Best Tree Stand For Hunting in 2023 – Reviews And Buying Guide

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

We have all of the top tree stands rated and reviewed so that you can decide which is the best for you.

We are a team made up of real hunters. We are outdoor writers, contributors, field testers and pro staff that put each of these tree stands through the rigors of multiple hunting seasons and then rate and review them based on our findings.

Below you will find our top picks for the best tree stand along with links to the best prices that you will find on the internet. 

Keep in mind that the top tree stands are the most comfortable tree stands.

Comfort is the number one factor that keeps you in the tree!

If you need help deciding which type of stand is for you, visit the tree stand buying guide below.

If you already know what type of tree stand that you want, you can visit our lists of the best climber stands, best hang on tree stands and best ladder stands.

Here at DeerHuntingGuide.net most of us are bowhunters and focus our bowhunting out of tree stands.

All of these tree stands are the great for bowhunting, but they are also the great for firearm hunting

Our Top Picks For Best Tree Stand

Let’s get on with the best tree stand reviews.

Best Tree Stand Reviews

1. Summit Viper SD Tree Stand

The Summit Viper SD Tree stand is a great tree stand for bowhunting and firearm hunting.

Summit-Lokt construction is super lightweight. Add in RapidClimb stirrups and QuickDraw cable retention system, and you have a state-of-the-art tree stand.

The Viper SD features high-quality welded aluminum construction, an adjustable 12” x 18” x 2” seat and 12” x 20” x 2” backrest, cushioned armrests, and padded  seat bar and backpack straps.

The roomy platform frame measures 20 Inches wide by 36 inches deep. The climber frame is 22.5 inches wide by 37.5 inches deep.

Plenty of room for spending all day in a tree.

The foam seat is suspended from the climber portion with straps and is super comfortable and infinitely adjustable.

It is super lightweight at only 20 pounds, thanks to the aluminum construction.

All Summit Tree Stands meet or exceed TMA standards.

Maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds.

This is one of the most comfortable tree stands that we have ever used.

Features:

• Summit-Lokt aluminum construction
• QuickDraw cable retention system
• Deadmetal noise dampening technology
• Adjustable 12" x 18” x 2” seat with 12” x 20” x 2” backrest
• Cushioned armrests
• Padded seat bar and backpack straps
• Full-body harness included
• RapidClimb stirrups

If we had to choose the one tree stand to hunt from, this would be it!

Unmatched for comfort and versatility. We Love Our Summit Viper!

Click the link for a complete list of the best Climbing tree stands.

Here is a video showing what Summit tree stands are all about.

2. Millennium M150 Monster Tree Stand

The Millennium M150 Monster is a lok on stand with an oversized platform and a very comfortable seat making it a great choice for all day sits whether bowhunting or gun hunting.

The huge platform measures 24 inches wide by 37 inches deep earning it the Monster name.

The comfortable sling mesh seat is also a monster at 20 inches wide by 17 inches deep.

The all aluminum construction manages to keep its weight to a comfortable 19.5 pounds. Not lightweight for a tree stand, but it is a tradeoff for the size and comfort.

The aluminum is powder coated for a durable and quiet finish.

We love the ComfortMAX seat which is adjustable from 16 inches to 20 inches high, making it ideal for hunters big and small.

The tree stand itself is also adjustable so that you can level it in trees that are leaning as much as 15 degrees.

I have seen it posted online that the weight capacity is 350 pounds, but we have verified with Millennium that the correct weight capacity is 300 pounds.

A Millennium SafeLink is included with the M150 Tree Stand. SafeLink is a 35 foot safety rope with a prussic knot and carabiner that is used when climbing up or down any tree stand so that you are protected in case of a fall.

Features:

• Powder coated aluminum construction
• Patented ComfortMAX contoured sling seat
• Seat folds easily for stand up shooting
• Folds flat and is easily backpacked to your hunting spot
• Includes Backpack straps
• Includes Full Body Harness
• Includes a SafeLink safety rope
• Meets or exceeds TMA standards

Let's face it, when we are looking for the ultimate tree stand, the number one concern has to be comfort and the Millennium Monster is the "easy chair" of hang on tree stands.

This is definitely the most comfortable tree stand in the lok on category.

