Hunting on the ground can be rather ineffective if you have no idea where your prey is. If you’re hunting deer, chances are that they’re going to hear you stumbling through the undergrowth if you’re trying to find where they are. So how can you see for a fair distance without alerting your prey that you’re near? Getting the right vantage point for hunting may seem like an impossible task.
Luckily, this is where tree stands will come in handy. These pieces of equipment have been designed so as to give you a higher vantage point, so that you can spot your prey coming. This will allow you to easily see them without alerting them to your presence.
You can also take your time to line up the perfect shot, so that you can improve your chances of getting a hit. But with so many different types of tree stands on the market, how can you be sure that you’ve found the best climbing tree stand?
That’s where we come in! We’ve done all of the hard work for you so that you don’t have to. We’ve researched over 50 different tree stands to find the very best that the market has to offer. We used a list of strict criteria to help us whittle this down to just 9 climbing tree stands. So you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find the best climbing tree stand for your hunting needs down below.
Let’s take a look at the best climbing tree stands!
Out of all the climbing tree stands that we tested during this process, the Summit Treestands Viper SD Climbing Treestand easily came out on top. This particular climbing tree stand comes with a range of fantastic features that will make it fantastic for hunters regardless of their experience.
A handy feature of this Summit Treestands Viper model is that it’s available to purchase in different designs. It is available in both aluminum and steel models so that you can easily choose the best for your needs. The aluminum model features a lightweight design that will be especially handy during transportation. The steel model is also a more affordable option for those who don’t want to spend a small fortune on a functional climbing tree stand.
You won’t have to worry about this climbing tree stand letting you down when you use it. It features an impressive weight capacity of 300 pounds, so will be more than enough for the average hunter. This will ensure that it is able to support all of your weight when you’re hunting so that you can stay safe at all times.
This particular climbing tree stand gives you all the hardware that you need to set it up. It also comes with a full body arrest harness system so as to give you better peace of mind. This aluminum model also features Sound Deadening Technology so as to make it quieter when you set the climbing tree stand up.
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If quality is what you’re after, then the Summit Treestands SU81119 Goliath SD Climbing Treestand should be your climbing tree stand of choice. This particular model features high quality components so that it will last you for many years to come. The frame is constructed using aluminum so that it’s super lightweight to transport.
A handy feature of this climbing tree frame that we really loved when we tested it was the fact it comes with your comfort in mind. This particular climbing tree stand features an ergonomic design so that it can be super comfortable when you use it for hours at a time. There is a foam padded seat as well as a padded backrest to make you even more comfortable. This backrest will give you the support you need to remove any strain from your frame.
You won’t have to worry about this climbing tree stand breaking when you sit in it. It features a large weight capacity of up to 350 pounds. Perfect if you have a larger frame and want to give yourself more peace of mind. This will make the climbing tree stand much safer to use during the hunting season.
This particular climbing tree stand also bears your safety in mind. It comes with a full body fall arrest harness system so as to keep you safe at all times. This will be ideal if you’re worried about your safety when climbing up to your tree stand once it’s been installed.
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Looking for a deluxe climbing tree stand that will give you ample amounts of room when you use it? Then the Guide Gear Extreme Deluxe Climber Tree Stand should be your top climbing tree stand of choice. This particular climbing tree stand has been designed to be roomy, so that you have plenty of room to be more comfortable over longer periods of time.
In fact, we really loved the ergonomic design of this particular climbing tree stand. It features 1 inch thick foam, which will be more comfortable than competitive products that haven’t been built with your comfort in mind. Another fantastic feature of this climbing tree stand is that it features a padded backrest as well as padded arms. This gives you combined comfort and functionality, so you won’t have to worry about sacrificing one over the other.
Another fantastic feature of the Guide Gear Extreme Deluxe Climber Tree Stand is that it can easily be folded down to a low profile design. This will make the climbing tree stand much easier to transport around as you need to. This model only weighs 33 pounds, which is one of the lighter products on the market.
You won’t have to worry about this climbing tree stand letting you down. It has been constructed for heavy duty use, so will be more than durable enough for your needs. It features a sturdy steel frame so as to last you for many years to come.
