the bark as the teeth bite in, but it is very superficial and will not harm the tree.
You should look for comfort, weight and ease of carry in a climbing tree stand. The main advantage of using this type of stand is portability and comfort.
Yes climbing tree stands are safe if used correctly. Most tree stand accidents occur when you are entering or exiting the tree stand. The only time that you are entering or exiting a climber is when you are at the base of the tree. Consider hunting on the ground during periods of high winds.
A tree stand safety harness should be worn at all times while climbing a tree or in a tree stand.
Climbing tree stands can be used on any straight tree that is generally between 8 inches and 20 inches in diameter. The tree cannot have any limbs or branches because you need a straight, clear trunk to climb. If there are limbs or branches, you can climb up to the limb and saw it off. Then you can continue your climb.
Yes you can use a climbing stand on a pine tree. Pine is a very soft wood and the teeth of the tree stand will dig nicely into the tree making for a very stable and sturdy tree stand. The only issue in using a pine tree is the sap, which tends to get all over everything.
Yes climbing treestands are easy to use. The easiest are the sit and stand climbers like the Summit Viper SD. You should practice using a climber before the hunting season, so that you are familiar with the stand.
You hide your climbing stand by attaching evergreen boughs to the stand with zip ties, taking care to not block shooting lanes. Another great way to hide your climber is to climb a multi trunked tree. A tree with 3 or 4 trunks can be excellent camouflage for your climber. You will need to use a climbing stick to get your climber onto one of the trunks high enough off the ground. Then climb up the tree so that you are inside of the multi trunks and can hide behind them. This ideal for calling deer and remaining undetected
Yes you should use a climbing treestand for bowhunting. They are very versatile and very easy to move closer to where you are seeing game.
The best climbing treestand for bowhunting is the Summit Viper SD. If you prefer a stand without the wrap around bar, then the best is the Summit Open Shot.