Comfort equals more time in the stand which could lead to you tagging the buck of a lifetime. 

Here is an awesome video about Millennium Treestands.

3. X-Stand The Duke 20' Tree Stand

X-Stand is taking the tree stand market by storm with their Jaw Safety System.

It is a clamping jaw system at the top of the tree stand that allows you to secure the stand to the tree before you climb up.

This makes setting up the X-Stand tree stand easy and safe.

You can see how the Jaw Safety System works in the video below.

The Duke tree stand is 20 feet high to the top of the shooting rail when set up, which is a perfect height for bowhunting or gun hunting.

The platform measures 18 inches wide by 26 inches deep.

The Comfort-Flex seat is 22 inches wide by 16 inches deep and is a contoured mesh sling seat similar to the one found on Millennium tree stands.

Weight capacity is 300 pounds.

The duke weighs in at a whopping 79 pounds and will require more than one person to set up, unless you are using a 2nd Man Installation Hoist.

X-Stand is becoming the leader in tree stand construction and they are doing it by focusing on the details.

They have come a long way by making their stands as quiet as possible with innovations like the silent snap pin.

They have taken the pins that hold the sections together, which are notorious for rattling, and added a spring which holds the pin in place tightly so that it can't rattle.

They also use self lubricating nylon washers everywhere there is metal to metal contact in order to eliminate sound.

The padded shooting rail makes a great rest for gun or crossbow and flips up quickly and easily for bowhunting.

Features:

• The Jaw Safety System
• Traxtion Control Non Slip Grip
• X-Force heavy-duty expanded metal utilized on the foot platform
• Helix oval tubing for strength and to provide a comfortable grip
• ComfortFlex seat design that contours to your body for extreme comfort
• Stealth Silencers self lubricating washers
• Silent Snap Pins stop noisy rattling
• Adjustable padded shooting rail
• Fold away foot rest
• Padded arm rests
• Full body safety harness included

When it comes to comfort, This stand is at the top of the list for most comfortable tree stands. To see more stands like this, visit our best ladder stand page.

When you look at the innovation and attention to detail on the X-Stand tree stand, it easy to see why we have included The Duke on our list of best tree stands.

Here's a great video that walks you through all of the features of The Duke.

4. Summit Mini Viper SD Tree Stand

The Summit Viper Mini SD is the little brother of the Summit Viper that is reviewed above.

It has all of the great features of the Viper, but in a smaller package, which means lighter weight.

The Mini Viper SD weighs in at just 18 pounds and is perfect for packing in to those big buck hiding spots deep in the woods.

Even though it is smaller than the Viper SD, it still has a 300 pound weight capacity.

The one thing that the Mini Viper is not small on is comfort.

It is still one of the most comfortable tree stands available despite its smaller size.

Speaking of size, just how small is it?

The platform measures 20 inches wide by 32 inches deep, compared to the Viper SD which is 20 Inches wide by 36 inches deep.

The climber portion with the suspended foam seat measures 22.5 inches wide by 33.5 inches deep, compared to the Viper which is 22.5 inches wide by 37.5 inches deep.

The Summit Mini Viper is great for bowhunters that like to get back into the remote areas where bucks are undisturbed.

Here is a comparison chart showing the specifications of all Summit Climbing tree stands so that you can see the differences.

Check out the video below for more information on the Summit Mini Viper SD.

Features:

• SummitLokt Construction - All extruded aluminum pieces are locked together before welding.
• Dead Metal Sound Deadening Technology - Joints and other critical places are filled with a patented expanding foam to ensure complete silence.
• QuickDraw Cable Retention System - The fastest and simplest way to secure the stand to the tree.
• RapidClimb Stirrups - Secure your feet to the stand with these adjustable stirrups.
• 2 inch thick foam seat suspended from the climber for unparalleled comfort complete with foam backrest.
• Bungee Style umbilical cord that connects the platform and the climber. 
• Cushioned arm rests
• Full body safety harness included with safety strap and SR5 strap.

As you can see, the Summit Mini Viper SD is a smaller climber that is big on features.

We have searched all over and we can find some lighter tree stands, but none that we can say are the most comfortable tree stands.

The Summit Mini Viper SD gets the Editor's Choice award for that.