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Serious about your hunting? Then the Summit Treestands Titan SD Climbing Treestand should be your climbing tree stand of choice. This particular climbing tree stand comes with several features that the seasoned hunter will really appreciate. It features a wide design so as to give you plenty of room when you’re surveying your hunting grounds.
Another feature that we really liked when we tested this climbing tree stand is that it comes with a range of safety features. It includes a 4 point safety harness, as well as rapid climb stirrups. So you won’t have to worry about your safety being compromised when you use this climbing tree stand. This is of course alongside the standard full body fall arrest harness system. It also comes with all the necessary hardware that you need to set up the climbing tree stand before you can use it.
Plan on using this climbing tree stand for several hours at a time? Then you will really appreciate its ergonomic design. This particular Summit Treestands model comes with a suspended foam padded seat and padded backrest. This will make the climbing tree stand more comfortable to use over longer periods of time.
What we really liked about this climbing tree stand when we tested it was its lightweight design. This model has been constructed using aluminum so that it is super lightweight compared to sturdy steel models. This climbing tree stand has a combined weight of 25 pounds, so it will be super lightweight and easy to transport as needed. It also comes with an impressive weight capacity of 350 pounds.
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For more experienced hunters who are looking for the best of the best, then the Summit Treestands 180 Max SD Climbing Treestand should be your top choice. This is the model that you should opt for if you know you will get the use out of your new hunting equipment. This particular climbing tree stand comes with a range of great features that will be highly useful for experienced hunters.
One of the more unusual features of this climbing tree stand that we really loved when we tested it was that the seat can be adjusted to allow you to face the tree. This will be ideal for getting the better shot when your prey passes around behind you. The climbing tree stand also comes with an adjustable height, so you can easily find the best angle for your needs.
Another fantastic feature of this climbing tree stand is that it can be used by hunters of all sizes. It features plenty of room so that bigger hunters won’t be too squeezed into the seat. It also features an extended top frame so that taller hunters won’t be at a disadvantage. All while keeping the climbing tree stand at an impressive 23 pounds in weight! There is also an impressive weight capacity of 350 pounds to set your mind at ease.
This particular climbing tree stand has been built with your comfort in mind. It features a reversible foam padded seat and padded backrest. This will be a real lifesaver when you’re sitting in this model for several hours at a time! It also includes all of the hardware that you need to set up the climbing tree stand.
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The OL’MAN TREESTANDS Multi-Vision Climbing Stand is another solid choice if you’re a keen hunter that doesn’t want to sink loads of money into a product that you will only use a couple of times a hunting season. This particular climbing tree stand gives you the functionality that you need without breaking the bank, so that you can get the clear shot that you need.
One of our favorite things about this climbing tree stand when we tested it was how versatile it was. This particular model is suitable for use with both guns and bows, which will make it ideal for those who struggle to find the right kind of climbing tree stand for your needs. This model comes with a reversible gun rest/footstool so that you can adapt it for your preferred weapon of choice.
You won’t have to worry about this climbing tree stand letting you down when you need it most. It has been constructed using a highly durable steel frame, so it will be more than able to withstand whatever you have to throw at it during the hunting season. This stainless steel frame is heavy duty, so will be able to last you for many years to come.
Another fantastic feature of this particular climbing tree stand is that it is available at a more affordable price compared to competitive products. So if you don’t want to be spending lots and lots of money on a tree stand that you will only use a couple of times during the hunting season, then the OL’MAN TREESTANDS Multi-Vision Climbing Stand is the ideal pick for your needs.
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Looking for a high quality climbing tree model that will last you for many years to come? Then the Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II Climbing Tree Stand is an excellent choice out of all the models on the market. This particular climbing tree stand comes with a range of great features that more experienced hunters will appreciate.
A feature that we really loved about the climbing tree stand when we tested it was that it features a design that is easy to climb in and out of. There’s no need to clamber awkwardly over the safety bar of this design. It easily pivots upwards so that you can climb into the seated part of the tree stand safely. Ideal if you don’t want to have to awkwardly clamber over a climbing tree stand to get in position.
