Best Hang-On Tree Stands In 2025 Tested With Reviews

At Deer Hunting Guide, we are hunters just like you. We know how important it is to find a durable lightweight tree stand that is not just easy to transport around, but also easy and comfortable to sit in. From seat comfort and lightweight design to platform size, there are plenty of factors to consider.

We've spent many hours in tree stands and have tested some of the most popular hang on stands on the market for a number of different criteria, then prepared full reviews to help you pick the right one for your next hunt.

Here are our top picks.

The Complete List

How We Tested The Hang On Tree Stands

We tested tree stands over several days. The first day we hung all of the stands, then we returned and climbed into the stands in varying weather conditions to test the quietness of the stand in varying temperatures, as well as the comfort and safety in wet conditions.

We rated each of the stands on the following criteria:

Portability

The first test we performed was for how easily and quietly the stand could be transported through the woods. Each tester rated the portability on a scale of one to five, with five being the best.

Ease Of Setup

We then tested how easy each stand was to set up in the tree. We tested and rated this after we had the climbing sticks attached to the tree so that the sticks didn't have an influence on the rating. Each tester gave a score between one and five for ease of setup, with five being the best.

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Comfort

Once the stand was set up, each tester spent a couple hours in the stand to simulate a hunting situation and rated the stand for comfort. They took into consideration the height of the seat, the seat cushion, and the legroom. Each tester rated the comfort of the stand on a scale of one to five, with 5 being the best.

Noise

For our noise test, we stood up in the stand, folded up the seat and shifted our weight from one foot to the other, trying to make noise. We then started from a seated position, stood up with our bow, drew the bow and shot at a target to see if the stand would make a sound. Each tester rated the noise of the stand on a scale of one to five, with 5 being the least amount of sound.

Meet The Test Team

John VanDerLaan: John spends hundreds of hours every year hunting out of tree stands with both archery gear and firearms. He has harvested many deer out of tree stands and knows what it takes to have a successful tree stand set.

Jesse Gillotti: Jesse hunts over 100 days per year and almost exclusively in a treestand. He has successfully killed numerous large bucks from these stands.

Ron Parker: Ron is primarily a bowhunter and he also hunts over 100 days per year from these tree stands.

We used our extensive experience and expertise to test and rate these stands on the following criteria.

You can see the results of our testing in the reviews and recommendations below.

Reviews And Recommendations

Below you will find REAL reviews written by REAL hunters of the hang-on tree stands that we actually use for deer hunting every year. 

Best Overall: Millennium  M100U Ultralight

The M100U Ultralight found its way to number one on our list this year because of its comfort and light weight. It is one of the lightest tree stands that we use on a regular basis.

It is the little brother of the M150 Monster, but it is still plenty big enough and features the ComfortMax seat that we have come to know and love.

The seat, complete with backrest is really comfortable and flips up out of the way when you are standing.

The lightweight aluminum construction keeps the weight down to 13.5 pounds, making it really easy to transport these to your favorite tree for hanging.

The M100U is one of the quietest stands to hang that we have ever used. It is ideal for sneaking in close to bedding areas for a hang and hunt, without being detected.

Even though it is super lightweight, it still has a 300 pound weight capacity.

We have some guys on staff that use this stand with the optional shooting rail, which makes an ideal rest for hunting with crossbow or firearm.

Features:

• CamLock Chain Receiver
• ComfortMax Contoured Sling Seat
• Folds Flat For Easy Backpacking With Included Straps
• Roomy 38" X 20" Platform
• 20" X 16" Seat
• 17" Seat Height
• Full Body Harness Included
• Safe Link Included

Test Results:

• Portability: 5
• Ease Of Setup: 5
• Comfort: 4.5
• Noise: 5

Here is a video showing all of the features of the Millennium M100U.

Most Comfortable: Millennium Treestands M150 Monster

The Millennium Treestands M150 Monster is both roomy and stable, just how we like our tree stands. For us, the Millennium M150 Monster won high marks in the comfort department. We love this lightweight stand for its ComfortMax seat alone. Adjustable and complete with a backrest, this thing is almost home-recliner-level comfortable, which is saying a lot for a seat in a tree. 

Comfort is so important. The more comfortable you are, the more time you are going to spend in the tree and that increases your chances of being successful.

