Last Updated on October 6, 2022 by admin_hunter
Climbing tree stands are often seen as an essential piece of equipment for hunters, as they allow them to hide away from the animal’s line of sight, while also giving them access to a better view of any potential prey.
Lightweight units are especially popular because they are easier to carry around and are quicker to set up; however, it can be difficult to know which model is best for you, which is why we have gathered the best lightweight climbing tree stands on the market that you should consider.
We have also curated an exclusive Buyers Guide and FAQ, so you can learn what to look out for when conducting your research and allow you to make a fully informed decision with confidence.
Here are the lightest climbing tree stands available on the market that you should consider:
Lightest Climbing Tree Stand
Summit Treestands SU81119 Goliath SD Climbing Treestand
- Closed-front aluminum climbing stand with Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo finish
- Suspended foam-padded seat with backrest
- Weighs 25 lbs. and holds up to 350 lbs.
- 18” W x 12” D seat size, 21”W x 30.75” D platform size
- Includes Full Body Fall Arrest Harness System and all necessary hardware
Our first recommendation is the Summit Treestands SU81119 Goliath SD Climbing Treestand, which is one of the original lightweight climbing trees stands that has been a favorite among hunters since its release thanks to the comfort engineered design is paired with a wider top to provide more accessibility for hunters of all shapes and sizes.
This unit has an extremely lightweight design as it only weighs 25 pounds in total making it very easy to carry around and set up, while being able to hold weights of up to 350 pounds, making it one of the strongest models on the market.
It is made with a closed-front aluminum climbing stand to ensure that the unit is both reliable and durable through any kind of weather, while the camo finish will help you to blend in with your surroundings and the suspended foam-padded seat with backseat is guaranteed to provide plenty of comforts when using the unit for long amounts of time.
What makes this our top pick is that this climbing tree stand comes with everything that you need to set up and have the best results as the kit includes the tree stand itself as well as RapidClimb stirrups, bungee backpack straps, QuickDraw cable system, and a full-body harness.
It also comes with a five-year warranty, making it ideal for those who want to have extra security when purchasing their tree stand, while the customer service team is available to assist with any technical issues and queries you may have.
Pros:
- It is one of the original lightweight climbing tree stands that has been a favorite among hunters since its release thanks to the comfort engineered design is paired with a wider top to provide more accessibility for hunters of all shapes and sizes
- Made with a closed-front aluminum climbing stand to ensure that the unit is both reliable and durable through any kind of weather, while the camo finish will help you to blend in with your surroundings and the suspended foam-padded seat with backseat is guaranteed to provide plenty of comforts when using the unit for long amounts of time
- Comes with a five-year warranty, making it ideal for those who want to have extra security when purchasing their tree stand, while the customer service team is available to assist with any technical issues and queries you may have
Cons:
- High price point
Summit Treestands Titan SD Climbing Treestand
- Closed-front aluminum climbing stand with Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo finish
- Suspended foam-padded seat with backrest
- Weighs 25 lbs. and holds up to 350 lbs.
- 18” W x 12” D seat size, 21”W x 30.75” D platform size
- Includes Full Body Fall Arrest Harness System and all necessary hardware
Our second selection is the Summit Treestands Titan SD Climbing Treestand, which is made with a closed-front aluminum climbing stand that is weather-resistant thanks to the corrosion and rust-resistant nature of the material, while the Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo finish and suspended foam-padded seat with backrest allows you to blend in and provides comfort when using the stand for a long time.
The total weight of this unit is 25 pounds making it highly lightweight and easy to carry around, while being capable of holding up to 350 pounds maximum weight capacity, so it is accessible for all hunters of all shapes and sizes. It comes with a two-piece seat that buckles, allowing you to remove the seat quickly when needed.
This unit comes with a full kit and hardware, so you can have the most effective setup possible as you will receive a 4-point safety harness, Rapid Climb stirrups, pads, hardware, ropes, and straps complete with a QuickDraw cable system to ensure efficiency at all times. As with all Summit Treestands models, this unit comes with a five-year warranty guarantee to ensure that you get the best results from this purchase, while the customer service team is on hand to help you with any questions you need answering.