You won’t have to worry about this design becoming uncomfortable to sit in after several hours. It features a 2 panel contoured foam seat pad that works to give you all day comfort. This will be ideal when you’re sitting in the climbing tree stand for hours at a time waiting for your prey to appear. This is also a super lightweight design, weighing only 21 pounds. This will be handy when you need to transport the climbing tree stand between your vantage points.
This particular climbing tree stand comes with an impressive weight capacity. It is able to support up to 350 pounds, which will give you added peace of mind when you’re sitting in it for long periods of time.
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Another fantastic choice is the OL’MAN TREESTANDS Alumalite CTS Climbing Stand. This particular climbing tree stand comes with a range of fantastic features that will make it the ideal fit for hunters of all experience levels. This climbing tree stand gives you the functionality and comfort that you need to have a successful day’s hunting.
What we really loved about this climbing tree stand when we tested it is that it features a super lightweight design. It weighs no more than 21 pounds thanks to its aluminum construction. This will be handy when you need to transport the climbing tree stand between different vantage points. This is one of the most lightweight models on the market, and it also comes with an impressive weight capacity of up to 300 pounds.
You won’t have to worry about this climbing tree stand letting you down. It features an interesting oval tube construction. This unique construction makes the climbing tree stand even stronger than competitive models, so you can rest assured that it will last you for many years to come. It will also be less likely to become misshapen over time.
An interesting feature of this climbing tree stand is that it has been designed with your comfort in mind. It comes with a patented ComforTECH technology, which will give you a much more comfortable experience when using the tree stand for several hours at a time. It also has a large seat width of 21 inches so as to give you plenty of room when you use the tree stand.
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Searching for a more budget climbing tree stand that will be suitable for the hobbyist? Then this Primal Tree Stands Vulcan Climbing Tree Stand should be your top choice. This particular climbing tree stand is available at a more affordable price compared to most of the competitive products that we have reviewed in more detail on this list. Perfect if you like to go out hunting only a couple of times during the season and don’t want to spend a small fortune!
What we really liked about this climbing tree stand when we tested it was that it comes with your safety in mind. This particular climbing tree stand comes with a safety lock cinch strap to keep you attached to the platform at all times. This works to prevent the platform from separating from the climbing aid, which will be a lifesaver when you’re trying to take that crucial shot.
Another factor that is highly useful is the fact that this climbing tree stand has been designed with easy transportation in mind. You can easily fold the climbing tree stand flat when it’s not in use, so that it’s less bulky to carry around. The climbing tree stand only weighs 30.6 pounds in total, making it easier to carry around your woodland terrain. This model also features backpack straps to make it easier to transport as needed.
You won’t have to worry about this model letting you down in terms of comfort. It features an ergonomic design so as to be comfortable to sit in for several hours at a time. This climbing tree stand features a 600 denier, tri-fold seat to give you the maximum amount of comfort. It also comes with padded armrests to make the seat even more comfortable over longer periods of time.
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Searching for the best climbing tree stand can be a real challenge. There are so many different types of tree stands on the market that it can be difficult to choose between them all. These can be at such varying prices, too. If you’ve never bought a climbing tree stand before, it can be confusing knowing where to get started. How can you know which features you should be prioritizing if you’re not sure what you’re looking for
That’s where we want to help. We’ve put together this handy buyer’s guide to give you all the information you need to make a fully informed decision. We’ve included all of the strict criteria that we used to select the best climbing tree stands that we have reviewed in more detail up above. So as long as you bear the below factors in mind when you choose your preferred climbing tree stand, you can rest assured that it will be the perfect product for your needs.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about climbing tree stands down below, or skip ahead to the frequently asked questions!
One of the most important factors that you will need to consider when choosing the best climbing tree stand for your needs is how easy it will be to install. You will ideally want to opt for a model that will be super easy to install. If you opt for a climbing tree stand that is a little trickier to attach to your chosen tree, this will take precious time away from your hunting exploits.
Make sure to check what instructions come with your chosen climbing tree stand before you get started. This should give you a better idea of how easy it will be to install on your chosen tree. It will also be worth considering how easy the climbing tree stand is to dismantle once you’ve finished with it. This is because you should have your climbing tree stand installed for no longer than 2 weeks, otherwise you could compromise its safety.