5. X-Stand The Jayhawk Tree Stand

There is nothing better than taking your children hunting and no better way to do that than with a 2 person tree stand.

We have used many 2 person tree stands over the years and the X-Stand Jayhawk surpasses them all for best 2 person tree stand.

X-Stand is the new kid on the block in the tree stand industry and they are doing an amazing job at taking the best tree stands to the next level.

These 2 person tree stands are built tough, safe and completely silent thanks to the innovations from X-Stand.

The Jayhawk is 20 feet high measured to the top of the shooting rail and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds,

The Jayhawk tree stand is quite big with a platform that measures 42 inches wide by 34 inches deep.

The ComfortFlex mesh sling seat is 39 inches wide by 17 inches deep and has a very comfortable backrest.

The combination of the ComfortFlex seat and the large size makes The Jayhawk one of the most comfortable tree stands for 2 people.

As you would expect, the Jayhawk is quite heavy, weighing at at 122 pounds.

You will need at least 2 people and preferably 3 people to set up The Jayhawk.

However, the Jaw Safety System that X-Stand has developed makes setting this  tree stand safer than other tree stands of the same size.

You can see in the photo below how the Jaws on the X-Stand tree stands secure the tree stand to the tree before you climb up and secure it with a ratchet strap.

Revolutionary!

Here's an awesome video that shows you all of the features of The X-Stand Jayhawk 2 person tree stand.

Features:

• X-Force Grates - Special expanded metal used on the platform for traction, strength and noise reduction.
• Helix Tubing - Specially designed 1 inch by 2 inch oval tubing which not only strengthens the build of the tree stand but is also very comfortable to grip.
• ComfortFlex Seat System - Mesh sling contoured seat and backrest that is the hallmark of comfort on the X-Stand tree stands.
• Weather Defender - Special powder coating designed to stand up to the elements and provide a non slip grip.
• Silent Snap Pin - Innovative snap pin that utilizes a spring to keep pressure on it so that i cannot rattle when you are ascending or descending.
• Stealth Silencers - Self lubricating nylon washers are used wherever there may be friction created by metal touching metal, making the tree stand virtually noise free.
• Padded, flip up shooting rail and fold up foot rest for all day comfort.
• Padded arm rests.

The X-Stand Jayhawk is our top pick for the ultimate 2 person tree stand and you can see why.

If you are taking your kids hunting, comfort is so important in order to keep them engaged.

It is a great tree stand for bowhunting and gun hunting.

The Jayhawk tops the list as the most comfortable 2 person tree stand.

6. Summit Titan SD Tree Stand

The Summit Titan is our Editor's Choice for the best climber for big guys for both bowhunting and gun hunting.

Although it isn't just for big guys.

If you are looking for the most comfortable tree stand for all day sits and you don't mind a slightly heavier tree stand, you have to look at the Summit Titan.

The Titan weighs in at 25 pounds and has a 350 pound weight limit.

It has a huge platform measuring 21 inches wide and 38.5 inches deep.

The climber frame measures 24.5 inches wide by 39.5 inches deep.

The super comfortable hanging seat has 2 inches of foam padding and measures 18 inches wide by 12 inches deep, complete with a padded foam backrest that is 12 inches wide bu 20 inches high.

Add in the padded armrests and you could set up a couple of these in your living room for watching tv!

Here's a video that shows some of the features of the Summit Titan.

The Titan has all of the great features that Summit offers on its climbing tree stands.

Lets's take a look at the features.

Features:

• SummitLokt Structural Enhancement - Heavy Duty aluminum frame that locks together before being welded for extra strength and durability.
• Dead Metal Sound Deadening Technology - Summit's proprietary system for eliminating unwanted noise by filling trouble spots with a patented expanding foam to ensure complete silence
• QuickDraw Cable Retention System - No knobs, no nuts, nothing to fumble with in the dark. Just a simple trigger system that locks and unlocks the cable for ease of use.The fastest and simplest way to secure the stand to the tree.
• RapidClimb Stirrups - You slip your feet into these stirrups and an attached bungee cord holds them firmly in place as you climb.
• Umbilical Cord - Summit's Umbilical Cord is a bungee type cord that attaches to both pieces so that you can never lose one piece while climbing.
• The suspended foam seat that Summit developed for its climbers is the most comfortable seat that we have found on a tree stand.
• Padded camo backpack straps for easy backpacking to and from your tree.
• Padded arm rests.

