Best Ladder Stands In 2024 Tested And Reviewed

Are you looking for the best ladder stand? You’ve come to the right place!

We are a team of experienced hunters and we are experts at hunting from tree stands. These are the ladder stands that we use day in and day out for hunting deer.

We have taken a deep dive into a variety of the top ladder stands on the market to find which ones offer the best experience for a range of hunters.

From the best overall, to the ones that fit more targeted desires like bowhunting and big guys, we have spent time rigorously testing the stands we have reviewed them below to help you make the best decision that will offer exactly the experience that you are looking for.

Our Top Picks

The Best Ladder Stands That We Use

How We Tested Tree Stands

Our team of deer hunters tested 12 ladder stands and rated them on a variety of criteria. We came up with this list of the top stands that we are confident to recommend and we tell you why in detail below.

Here are the criteria on which we rated these stands. Every member of our staff rated each ladder stand on a scale of one to five for each of the criteria below, with five being the highest.

By using this method of testing and rating, it quickly became clear which ladder stands were better than others.

• Comfort: Comfort is a huge factor when choosing a tree stand. The more comfortable you are, the more time you will spend in the stand and the better your chances of a successful hunt. 
• Platform Size: Platform size varies dramatically between different ladder stands. You need a platform that is large enough for you and your gear.
• Sturdiness: Some cheap ladder stands are so flimsy that they bend when you are climbing and they creak and squeak when you shift your weight. We tested and rated each stand on how strong and sturdy it is.
• Noise: We rated each stand on how quiet it is. Some are definitely better than others and quiet is key when hunting deer. Things like teflon washers and lubricated washers made a huge difference.
• Value: We rated each stand on how much value you get for your dollar. Our top pick hit that sweet spot of excellent ratings at a reasonable price point.

Ladder Stand Reviews And Recommendations

Rivers Edge Lockdown 21' Wide

We have tested just about every ladder stand on the market, and the Rivers Edge Lockdown is our go to stand when we need a strong dependable stand that will last many seasons.

One of our favorite features of the Lockdown is the extra wide and super comfortable TearTuff mesh seat. If you like to hunt all day, this seat will give you a new appreciation for comfort, and it lasts.

We have a few of these stands that have been up for more than 2 years and the seats are still in excellent condition. We usually take down our hang on stands, but we leave ladder stands set up all year round, unless they need some parts replaced.

We really like the shooting rail on this stand. it is perfect for a shooting rest if you are using a crossbow or rifle, and for bowhunting, it tucks away in a slot in the platform, so it is completely out of the way.

If you have ever set up a ladder stand, you know how difficult it can be. Rivers edge has solved that problem with their new Ground Level Ratcheting Technology that allows you to ratchet the stand tight to the tree without leaving the ground.

No more climbing the ladder with your fingers crossed while you try to ratchet it to the tree!

They also solved the problem of the flexing ladder by using octogonal ladder rails and a third rail that stiffens the whole thing.

It is the sturdiest and most stable ladder stand that we have used.

As you can imagine, all of that comes at a price, and the price is weight. It is heavy, weighing in at 112 pounds, but that is a small price to pay for the safety and piece of mind that you get when climbing into the stand.

The roomy platform measures 25" X 32.5" and the wide seat is 24" X 16".

The seat height is 19.5", which is very comfortable.

It is a great height for bowhunting at 21' to the shooting rail.

Features:

• Ground Level Ratcheting Technology
• Wide TearTuff Mesh Seat
• Ultimate Shooting Rail
• Vinyl Dipped Parts For Durability And Sound Dampening
• Octagonal Ladder Rails
• LadderLock Connections
• Footrest
• 300 pound weight capacity
• Includes Safety Harness
• Meets or exceeds TMA standards

Here is a video showing all of the features of the Lockdown Tree Stand.

Muddy Skybox Deluxe 20’ 

The deep platform on the Skybox Deluxe makes it an ideal bowhunting stand. The platform size of 19 inches wide by 25 inches deep, allows for a wide stance and increased stability while bowhunting. 

The 22” x 17” Flex Tek seat and padded footrest both flip back for full use of the platform, and the padded shooting rail is 2 way adjustable, giving us the ability to create room in whatever way necessary. 

Steel construction double rail ladder segments are bolted together to minimize movement when climbing in and out of the stand. This is perfect for a stealthy entrance that doesn’t alert the deer to any danger. 