New to using climbing tree stands? Make sure to opt for a model that has been designed to be as user friendly as possible. This should help to ease you into the whole process so that you don’t waste hours getting confused and frustrated when trying to install your new climbing tree stand.
By choosing a climbing tree stand that has been designed to be easier to install, you can spend more time hunting your prey rather than trying to set up your hunting gear.
Once you have selected a design that is easy to install, you will next need to think about your chosen climbing tree stand’s weight capacity. This is because you will need the tree stand to be able to hold your weight for the entire time that you will be using it. You won’t want to exceed the weight capacity of your chosen climbing tree stand, as this will damage the equipment. You could also cause yourself an injury.
Make sure to double check the weight capacity of your chosen climbing tree stand before you commit to your purchase. If you have a heavy set stature, this will be essential. You will need to ensure that your chosen climbing tree stand is able to bear the entirety of your weight.
The vast majority of models will be able to hold between 300 to 350 pounds. This should give you more than enough to play with in terms of weight capacity. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the weight capacity, the better. This will mean you don’t have to worry about checking whether your climbing tree stand is able to bear your whole weight. It will also be sturdier than a climbing tree stand that comes with a lower weight capacity.
The golden rule of using climbing tree stands is to never exceed the weight capacity of your chosen climbing tree stand.
Plan on using your climbing tree stand for several hours at a time? Then you will need to opt for a model that features an ergonomic design. This will work to be more comfortable over long periods of time, so that you won’t have to worry about becoming uncomfortable when sitting in it for several hours.
If you’re a seasoned hunter who will be making plenty of use of your climbing tree stand over the entirety of the hunting season, then you will need to opt for a model that bears your comfort in mind.
One thing to look for is a climbing tree stand that features a padded seat, padded backrest, and padded arms. This will be highly comfortable over a longer period of time, which we’re certain you’ll be grateful for when you’ve been sitting in it for several hours!
The handy thing about opting for a climbing tree stand that comes with a backrest is that it will also give you proper back support. This will be ideal if you find that your back tends to get achy when you’ve been using other types of tree stands for long periods of time.
Make sure to check whether the full frame of your chosen climbing tree stand features padding all along the frame. Some people prefer to opt for a climbing tree stand that comes with full padding so that it’s more comfortable over long hunting periods.
Another handy comfort feature to consider is whether the climbing tree stand features an adjustable height. This will be ideal for shorter or taller hunters that often struggle to find the right height for their needs. With an adjustable height, you can easily set the climbing tree stand to suit your height so that it is more comfortable.
Ultimately, opting for a more ergonomic design will be essential.
When it comes to choosing the best climbing tree stand for your needs, you will need to bear in mind whether it is a complete kit or not. A complete kit will include all of the necessary hardware that you need to install your chosen climbing tree stand on your chosen vantage point. If your chosen climbing tree stand doesn’t come with all the hardware that you need, you will need to purchase this separately.
It will be worth considering whether your chosen model comes with a foot platform for you to use, or whether this is an optional extra. If it’s an optional extra, we can highly recommend forking out the extra money to get this. Models that come with ankle straps to keep your feet in place won’t be as comfortable.
Another factor to consider is whether your chosen climbing tree stand comes with a safety harness to keep you attached to the platform and the tree itself. This will be essential for keeping you safe during your hunting expedition. If your chosen climbing tree stand doesn’t come with this, you will need to buy this as an additional feature.
A factor to bear in mind when choosing the best climbing tree stand for your needs is the portability of your chosen model. One of the benefits to climbing tree stands is that they are super portable, and easy to transport around as needed.
Make sure to check what the overall weight of your climbing tree stand is when you carry it. The lighter the chosen climbing tree stand is, the easier it will be to carry around with you as needed. This will be essential if you need to hike for ages in between your preferred hunting spots. The heavier the climbing tree stand is, the harder it will be to take with you between your vantage points.
Another factor that will dictate how portable your chosen climbing tree stand is will be how easy it is to dismantle and carry with you. The easier your chosen climbing tree stand is to take down and pack away, the more portable it will be. Some models will even feature carry straps to make them easier to transport. Make sure to opt for a model that features padded straps so as to be more comfortable when carrying it.
