Climbing stands are an excellent way to get up above the rest of the hunting crowd. They’re great for bow hunting as well as any other kind of game when you want to be able to see and hear anything approaching from below.
The right hunting stand can have a big impact on your hunting success. The wrong one might cost you that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
In order to get closer to your target and increase your odds of a successful shot, you will need to use best climbing stand for bow hunting.
We compiled this guide with information about the unique characteristics of climbing stands and how they compare to other types of stands.
The 10 Best Climbing Stands for Bow Hunting
1. Best Overall: Summit Viper Level Pro SD Climbing Tree stands
Summit’s Viper Level Pro SD is the ultimate climbing stand for bow hunting. With a patent pending EasyLevel dial system, this stand can be set up in seconds and will stay level even in any terrain.
The Quick Draw PRO cable system makes attaching to the tree quick and easy, and the FasTrack rail allows for installation of other accessories such as shooting platforms with ease.
The wraparound armpad is one of the most unique features on this stand. It makes it easier to see your bow’s target and blocks out as much of the surroundings as possible, so you can stay focused on the hunt.
Summit stands are designed to be superior in all areas, and the Viper is no exception.
It has a patented design that makes it easy to attach to a tree, and the FasTrack rail is perfect for mounting accessories such as a shooting rail.
The armrests are designed to accommodate large tree sizes, and the armpad will keep you comfortable during your long days in the woods.
The stand comes with a 5-year warranty for its components.
Pros:
- Quick, easy setup and good visibility.
- Quick Draw PRO system makes connecting to trees a breeze.
- It’s covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty.
- Ultimate climber for bow hunting
Cons:
- It doesn’t have any extras.
2. Best Comfortable: Summit Treestands Viper Pro SD Climbing Stand
The Summit Treestands Viper Pro is a great climbing stand for bow hunting because it has the features you want with a little something extra. Summit’s Viper Pro has everything the regular Viper SD has, but just like the name suggests, it offers enhanced comfort and efficiency.
It is lightweight and easy to maneuver thanks to its patented EasyLevel system. This stand also includes a Quick Draw PRO cable system as well as a FasTrack rail to install accessories without any hassle or difficulty.
The wraparound armpad is one of the most unique features on this stand. It makes it easier to see your bow’s target and blocks out as much of the surroundings as possible, so you can stay focused on the hunt.
It has a patented design that makes it easy to attach to a tree, and Integrated FasTrack rail allows for installation of other accessories such as shooting rails with ease.
The stand also comes with a 5-year warranty for its components.
Pros:
- Quick, easy setup and good visibility.
- Works great in all kinds of terrain with its patent pending EasyLevel system – even in tree stands.
- Quick Draw PRO system makes connecting to trees a breeze.
- It’s covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- The wraparound armpad is unique, but some might not like its aesthetic appearance.
- It doesn’t have any extras. If you want accessories, you’ll need to get other stands that won’t be included with this one.
Know more: Top 10 Bow Sights
3. Best Lightweight: Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II
Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II is a low-profile and lightweight stand that delivers outstanding performance.
It’s an excellent choice for bowhunters because it packs down to a slim 4-inch profile and is designed to fit trees up to 19″.
The unique, pivoting sit & climb bar provides easy climbing; Fits trees 6″ – 19″ in diameter.
For the perfect shot in any situation, it includes 2-panel contoured foam seat pad for all-day comfort. And if you’re looking for one that gives you stable shooting placement, this is your stand!
It features the full-size 30″ x 19.5″ platform with the distinctive 3D camo platform design.
It has a patent pending design that makes it easy to attach to a tree, and the patented EasyLevel system allows for quick setup and ease of use.
The armrests on the platform are effective in providing good protection, so you know your bow will stay safe when you’re hunting.
The stand has a 350-pound weight limit for stability, and it includes a 2-year warranty for its parts.
Summit stands are designed to be superior in all areas, and the Lone Wolf is no exception.
Pros:
- Low profile to fit in tight spots and transport with ease. A great choice for archers that want a lightweight, low-profile stand.
- Durable design tested to withstand 350 pounds of force.
- Quick, easy setup and good visibility.
- All of this combined with the patented EasyLevel system should make set up quick and easy.
- Quick Draw PRO system makes connecting to trees a breeze. “The wraparound armpad is unique, but some might not like its aesthetic appearance…”
Cons:
- It doesn’t have any extras. If you want accessories, you’ll need to get other stands that won’t be included with this one.
4. Best Cheap: Hawk Kickback LVL Hang-On Portable Aluminum Climbing Treestand
This tree stand is the most popular kickback to date. It is easy to get into and includes a powder coat that provides durability. The Kickback series of tree stands are designed to be the most spacious and comfortable hang-on stands available.