We have some very big guys on our pro staff and they all rave about the Summit Titan.

Click the link for a complete list of the best climbing tree stands.

7. Lone Wolf Assault II Tree Stand

The Lone Wolf Assault II is a great lightweight tree stand.

There are lighter tree stands out there, but they do not offer the comfort and versatility of the Lone Wolf Assault.

This tree stand weighs in at 11 pounds, but keep in mind that you will need tree steps or climbing sticks in order to access the stand.

The Assault platform measures 19 inches by 26 inches, big enough to move around on, but small enough to fit into less than ideal trees.

The seat measures 12 inches by 14 inches and is 21 inches high.

We'll be honest, the seats on the lightest tree stands are not the most comfortable.

Our consensus here at deerhuntingguide.net is that it would be very difficult to spend all day in one of these tree stands.

We have some on our staff that have done it, including yours truly, and it was very difficult to do.

The Assault has a 300 pound weight limit, but you are not going to find many big guys using this tree stand.

Here's a video showing how to set up a Lone Wolf tree stand with climbing sticks.

Let's take a look at the features of the Lone Wolf Assault.

Features:

• One Piece Cast Aluminum Platform
• In Cast Bow Holder 
• Distinctive 3D Camo Platform Design 
• Contoured Foam Seat Folds Up For Extra Space
• Slim Profile Pack
• BackPack Straps For Getting Into Remote Places 
• Includes a 6 Point Fall Arrest System

The Lone Wolf Assault II is the go to tree stand for that situation where you have a perfect place to intercept a buck, but there are only marginal trees to get into.

There are very few situations where you can't hang this stand and that is why it received our pick for the best lightweight tree stand.

8. Lone Wolf Assault Hand Climber Combo

Lone Wolf is known for innovation and making great tree stands and the Assault Hand Climber does not disappoint.

Weighing in at only 14.7 pounds thanks to Lone Wolf's one piece cast aluminum platform with patented 3D Camo design.

It features a 26 inch by 19.5 inch platform and fits trees from 6 inches to 19 inches in diameter.

There are some bowhunters on our staff that don't like the wraparound bar on most climbing tree stands and they chose this as best tree stand for bowhunting.

It is a super light tree stand, but that comes at a cost and that cost is comfort.

You just can't compare the comfort of a stand like the Summit Viper with this tree stand.

That being said, it has a lot of hunters that won't bow hunt from anything else.

Here's a great video showing how to climb with the Lone Wolf Assault Hand Climber Combo.

Let's take a look at the features of the Lone Wolf Assault Hand Climber Combo.

Features:

• One Piece Cast Aluminum Platform
• Uses 2 Traction Belts For Climbing
• Distinctive 3D Camo Platform Design 
  
• Slim Profile Pack
• Contoured Foam Seat
• BackPack Straps And Bungee Strap
• Includes a 6 Point Fall Arrest System
• Made In The USA

We have guys that absolutely love the Lone Wolf Assault  tree stand and that is why we have included it here, but we need to be upfront and let you know that it is nowhere near as comfortable as our other picks for best tree stand.

If you are looking for the lightest climber tree stand on the market then the Lone Wolf Assault is for you.

9. XOP Air Raid Evolution Tree Stand

Here is the story behind XOP tree stands:

XOP stands for Extreme Outdoor Products and was started by the founder of Lone Wolf Tree Stands and his son.

They started XOP soon after the patent ran out on Lone Wolf Tree Stands.

They took the patented design of the Lone Wolf Tree Stand and improved upon it by making the I beam out of cast aluminum, adding a more comfortable seat and changing the color scheme.

They are less expensive than Lone Wolf, but they are not made in the USA.

Either way, we felt that they needed to be included in our best tree stand roundup.

The platform measures 21 inches by 31.5 inches and the thick cushioned seat measures 11 inches by 14 inches.

Weighing in at just 11.8 pounds thanks to the sound deadening cast aluminum construction and has a weight limit of 350 pounds.

Here's a video on the that will show you everything about the Air Raid Evolution.