An essential feature that you will need to consider when it comes to choosing the best climbing tree stand for your needs is what safety features it comes with. This is because while you are sitting in your new climbing tree stand, it will be important to ensure that it is 100% safe to do so.
This is why it’s always recommended to never use a tree stand that you have made yourself, as climbing tree stands that have been manufactured by professionals have to go through rigorous testing and safety checks to ensure that they are safe for the public to use.
So you should make sure to take a look at what additional safety features your chosen climbing tree stand comes with. Remember that when you use your tree stand, you will be sat at a height off the ground. So if the climbing tree stand didn’t come with any helpful safety features, this could compromise your safety when you use the product.
The vast majority of climbing tree stands will come with a fall safety harness to keep you protected at all times. This will save you from suddenly dropping to the woodland floor, injuring yourself in the process. These safety harnesses will work to keep you strapped to the climbing tree stand until you can safely get down from it.
It will also be worth considering purchasing an additional safety harness or vest just to make sure that you’re as safe as you can possibly be when out hunting. This will prevent any unwanted injury that could keep you away from hunting. It will be important to ensure that your chosen climbing tree stand is able to keep you as safe as possible so that you can have a successful hunting season.
Another essential factor to consider when choosing the best climbing tree stand for your needs is how easy it will be to use. This is because a climbing tree stand that’s a little more complicated to use or that relies on you having experience with climbing tree stands will be a little trickier to set up and use during your hunting season.
By opting for a model that has been designed to be easy to use, you will be making things much easier on yourself. This will allow you to spend more precious time hunting and less time fussing around with a complicated piece of hardware.
Make sure that your chosen climbing tree stand includes everything you need to use it. This will include all necessary pieces of hardware, any safety harnesses, as well as a comprehensive list of instructions to show you how to use your new climbing tree stand efficiently. If you’ve never used a climbing tree stand before, and your chosen model doesn’t come with a handy set of instructions to show you what to do, this will make things a little tricky.
You may find that it will help to ask a friend who has experience with climbing tree stands to show you exactly how you are meant to use your new model if it doesn’t come with all the instructions that you need.
Plan on using your new climbing tree stand for many years to come? Then you will need to think about your chosen model’s durability. Obviously, the more durable your climbing tree stand is, the better. If you make sure to opt for a model that promises to be sturdy and hard wearing, it will last you much longer than a stand made using inferior materials.
Take a look at the materials that have been used to construct your chosen climbing tree frame. Are they super hard wearing? Have they been designed with heavy duty use in mind? What material has been used to create the frame of the climbing tree stand? If you plan on leaving your climbing tree stand out in the open for a week or so, then you will need to ensure that it is capable of withstanding the elements.
A handy feature to opt for is a frame that has been powder coated. This works to protect the steel or aluminum frame from weathering, and will make it less likely to rust. If you want to ensure that your chosen climbing tree stand lasts you for many years to come, this will be essential.
To give you added peace of mind in terms of durability, make sure you double check what kind of warranty your chosen climbing tree stand comes with. The longer the warranty, the more confident the manufacturer will be that their product will last. This should then reassure you that your chosen climbing tree stand is highly durable and will last you for many years to come.
One of the determining factors which will dictate the climbing tree stand that you choose will of course be your budget. Climbing tree stands can be expensive pieces of equipment, so purchasing one for your hunting hobby isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. It will be a lot of money to spend on a climbing tree stand if you find that it isn’t the right fit for you!
You will need to consider how often you will be using your new climbing tree stand. If you are a seasoned hunter who will be out for several stints during the hunting season, and you know you will get the wear out of your new climbing tree stand, then it will be worth opting for a higher end model. You will find that it will be highly beneficial opting for one of the high end models that often costs a bit more money. These types of climbing tree stands will give you the durability that you need in order to improve your hunting skills.
If you’re more of a hobbyist and will only use your climbing tree stand a handful of times over the hunting season, then you may wish to consider a more budget model. These won’t cost the several hundred dollars that a higher end model does, but will still give you the functionality that you need.
Bear in mind that a cheaper model might not come with all the features that you need if you will be using your new climbing tree stand regularly. If you’re an avid hunter, it will be worth splashing out a little bit more to ensure that you find the right climbing tree stand for your needs.