The stand itself is also extremely lightweight, yet the platform offers more space to move, set up supplies, or a shooting bar. All around, the Millennium M150 Monster is an ideal choice if you value quality and comfort.

Even so, we did find the ratchets a bit finicky on take-down, and the chair is almost too big. Even though you can fold it up to shoot, it can get in the way a bit for a standing shot.

Impressive features of the Millennium M150 Monster include:

• Adjustable seat measuring 24” x 20”
• Sturdy 24” x 37” platform
• Rugged aluminum frame, seat, and platform
• Stand weighs in at just 19.5 pounds
• 300 lbs weight capacity
• Can use on trees that lean up to 15 degrees
• Full body harness included

Test Results:

• Portability: 4.5
• Ease Of Setup: 4
• Comfort: 5
• Noise: 5

The Millennium M150 is a good pick for guys up to 300 pounds that like to spend the whole day comfortably in a tree.

Best For The Money: Rivers Edge Big Foot TearTuff XL Lounger

It’s all in the name. The Rivers Edge Big Foot TearTuff XL Lounger means business when it comes to comfort on a budget. This durable, wide-framed stand has a reputation for providing high-up comfort for a low-down price.

It has an extra-large roomy platform and a flip-up seat with padded armrests and a built-in footrest so you can kick your feet up and wait a while in comfort. We also found it impressively stable and a breeze to hang—if you're not aiming for a big tree.

While the Rivers Edge RE556 Big Foot TearTuff XL Lounger is an excellent Lock on stand, the ratchet straps are just too short to tackle larger trunks. You could pick up a longer strap, but that does add some hassle to the buying process.

There can also a bit of noise when you flip up the seat. That isn't a huge concern, given the seat is so comfortable, you likely won't even want to take a standing shot, but a point to note nonetheless.

Features of the RE556 Big Foot TearTuff XL Lounger include:

• Lever-action stability
• Sturdy backrest
• Flip-up seat and armrests
• Noiseless strap attachments
• Built-in footrest
• Oversized platform measures 37” x 24” 

Test Results:

• Portability: 4
• Ease Of Setup: 4
• Comfort: 4.5
• Noise: 4.5

If you are looking for a comfortable hang-on stand that won't break the bank. I recommend the  Rivers Edge Big Foot TearTuff XL Lounger.

Best For Bow Hunting: XOP Vanish Evolution

XOP stands for Extreme Outdoor Products and it was started by the original founder of Lone Wolf Treestands.

The XOP Vanish Evolution offers lightweight, durable stealth for bow hunting and more. With a slimmed-down design and a host of safety features, this stand is a fierce competitor and comes in at a lower price than most Lone Wolf Custom Gear models.

It is sturdy, affordable, provides outstanding camouflage, and the lightweight design makes it easy to pack for long trips, but all that comes at the cost of a footrest, backrest, and bow holder. It's basic, but it does basic well.

Features of the XOP Vanish Evolution include:

• Dual-action seat cushion provides a convenient lean-to pad when standing & eliminates noise during transport
• Indestructible Heat-treated steel Fast strap attachment buttons for added strength and durability
• Heavy Duty UV treated full polyester attachment straps for a prolonged in-field life
• In cast accessory hooks for Binoculars and other hunting gear
• Quick connect bracket capability (XOP's Exclusive offset Leveling design)
• Fully leveling seat and platform for trees leaning/ crooked trees
• Integrates with XOP Climbing sticks for a quick efficient mobile hunting system
• XOP’s patented I-Beam technology replaces the hollow tube for added support that eliminates all resonation of sound
• Ultimate offset 6-point bracket for advanced leveling capability

Test Results:

• Portability: 4.5
• Ease Of Setup: 4.5
• Comfort: 4
• Noise: 4.5

We really like what we are seeing from XOP. This stand is the best we have found for under $200 and is better than a lot of much more expensive stands. At only 10.5 lbs, the XOP Vanish Evolution made our list of the lightest hang-on tree stands.

Best Under $100: BIG GAME Captain XL 

We know not every seasoned hunter has a big budget to throw around or wants to spend a bundle on a treestand, for that matter. If you're looking to try out a stand without a pricey commitment, the BIG GAME Captain XL Hang On Treestand is a solid budget option. This sturdy, big-framed stand clocks in at under $100 and doesn’t skimp on comfort or durability.