Features:

• Constructed From 100% Patented Sound Deadening Cast Aluminum
• Quick Connect Bracket For XOP's Exclusive Offset Leveling Design
• In cast accessory hooks for Binoculars and other hunting gear
  
• Fast Strap Attachment Buttons
• Heavy Duty UV Treated Straps For Longer Life
• Integrates With XOP Climbing Sticks for Easy Mobile Hunting
• Dual Action Seat Cushion That Works For Leaning And Sitting
• Includes a 6 Point Fall Arrest System

If you are in the market for a great hang on tree stand, you owe it to yourself to check out the XOP Air Raid Evolution.

We love the technology and improvements on the Lone Wolf design, but we are not crazy about the fact that they are made overseas.

10. Millennium M100U 

For all of you hunters out there that are looking for the lightest tree stand you can find, this is it.

Weighing in at just 13.5 pounds and has a 300 pound weight limit, although I can't imagine a 300 pound guy in this tree stand.

The platform measures a surprising 20 inches wide by 38 inches deep and the seat height is 17 inches.

The seat itself is Millennium's patented comfortMAX contoured, tight sling style seat. Comfortable for short periods, but you are not sitting dawn to dusk on that seat.

The M100U Microlite accepts Millennium's CamLock Receiver system, which is a cam lock that straps onto the tree and then the stand slides into it.

This is ideal for mobile hunters that have multiple sets. You can simply strap the cam lock onto multiple trees and then quickly and quietly move the M100U to the tree of your choice.

Here's a great video showing you the Millennium M100U and the CamLocK System.

Features:

• Powder coated aluminum construction
• Patented ComfortMAX contoured sling style seat
• Seat folds easily for stand up shooting
• Folds flat and is easily transported
• Accepts the CamLock Receiver System
• Includes Backpack straps
• Includes Full Body Harness
• Includes a SafeLink safety rope
• Meets or exceeds TMA standards

Some of our guys on staff are what we call run and gunners. These guys have multiple stand sets and adjust their hunts based on conditions.

The M100U Light is the perfect stand to have multiple CamLocks set up on your hunting property and just one tree stand that you can move from CanLock to CamLock.

If you are looking for the lightest tree stand available today, then the Millennium M100U is for you.

Tree Stand Buying Guide

Tree stands are key to your success as a deer hunter. They allow you a much better view of your surroundings. 

They also keep you above a deer's line of sight, and help to keep your scent from reaching the deer. 

There are three basic types of tree stands. They are hang on tree stands, climbing tree stands, and ladder tree stands. 

Which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences as well as your specific hunting situation. 

Here's a great video explaining the different aspects of choosing a climbing tree stand or a hang on tree stand.

Below you will find a description of each type of tree stand and how to best use them.  

Climbing Tree Stands

Climbing tree stands consist of two pieces. The platform and the hand climber or seat section.

Your feet lock into the platform and you climb the tree by securing the upper portion and then pulling up the platform with your legs.

You then raise the upper section again and pull your feet up again. It is very simple to master with a little practice.

Climbers are very versatile. You can change your position in the tree in seconds and the height of the seat is infinitely adjustable.

These are my favorite tree stands, mainly because they are so comfortable. The more comfortable that you are. The longer you will stay in the tree.

The most comfortable tree stands are the best tree stands.

These are not the same climbing tree stands that your father used to hunt from.

Today's climbers are rock solid and safe. I hunt more than 200 hours a year out of my climbers and I have never had one slip.

Click this link to visit our list of the best climbing tree stands.

Hang On Tree Stands

Click this link to visit our list of the best hang on tree stands.

Hang on tree stands are semi permanent, meaning that they are left in the tree and accessed either from screw in steps or climbing sticks. 

They take a little more time to set up than say, a climber, but once they are in the tree, they are easy to get in and out of quietly and can be left in the tree all season. 

Hang on tree stands offer versatility as far as tree selection is concerned. The tree does not have to be perfectly straight and these stands can be attached to a wider range of tree sizes.

Hang on treestands should be part of your deer stand placement strategy.

These stands come with either a strap or chain to attach them to the tree. I prefer to add at least one ratchet strap for a more solid connection to the tree.

Ladder Tree Stands

Ladder tree stands consist of both the ladder and the platform in one unit after assembly. 