The 24″x30″ platform is welded at all contact points for a rock solid design and does not have any squeaks or noise when in use.
The Hawk KickBack LVL has mesh seat that is super comfortable, it doesn’t absorb moisture, ensuring a dry seat; a matching back rest makes sitting all day easy and the footrest gives extra comfort.
Sit comfortably while waiting on big game with this hunting tree stand while the oversized platform sheds water and will not irritate your back. These stands are easy to setup and make safety a priority.
Pros:
- Easy to setup; durable hardware and powder coated hardware.
- Quiet and comfortable mesh seat. It doesn’t get any more comfortable than this.
- Can be used in both tree stands and ground stands as shown in the picture below.
Cons:
- Chair is not as wide as other kickbacks. Make sure you’re comfortable with this tree stand before buying it because sometimes it can be too narrow for most people.
5. Ultimate: X-Stand Treestands Comrade X Climber
X-Stand Treestands Comrade X is a two-man ladder stand with the revolutionary jaw safety system.
The v-shape design and angle of the platform provides an ultimate hunting experience for two hunters. With the independent, comfort flex mesh seats angled differently, you will have a different field of view hunting.
Shoot your prey while comfortable with padded and camo covered shooting rails and armrests in this 18′ tree stand.
A middle console for quick access to equipment and accessories is also included as well as features like stealth silencers, helix tubing, weather defender powder coatings, 10″ w x 16″ d seats that can flip back or be fully removed (and are padded for noise reduction), camo covered shooting rails, and a ladder raise safety bar that helps keep both hunters safe.
Pros:
- X-STAND has great customer service and their stands are durable.
- The Comrade X is great for 2 hunters. Plenty of room for sitting and shooting.
Cons:
- I don’t think this is the best tree stand for big guys.
6. OL’MAN TREESTANDS Multi-Vision Climbing Stand
OL’MAN Multi-vision treestand is loved by gun and bow hunters because it can be configured for both of them.
The classic OL’MAN straight bar can be set up next to the Gun Rest/Foot Rest. The Gun Rest/Foot rest has a reversible design so that you can shoot with a bow or gun without any trouble.
It’s extremely quiet, making it our best-selling tree stand. Steel construction with a weight limit of 300 pounds and built to last.
Standing platform measures 18×32 inches with a 21 inch wide net seat which weighs 29 pounds in total (including seat pad cover).
This is a heavy treestand, but it is extremely durable and can handle the weight.
Pros:
- Best-selling treestand; durable and well-constructed.
- Very quiet; great for bow hunters.
Cons:
- The stand weight is 29 lbs.
7. Modern: Summit Treestands Viper Steel Climbing Stand
Summit Viper is a modern version of the classic Viper and is built to last. It holds up to 300 pounds with a full perimeter design which gives the climber better safety and stability as a sit-down or stand-up treestand.
The Summit Viper is our best-selling treestand with plenty of features that make this product versatile for all types of hunters, beginner or veteran alike. It’s durable, handsome, easy to use and you’ll be proud to own it!
The Summit Treestands has been able to provide their customers with safety from their products by providing an additional full perimeter design for increased stability.
They have also provided people looking for treestands among other things like climbing stands a very nice seat cushion that is thick enough to reduce fatigue. These and many other features have made the Summit Treestands brand a must-have for hunters everywhere.
Pros:
- Very sturdy; durable and well-built treestand.
- Great for hunting from a sit down or stand up position.
- Extremely comfortable; plenty of padding and cushioning throughout the entire treestand.
- Extremely quiet; especially for a tree stand that is meant for hunters who like to hunt from a sit down or stand up position.
Cons:
- The warranty is not that great, but it has covered accidental damage on mine to this date (2 years).
8. Primal Tree Stands Comfort King Deluxe
Primal Tree Stands Comfort King Deluxe is a pleasurable, durable and comfortable treestand that will allow you to rest comfortably for long periods of time.
The treestand is 24 x 35.75 inches in size which gives plenty of room to stand up on the platform, but it’s not too big or heavy that it becomes difficult to carry around.
Comfort King Deluxe has been tested with a 300-pound weight capacity. It also includes padded armrests, a shooting rail with an adjustable shooting distance and foot rest.
It also comes with backpack straps so you can easily transport it around when taking your hunting trip elsewhere within the United States or abroad.
The Comfort King Deluxe is a treestand that has been made from very durable materials that will allow you to use it for a long period of time. The ladder is extremely strong and the entire structure is able to hold up very well to all types of weather, allowing you to be confident that your treestand will last longer than you might have first imagined.
Pros:
- It comes with backpack straps so you can carry it around with ease, taking off the stress and hassle of trying to lug it around.
- It’s also reasonably priced.