It packs a lot of features into a very affordable package. It has a massive 24" by 30" platform and 14" by 12" seat—plenty of room for hunters of all sizes—and still manages to be lighter than many of the stands in our review at just 17 pounds. It even comes with a 6 point fall arrest full body safety harness.

The flip up footrest makes spending long hours in this stand much more comfortable.

Of course, at this price point, you have to expect some downsides. The Captain XL isn't the quietest option, and some hunters have noticed a squeak if you move around too much. A bit of rubberized spray seemed to help in that department. The stand we bought was also missing some bolts, so BIG GAME may need to up their quality control game to reach industry standards.

Features of the BIG GAME Captain XL  include:

• Flex-tek flip-up seat measuring 14” x 12”
• Flip-up footrest
• Spacious 24” x 30” platform
• 2” nylon strap
• 4-point full-body harness
• Weight rating up to 300 lbs

Test Results:

• Portability: 4
• Ease Of Setup: 4
• Comfort: 4
• Noise: 4

For those hunters that have a limited budget, we have chosen the Big Game Captain XL as the best hang-on under $100.

Best Lightweight Hang -On Under $200: Rivers Edge Big Foot Lite 

The Rivers Edge Big Foot Lite is our first pick for best lightweight hang-on tree stand under $200. This stand is affordable, durable, and lightweight, making it a top pick for longer hiking treks. It's one of the lightest stands on the market, weighing in at less than 15 pounds.

However, you sacrifice space and features to gain that low price tag and weight. The Big Foot Light has no backpack straps or backrest, and the platform is on the small side. We'd call this stand the epitome of basic, but the price is right.

Features Include:

• A lightweight design of just 14.5 lbs.
• One Piece cast aluminum platform
• Noiseless strap attachment
• Dual-post flip-up seat
• Lever-action stability
• Padded seat

Test Results:

• Portability: 4.5
• Ease Of Setup: 4
• Comfort: 3.5
• Noise: 4

If you are looking for the best budget stand under $200, you need to take a look at the Rivers Edge Big Foot Lite.

Best For Big Guys: Rivers Edge Big Foot XXXL

The Big Foot XXXL is truly the biggest lock-on on the market at an impressive 37" by 30". Combined with the reliability and strength of Rivers Edge products, it is a great choice for big hunters with big goals. Both the seat and larger platform offer ample room for you and your supplies.
However, this stand's size makes it a heavier option, and it can be a bit of a workout to get it up in a tree. We also wish it came with additional straps to better secure the extra-large platform, but you can always buy some separately.
Features included are:

• A wide 37” x 30” platform
• Noiseless strap attachments
• Flip-up, extra-wide seat
• TearTuff mesh protection
• Built-in footrest
• Lever-action stability
• Improved traction mesh

Test Results:

• Portability: 3.5
• Ease Of Setup: 4
• Comfort: 3.5
• Noise: 4

If you are a larger person looking for the biggest stand available today, then the Rivers Edge Big Foot XXL is the stand for you.

Best With A Shooting Rail: Primal Treestands Comfort King Deluxe

True to its name, the Comfort King Deluxe from Primal Tree Stands offers maximum comfort and style. This affordable, well-designed stand comes packed with a limited one-year warranty and a padded shooting rail.

Given the price tag, we were surprised by how comfortable this stand was. It has features often forgotten in lower-cost options, such as arm and footrests, and the platform isn't miniaturized. It is a bit hard to assemble, though, and is far from the lightest-weight option at 29 pounds.

Features of the Primal Comfort King Deluxe include:

• Spacious 35.75” x 24” platform
• 20.5” x 15.5” flip-up seat
• Comfortable backrest
• Included footrest
• Armrest
• Adjustable shooting rail

Test Results:

• Portability: 3
• Ease Of Setup: 3.5
• Comfort: 4.5
• Noise: 4

Most people say the shooting rail helps to make them feel safe.

The adjustable shooting rail stand makes this a good pick for those that want a shooting rail.

Hang-On Tree Stand Buying Guide

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What Is a Hang-On Tree Stand?

Stands are a common option to gain stealth and sight advantages in many hunting scenarios. Tree stands offer a quiet, comfortable way to elevate yourself for improved shot angles and stealth. Types of stands include climbing stands, ladder stands, and hang-on treestands. Climber stands and hang on stands are portable and can be carried in, while the ladder stands often requires a more thorough setup.