They are heavy and usually require two people to set up. Again an extra ratchet strap is suggested for stability.

Ladder tree stands are preferred by some hunters because of the ease in which you can get in and out of them. 

They are also very comfortable, which means that you will stay longer. Increasing your odds of bagging that buck!

They look very intrusive when you first set them up, but I have found that if you set them up early in the spring and leave them there, the deer become accustomed to them and don’t even notice them.

I have three children and have found that the best 2 man ladder stand is a great way to introduce young ones to youth deer hunting and teach them some deer hunting tips for beginners.

Click this link to visit our list of the best ladder tree stands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should a tree stand be? 

A tree stand should usually be between 15 and 20 feet from the ground. Any lower than that and you begin to lose the advantages of hunting from a tree stand, such as keeping your scent above the deer and staying above the deer's line of sight. Any higher than that and you start to have issues with the downward angle. You can see this for yourself by setting up a tree stand in your backyard and shooting at a 3D deer archery target. You will see that the higher you go, the smaller the vitals get and the more difficult the shot will be. It also becomes more difficult to find the exact yardage you should be shooting. The best rangefinders for bow hunting can accurately give you the correct yardage by figuring out the angle compensation. It will be less yardage that the line of sight and can cause you to shoot over the deer if not figured correctly.

What is the safest type of tree stand? 

The safest type of tree stand is believed to be the ladder tree stand because it is the easiest to climb, as well as the easiest to enter and exit the stand. However, all tree stands are safe as long as you are careful and follow a few simple rules which you can find in the Tree Stand Safety section below.

What tree stand is best for bowhunting? 

The best treestand for bowhunting is the Summit Viper SD tree stand. Some bowhunters do not like the wrap around bar when bow hunting because it easy to bump when maneuvering a compound bow around for a shot and they usually choose the Lone Wolf Assault. However, the bar makes a great rest for a crossbow. Any of the treestands reviewed above are great for bowhunting.

What type of tree stand is the most comfortable?

The most comfortable tree stands are the climbing treestands because they have very comfortable seats. There are some comfortable seats in ladder tree stands and a few in hang on treestands, but generally the climbers are most comfortable. Also consider using one of our picks for best tree stand umbrella to keep you comfortable in bad weather.

Keep in mind that there are other factors to consider when we are talking about comfort. You should wear comfortable pants and boots with the best hunting socks that you can find. Do everything that you can to keep your feet warm while hunting. All of these factors will help you stay in your treestand longer and increase your chances of success.

Are there tree stand alternatives for hunting deer?

Yes, there are alternatives to treestands when you are hunting deer.

Here are some of the more popular treestand alternatives:

RELATED: How Many Hunters In The US?

Tree Stand Safety

Tree stand safety is one of the most important things that we, as deer hunters, need to understand. Every time I look at the deer hunting statistics regarding injuries, it amazes me to see that so many people are hurt every year from totally preventable falls from tree stands.

If you were to ask the average non-hunter, What do you think is the #1 cause of injury to hunters? I am sure that they would reply that it had something to do with firearms or dangerous weapons. 

So, we have to ask ourselves. Why is this not the case?

It seems to me that hunters may not understand just how dangerous hunting from a tree stand can be if a few simple rules are not followed.

Below is a list of those few simple rules. Please abide by them. Not just for yourself, but for the ones you love!

Related: Tree Stand Hunting Accident Statistics

Tree Stand Safety Guidelines

RELATED: Best Barometric Pressure For Deer Hunting

Tree Stand safety does not happen by chance. You must make a conscious effort to be safe in your tree. It only takes a few minutes to properly abide by the rules above. 

Those few minutes could save your life!

RELATED: US Hunting Statistics, Facts And Trends

Final Thoughts

Tree stands are essential to your success as a deer hunter, especially bow hunting.

If you are new to bow hunting, Click here to learn about bow hunting for beginners.

We have provided you with in depth tree stand reviews so that you can make an educated decision about the best one for you or the best gift for your hunter.

We hope that you have gotten some value out of our buying guide and our safety guidelines.

Remember that all tree stands are safe if you follow the guidelines above.

RELATED: Best Headlamp For Hunting

Happy hunting!