The Skybox Deluxe weighs in at 82 pounds, putting it somewhere in the middle of the weight class for single seat ladder stands. The extra weight affords it a higher weight capacity of 350 pounds, giving us greater freedom with what we can carry with us into the tree. 

It comes with 1 ratchet strap and 2 stabilizer straps that, paired with the full body harness included, create a safe and enjoyable experience with this amazing single person tree stand. 

Features:

• 2 Way Adjustable Padded Shooting Rail, flips back
• Double Rail Bolted Ladder
• FlexTek seat, flips back for easy stand up shots
• Armrests and footrest
• Adjustable Ladder Support Bar
• 350 pound weight capacity
• Includes Safety Harness
• Meets or exceeds TMA standards

As experienced bowhunters, we have experience with many different ladder tree stands during bow season. We have found the Muddy Skybox Deluxe 20 to be the hands down for bowhunting, both because of our ability to maximize our use of the foot platform, the increased stability created by the ladder construction and the flip up shooting rail and seat provide unobstructed shots with a compound bow.

The Skybox truly earns its “Deluxe” title.

Here is an awesome video showcasing the features of the Muddy Skybox Deluxe one man Ladder tree Stand.

Big Game Hunter HD 1.5 

We know that a ladder tree stand can be expensive. In some cases, it can feel like you are paying for more than what you are getting that is why we included the Big Game Hunter HD 1.5 in our reviews.

It is a lightweight ladder stand, weighing in at only 61 pounds with a weight capacity of 350 pounds, the HD 1.5 is a great combination of light and easy to set up, while bearing enough weight to accommodate any hunter.

The large 23.5 inch wide by 29 inch deep foot platform size gives plenty of space for a long day in the stand, and the 23” x 18” seat size provides plenty of comfort. The seat also flips up for more complete use of the platform while standing.

The shooting rail on the Big Game Hunter HD 1.5 is both adjustable and removable, making the stand versatile for any hunter’s preferences. 

Features:

• Adjustable Removable Shooting Rail
  
• Flex-Tek Extra Wide Comfortable Mesh Seat
  
• Extra Wide and Deep Foot Platform
  
• Steel Construction
  
• Adjustable ladder support bar
• Safety Harness
  

We’re all about getting the biggest bang for our buck. That’s why the Big Game Hunter HD 1.5 made it onto our list. 

It’s comfortable, it’s versatile, and it will give you everything you need for a good day of hunting. 

If your goal is to capitalize on value and find a great ladder tree stand for the money, look no further than the HD 1.5.

Millennium Treestands L110 

When it comes to comfort, we never skimp. That’s why we have included the Millennium L110 as the most comfortable ladder tree stand. 

A 20” x 32” foot platform size is the foundation for one of the most spacious one man ladder stands on the market. Add to that the 20 inch wide by 17 inch deep mesh comfortable seat, and we found there is plenty of room in this stand to stretch out and sit comfortably all day long. 

A folding footrest and armrests are the additional features that round out the comfort of the L110.

The stabilizing strap included with this tree stand secures it to the tree and creates one of the most stable feelings of any stand we have reviewed.

The L110 also has an optional addition of Millenium’s M600 bow holder. Tack this on to your setup, and we have no doubt that you will be totally satisfied with this highly comfortable stand.

The double rail ridge ladder is a technology that we loved about this stand, as it requires no additional brace and is incredibly sturdy. The steel is powder coat finished for weather protection, and will last for years. 

Features:

• SafeLink Included
  
• 20” x 32” Double Size Platform
  
• Folding Footrest
  
• Powder Coat Finish
  
• Adjustable ladder support bar
• Adjustable Padded Shooting Rail and Armrests
• Double Rail Ladder
• ComfortMax Contoured seat
• Weight capacity 300 pounds
• Tree Stand Safety Harness

The Millennium L110 is surely a comfortable ladder tree stand. Its large size, along with its 300 pound weight capacity make it the perfect stand for anyone looking to spend a full day in the tree. 

At 92 pounds, it is a heavier weight stand that may require an extra set of hands or two to set up, but the comfort and space the stand provides is well worth the effort. 

As with all Millennium products, the material quality is top notch and the L110 meets or exceeds standards recognized by TMA

Add into consideration that the L110 is adjustable from 8’ to 21’ in height by adding or removing a ladder section, and it is hard to find a better tree stand for any hunting need. We feel that the Millennium L110 rightfully deserves our top pick for the most comfortable ladder tree stand, and believe that it is a stand that will enhance many hunting experiences. 