Hang-on stands secure to trees using straps or chains. Hunters carry these stands to hunting locations and use additional tools, such as climbing sticks, to set up and install the stand, even in a less than perfect tree.

Hang-ons are also called lock-on tree stands.

What Is the Difference Between a Hang-On Tree Stand and a Climbing Tree Stand?

The primary difference between a hang-on stand and a climbing tree stand is how the stand is set up.

With climbing tree stands, you literally climb with the stand using your legs and a locking seat mechanism to lift the seat as you go. With a hang-on treestand, you use climbing sticks, segmented ladders or screw in steps to climb and reach the elevated stand.

Both options have their advantages. A climber stand is great for hunting trips where a treestand cannot be left behind and the right tree is straight. 

Alternatively, hang on stands offer better access to awkward trees, quick access, and trees with too many branches.

Many hunters prefer climbing stands because of their portability and the ability to move around quickly if the situation call for it.

Here is a great video showing the difference between a climbing stand and a hang on.

What Is the Difference Between a Hang-On Tree Stand and a Ladder Stand?

A hang on stand is a portable, highly customizable stand that is great for public land hunters. They are also easy to set up solo.

A ladder stand is a platform, seat and ladder all in one. They are extremely heavy and awkward to set up,  requiring at least two people to do so.

The best ladder tree stands last longer, tend to be more comfortable, and are remarkably durable. Ladder-style tree stands are also preferable if you like the security of rails.

Unlike a hang on stand, some ladder stands are big enough for two people.

Check out our list of the best 2 man ladder stands.

What to Look For When Buying a Hang-On Tree Stand

Every hunter has unique needs, preferences, and hunting styles. When you’re looking for the right hang on stand, you may find it best to have a few different styles of tree stands, depending on what you have planned. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when shopping for a tree stand:

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Size

Beyond physical stature, the size of a hang on stand has a significant impact on functionality. A great stand should have a spacious platform, a comfortable seat, and enough room for any necessary weapons, equipment, or other supplies.

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Comfort

Whether you’re planning a long hunt or a brief hang ‘n’ shoot, comfort is important. You are going to spend hours in the stand.

If you take your best shots from a comfortable seat with a backrest, footrest, or even standing, make sure you take those things into consideration when choosing a hang on stand.

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Weight Limit

Remember to select a hang on stand with a weight capacity that can handle you, your equipment, and anything else you need to bring into the trees with you. Pay attention to all weight ratings and safety features before purchase and before each use.

Tree Fastening

If you know you’re going to need to climb up into crooked trees or angled trees, aim for a hang on stand with leaning and leveling features. These features allow the stand to attach at difficult angles without risking your safety. The best lock on stand can handle straight trees, bent trees, and any size of tree trunk you might encounter.

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Price

Price plays an important role both in the quality and the accessibility of a good stand. While it’s true that high-dollar tree stands have considerable benefits, there are many cheaper, more affordable hang-ons that offer comfort, safety, and stealth for an affordable price.

Extra Features and Needed Equipment

Other great features to consider when purchasing a hang-on tree stand include any extra features you may want or need during your hunt.

For instance, do you need space for most parallel limb bows, extra room for standing shots, a holder for your compound bow, or tree digger teeth?

Is safety gear included? 

If you’ve found you favor cast aluminum tree stands over steel tree stands, make sure you check the specifications and materials of the model you’re thinking of buying.

Beyond comfort features or added preferences, you also need to factor in all the needed equipment to install and carry your hang on stand safely. Make sure you to look for the best climbing sticks, segmented ladders, a good tree stand harness, or other necessary equipment.

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Final Thoughts

We have provided you with in depth reviews of the best hang-on treestand in each category. We have also provided you with all of the various features and an in-depth buying guide that should answer all of your questions when you are looking to purchase your tree stand.

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You may not need a tree stand to hunt, but having one does offer unique advantages over ground-level hunting—even more so if you have the right stand. A comfortable treestand with an ample platform and safety harness will offer better visibility without added risks.

While the best hang-on tree stand for your needs will vary based on your size, hunting style, and budget, we hope this article provided all the information you need to find the right one for you.

Happy hunting!