Lastly, you will need to take a look at the specifications of your chosen climbing tree stand to make sure that it is the perfect fit for your hunting needs. This will include things such as its weight capacity, how much it weighs, as well as the size specifications of the climbing tree stand.
You will need to ensure that your chosen climbing tree stand is able to accommodate your frame once you are sat in it. In order to make for a more comfortable experience, you will want to choose a climbing tree stand that will give you ample room to sit comfortably in it. This will mean ensuring that it is able to fit your body into the seated part of the climbing tree stand without being too squeezed in.
Another specification you will need to pay attention to is the size of the platform that is included with your climbing tree stand. This is because the more room the foot platform gives you, the better it will be for hunting. This will give you more room to maneuver so that you can take the perfect shot. Some climbing tree stands don’t come with a foot platform, so we highly recommend purchasing this as an optional extra.
It will also be worth considering the size of the tree that your chosen climbing tree stand is suitable to be fixed to. It’s worth remembering that climbing tree stands can only be fixed to certain types of trees, so you will need to ensure that you find the right one for your needs. There’s no point in buying a climbing tree stand that isn’t going to be able to attach to any of the trees that you use as vantage points while you’re out hunting!
By checking the specifications of your chosen climbing tree stand, you can ensure that you find the right model for your needs before you click purchase.
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If you’re a keen hunter and know you will get the use out of your new tree stand, then yes, they are worth it. This is because you can use your new climbing tree stand to scout your nearby environment and to get a better view of where your prey of choice could be lurking.
If you use a tree stand to hunt prey like deer, for example, it will give you many advantages, including making you less likely to be spotted by the deer.
Don’t want to be locked down to one particular spot when you go hunting? Then a climbing tree stand will be the perfect fit for your hunting needs. This is because you can easily move your climbing tree stand between all of your chosen locations so that you can increase your chances of having a successful hunt.
There are several factors that you will need to consider in order to choose the right climbing tree stand for your needs.
These will include: how easy your chosen climbing tree stand will be to install; the weight capacity of the tree stand; whether you want to opt for a lightweight design; how easy the climbing tree stand is to transport as you need to; whether the tree stand features a comfortable, ergonomic design; whether the tree stand includes all of the necessary hardware you need to install it; what safety features the climbing tree stand comes with; how easy the tree stand is to use; and how durable the climbing tree stand is.
All of these features will combine to give you the perfect climbing tree stand for your needs. You will need to think about each and every one of the features that we have listed above so that you can find the best climbing tree stand. Not sure where to begin? Take a look at our handy buyer’s guide which covers each of these factors in more detail up above.
The 3 main types of portable tree stands are: climbing stands, hang-on tree stands, and ladder stands. There are benefits and drawbacks to each, so you will need to weigh the pros and cons of them up in order to choose the best tree stand for your hunting needs.
You should never use a climbing tree stand that you have tried to make yourself, or a permanent tree stand that’s attached to the tree itself. This is because the equipment won’t be safe for you to use.
Even though tree stands can cost quite a bit of money, it will be a safer bet to opt for one of these over a climbing tree stand that you have built itself. This is because these pieces of equipment have been put through rigorous testing to ensure that they are suitable for use for hunting. They have had various tests on weight capacity completed to ensure that they are 100% safe for people to use.
You should also avoid using a permanent tree stand, because this will have been exposed to the elements for the whole time it’s been attached to the tree. This will of course mean that it is more likely to deteriorate over time, which can then become less safe for you to use.
We would suggest opting for one of the fantastic models that we have reviewed in more detail up above to make sure that you can stay safe when hunting.
You should only keep your climbing tree stand in place for an absolute maximum of two weeks. This is because if you were to exceed this time, the exposure to the elements could start to damage the tree stand. It could also damage the tree itself, and start to become unsafe. To ensure that you are able to properly look after the equipment when you’re not using it, we would always recommend removing your tree stand before the two week limit is up.
To get the best results out of your climbing tree stand, you should ensure that you don’t exceed the weight limit. If you were to do this, this could damage the equipment and cause a fall.
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