Here is a great video that will show you all of the features of one of the most comfortable ladder stands on the market.

Ol’ Man Treestands Assassin 

We have spent our fair share of full days in a tree to know that comfort can make all the difference in a hunting experience. And when it comes to comfort, the Assassin is unmatched,

The padded armrest and footrest are just the beginning of the comfort features on this stand. A full platform and ComfortMax seat with lumbar support make the Assassin the lap of luxury. 

But being comfortable doesn’t exempt the stand from being functional as well, and the Assassin does not disappoint.

The seat folds in 2 different directions, offering us more mobility and better use of the foot platform from multiple different angles. The flip up shooting rail is adjustable, and offers freedom to create the space needed to get just the right shot. 

Each ladder section is made of steel and bolted together to add stability to the frame, and a bridge support compiles that, eliminating the need for a tree brace (although we still recommend one for added safety). 

The Ol’ Man Assassin is a bit heavier, at 87.5 pounds, but we find that the extra weight is more than worth the extra comfort. The stand supports a 300 pound weight capacity that is on par with other single person ladder stands on the market. 

Features:

• ComfortMax Seat with Lumbar Support
  
• Padded armrests and footrest
  
• Spacious foot platform
  
• Bolted together ladder construction with added bridge support
  
• Adjustable ladder support bar
• Adjustable Shooting Rail
  
• Foot rest
• Stabilizer straps
• Weight Capacity 300 Lbs

There is no doubt in our minds that the Assassin will provide a hunter with the most comfortable ladder tree stand experience.

When it comes to staying in the tree longer, maximizing your chances of coming across that trophy buck, look no further than the Ol’ Man Assassin 18’ Single Person Ladder Tree Stand.

Rivers Edge Twoplex

We have found that the best options for larger hunters are found in a 2 man ladder stand which offers more space and the Rivers Edge TwoPlex is loaded with options and is by far the best option for big guys.

The flip-up, TearTuff™ mesh bench seat measures 37 inches wide by 14 inches deep and has a super comfortable backrest that big guys will appreciate on an all day hunt.

The huge foot platform size measures 40 inches wide by 26 inches deep and provides plenty of room for even the biggest guys to move around comfortably.

Couple that with a 500 pound weight capacity and you can quickly see why we chose the Rivers Edge TwoPlex as the best for big hunters.

The TwoPlex rises to 17 feet to the adjustable shooting rail and weighs in at 86 pounds, so you will need help setting it up against the tree, but once you have it connected and tightened the ratchet straps, it is rock solid.

Let's take a look at the features.

Features:

• Comfortable flip up mesh style seat makes standing shots easy
• 40 inch wide platform is roomy for big guys
• Adjustable shooting rail
• Dual tree blades for extra strength and stability
• Comes with adjustable stabilizer bar
  
• Comes with ratchet straps and stability straps

One of the biggest concerns when searching for a quality tree stand for big guys is comfort and the Rivers Edge TwoPlex is one of the most comfortable ladder stands in its class.

You big guys owe it to yourself to check out the River's Edge TwoPlex today!

Click here for all of the best 2 man ladder stands.

Ameristep 15’ 

Some of us bigger guys find it hard to get the comfort and functionality that ladder stands can offer from the traditional single. A great solution is to find a two man ladder stand that combines the best features of a single and a double. Enter the Ameritstep 15’ Two Man.

With a single seat measuring 40” wide x 13” deep, the Ameristep seat is perfect for middle sitting without sacrificing comfort. All that extra space is perfect for guys of all sizes!

Weighing only 71 pounds, the Ameristep is light enough for a single person to set up while still supporting up to 500 pounds. We have found this to be an ideal balance for our big guys looking for a good ladder tree stand experience.

We also love that the Ameristep comes with a tie down rope in addition to 2 ratchet straps and 2 installation straps. Safety features should always be a number 1 priority when considering any tree stand!

Let's take a look at the features.

Features:

• Padded Flip Up Shooting Rail
  
• Padded Extra Wide Seat
  
• Quickclip Ladder Sections
  
• Steel Construction
  
• Adjustable ladder support bar
• 2 safety Harnesses
  

Lightweight, spacious, and easy to set up, the Ameristep is a winner among ladder treestands. It affords a great experience for anyone looking for a little bit of extra room in the tree. 

If you’re one of the bigger guys looking for a ladder tree stand that can comfortably accommodate you and all of your equipment, we feel that the Ameristep 15’ Two Man is the right one for you.