- The seat flips for both archery and gun hunting. It’s made out of premium fabric with a backrest and provides support so that you don’t need to worry about sitting on the edge all day long.
Cons:
- This treestand is not for big guys. It’s only for people who are about 5’8” or shorter. So if you’re a bigger person, then this won’t be the best option for you.
9. Complete : Summit Treestands 180 Max SD Climbing Tree stand
Since the price range was about the same for both stands, I initially found the Summit Treestands 180 Max to be more appealing because of how comfortable it is.
The base is made from aluminum and the frame around the seat, armrests and footrest are made from steel. It has many features in which make it a top-quality product.
The adjustable seat back is padded and provides support for your body so that you don’t have to worry about sitting on the edge of the seat all day long. You can also change the way you sit by pivoting your surround seat to either face or oppose the tree (depending on which direction you are shooting).
The weight limit on this stand is 350lbs and it comes equipped with ropes, straps and all pads needed. Summit 180 Max is a great choice for bow hunting and it’s our best lightweight climbing stand for bow hunting.
Pros:
- It is very lightweight so you can carry it for long distances.
- Very simple to set up and also easy to use.
- The structure around the seat and foot platform are made from steel and the rest is aluminum making it very durable and lightweight. -It offers full range of motion when climbing up or down, turning right or left, even facing backwards if needed.
Cons:
- The assembly of this stand is a little confusing at first, but once you figure it out, it’s easy to put together.
- The platform is not big enough for larger people.
10. Best Climber: Summit Treestands OpenShot SD
Summit Treestands OpenShot SD is designed for hunters who like to pack it back into the deepest woods.
This stand is lightweight and easy to transport because it weighs just 15 pounds. It also has a super-wide, open front that gives all-direction visibility–much more so than the other Summit Tree stands which can have blind spots when you are facing one direction.
The open-front design provides visibility from every side which is especially helpful when hunting in dense woods or forests.
An additional option with this treestand is the seat that folds up into the frame so you have more room to stand. The seat also doubles as a backrest, and this one of the best climber for bow hunting list.
However, one key point that people should note about this stand is its maximum weight capacity which only goes up to 300 pounds.
Pros:
- Has all the bells and whistles that you would want in a hunting treestand, including padded seat and leg rests, back rest, and armrests.
- Wide open front for all direction visibility.
- Super strong and stable, you could use this stand for many years.
- Highly recommended for hunters who like to pack it back into the deepest woods.
- Easy to assemble. It only took me 15 minutes to finish the installation.
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- Weight maximum is 300 pounds.
How to choose the best climber for bow hunting
Now that you know what to look for in a climbing stand, it’s time to find the best tree stands for bow hunting. Learn now:
Safety
Safety is the most important aspect when looking for a climbing stand for bow hunting. The last thing you want is to fall and get injured in the middle of a hunting trip.
The most common injuries caused by treestands include broken bones, sprains, and strains. This can happen when climbing the tree or even when using the stand itself. Especially if you don’t know how to properly use it, so it’s very important to learn how to use your stand before getting out into the field.
Lightweight
You might have to carry your stand with you for miles before finally deciding on the perfect tree to set up on. This is why it’s important that your stand is lightweight, so you can carry it around easily.
It’s also very important to wear a safety harness. I’ve seen many bad things happen to hunters that didn’t use harnesses and by wearing one, you can help prevent yourself from getting hurt.
Space
When climbing a tree, you need to have enough room to position your stand for the perfect shot. This is why it’s always important to make sure you look at the measurements before buying one.
Weight Limit
Everyone has their own preference when it comes down to the type of hunting they do. Looking for something that can hold up to 300 lbs will last you a long time because larger guys can get away with using it too.
Durability
In order to ensure your treestand will last you many years, it’s important that it’s durable. This is why the Summit Viper Level Pro SD is a great option. Even though it costs more than the other options, it’s made from strong materials which will make it last longer.
Comfort
No one wants to have to stay in a stand all day long. To avoid getting a sore back or other body parts, you need to find a stand that’s comfortable. Check out the Summit Treestands Viper Pro SD because it has a lot of padding on the areas where you will be leaning on (the seat, the footrests and both armrests).
Ease of Use
You want to be able to climb up and down the tree with ease. Having a harness that has a lot of padding is a good idea too because it will make it more comfortable to wear, so you won’t get tired as easily when climbing up into the tree.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to choosing the best climbing stands for hunting, my top pick is the Summit Viper Level Pro SD Climbing Treestands. It’s made from very durable materials and all of the features are important in a hunting stand.
It’s comfortable, safe, lightweight and highly durable which is why I would recommend this to anyone who loves hunting with a bow. If you have any other questions about this stand or the others that I listed in this article, feel free to contact me by leaving a comment at the end of this page. Enjoy your wildlife game.