Ladder Stand Comparison Chart

What is a Ladder Stand?

A ladder stand is a tree stand used for hunting by both bow hunters and gun hunters and is complete with ladder system, foot platform and seat that is installed on the tree in one piece.

You don't need separate climbing sticks like you do with a hang on stand and it is not very portable like the best climbing tree stands.

A ladder tree stand is meant to be set up at your hunting spot long before the hunting season and left attached to the same tree for the duration of the season.

Ladder Stands a great option for hunters that don't feel safe in hang on tree stands and they are much quieter than climbing tree stands.

Things to Consider When Buying a Ladder Stand

A quality ladder stand is a fairly large investment so it makes sense to invest some time and research the best options out there.

Let's take a look at the things you should take into consideration when you are shopping for a ladder tree stand.

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Should I choose a single or a double ladder tree stand?

We have found in our experience that double ladder stands are best for larger hunters, and people who know for certain they will be with a hunting partner. Two person ladder tree stands are bulkier, and present a bit more of a labor intensive set up to hang on, but provide some extra elbow room.

One man ladder stands are more compact, and typically lighter. They also have a lighter weight capacity and do not give as much room as a double ladder tree stand during use. 

A two man tree stand also provides more room for two people and more storage space for your gear.

When making the decision between a one man stand and a two person stand, consider your weight, as well as the weight of all of your equipment and compare that total to the weight capacity of the stands you are considering.

Also pay attention to your personal preferences in regard to the kind of mobility you would like to have in the tree. Hunters who prefer a bit more space will benefit from a two person ladder stand.

Hunters that prefer to move locations often will be better off with a hang on stand or climber.

How high should the ladder stand be?

Personal preference when hunting deer plays a role here. Some hunters are more comfortable higher up in taller stands, while others prefer to be a lower tree stand. The general consensus is that an ideal height of between 15 and 20 feet puts the stand outside the direct line of sight of the deer without going so high that it is uncomfortable. Ladder stands will give you a much better view of your surroundings than a ground level stand.

Is the seat comfortable?

We have found that seats in ladder tree stands have evolved over the years as manufacturers recognize that maximum comfort is a huge factor in the success of their stands. In our time hunting out of the stands we reviewed, all of the seats provided a satisfactory level of comfort.

Most of our testers preferred mesh seats, but some like to add a seat cushion, or seat pad for more comfort.

You should also consider seat height as larger hunters will find a higher seat more comfortable.

You can add an extra level of comfort to your ladder stand by adding a tree stand umbrella to stay comfortable in all weather conditions.

How am I going to put the ladder stand up?

Ladder tree stands are typically easiest to set up if you have multiple people. With some one man stands, it is possible to set them up on your own, however we recommend having someone help as a precaution if nothing else. One person cannot easily carry one of these tree stands.

How big is the platform?

Larger platforms are beneficial for hunters who prefer to shoot from a standing position. We have found that a larger platform size is especially desirable when we are bowhunting.

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Does the ladder stand have a footrest?

This may sound like a less important aspect of a tree stand, but a footrest makes a huge difference in the comfort experienced while in the stand. Having a footrest takes pressure off of the lower back and hips. Especially for those of us who like to spend extended periods of time in the stand, an added level of comfort can make all the difference. We recommend prioritizing ladder stands with a footrest during your search.

RELATED: How To Keep Your Feet Warm While Hunting

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Ladder tree stands offer a variety of features that fit the needs of different styles of hunting. There is an ideal ladder stand for any need, including hunters of all shapes and sizes, singles or pairs, bowhunters, and those looking for the best deal. They are some of the most versatile, comfortable tree stands and offer a higher level of safety than other styles of stand.

With so many great options on the market today, we recommend understanding your individual needs and desires before purchasing a ladder tree stand. Ladder stands are meant to be left in one place for extended periods of time. Something to consider before purchasing is whether mobility from tree to tree is a priority. 

We have spent hundreds of hours in the woods, and have extensive experience with many different ladder stands. In all of that time, our biggest takeaway is this: ladder stands are a great addition to the equipment of any deer hunter looking for a way to spend long days in the woods.

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Many of our readers have asked; Are ladder stands safe?

Please remember that all the stands are safe when used properly. Learn to use your ladder stand with safety in mind when you are hunting deer so that you don't become a tree stand accident statistic.

Stay safe and happy hunting!