Pros:
- Made with a closed-front aluminum climbing stand that is weather-resistant thanks to the corrosion and rust-resistant nature of the material, the Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo finish and suspended foam-padded seat with backrest allows you to blend in and provides comfort when using the stand for a long time
- The total weight of this unit is 25 pounds making it highly lightweight and easy to carry around while being capable of holding up to 350 pounds maximum weight capacity, so it is accessible for all hunters of all shapes and sizes
- Comes with a five-year warranty guarantee to ensure that you get the best results from this purchase, while the customer service team is on hand to help you with any questions you need answering
Cons:
- High price point
Lone Wolf Alpha Hang On II Treestand
- The benchmark by which all other hang on treestands are measured
- Lightweight, roomy, deadly quiet, and easy to use; Fits trees 4″ – 22″ in diameter
- Features a convenient self-leveling seat and platform; Accepts the E-Z Hang Hook accessory, allowing users to preset multiple stand locations for quick, easy hanging
- The large, contoured foam pad gives all-day seating comfort
- Weighs just 14 pounds and has a 350-pound weight limit
Our third choice is the Lone Wolf Alpha Hang On II Treestand, which has an extremely lightweight design, that is also roomy and easy to use with the ability to fit trees that are between 4 inches and 22 inches in diameter making it highly versatile.
This unit features a convenient seat and platform that is self-leveling and will accept the E-Z Hang Hook accessory, meaning that users that preset multiple locations for quick and easy hanging at any one time. The large and contoured foam pad provides all-day seating comfort, which is ideal for those who like to go hunting for long amounts of time.
This unit’s lightweight design only weighs 14 pounds, making it easy to carry around and set up while boasting an incredible 350-pound weight limit, so it is accessible for hunters of all shapes and sizes.
The platform is made from one-piece cast aluminum, which is highly durable and reliable thanks to its resistance against corrosion and rust, while the distinctive 3D camo platform design ensures that you blend into your surroundings to avoid detection from potential prey.
Pros:
- Has an extremely lightweight design, that is also roomy and easy to use with the ability to fit trees that are between 4 inches and 22 inches in diameter, making it highly versatile
- Unit’s lightweight design only weighs 14 pounds, making it easy to carry around and set up while boasting an incredible 350-pound weight limit, so it is accessible for hunters of all shapes and sizes
- Made from one-piece cast aluminum, which is highly durable and reliable thanks to its resistance against corrosion and rust, while the distinctive 3D camo platform design ensures that you blend into your surroundings to avoid detection from potential prey
Cons:
- The seat cushion is quite thin
Summit Treestands Viper SD Climbing Treestands
- The classic Viper SD remains a favorite amongst hunters
- Strong, lightweight aluminum construction makes transporting and climbing a breeze
- Sit comfortably for hours thanks to the suspended foam-padded seat with cushioned backrest and padded armrests
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty
Our penultimate recommendation is the Summit Treestands Viper SD Climbing Treestands, which has been made with advanced sound-deadening technology thanks to the aluminum 5-channel platform frame with Dead Metal that ensures that the unit is discreet and allows you to hunt without any disturbance.
It is made with a closed-front aluminum climbing stand that weighs only 18 pounds, making it highly durable and reliable thanks to its corrosion and rust-resistant nature, and is capable of holding up to 300 pounds. It comes with all the necessary hardware and a full-body arrest harness system, so you can have the best setup, while the suspended foam-padded seat with a backrest provides all-day comfort and support.
This unit comes with a full kit to provide you with all the equipment you need for your setup as you will receive RapidClimb stirrups, bungee backpack straps, QuickDraw cable system, and a full-body harness to ensure that your climbing tree stand is made up of the highest quality components.
It comes with a five-year warranty, so you have plenty of time to get accustomed to the project while ensuring that you have the support of the customer service team who can assist you with any queries you may have.
Pros:
- Has been made with advanced sound-deadening technology thanks to the aluminum 5-channel platform frame with Dead Metal that ensures that the unit is discreet and allows you to hunt without any disturbance
- Made with a closed-front aluminum climbing stand that weighs only 18 pounds, making it highly durable and reliable thanks to its corrosion and rust-resistant nature, and is capable of holding up to 300 pounds
- Comes with a five-year warranty, so you have plenty of time to get accustomed to the project while ensuring that you have the support of the customer service team who can assist you with any queries you may have
Cons:
- The instruction manual is not clear, so putting the stand together can be tricky for beginners
XOP-XTREME OUTDOOR PRODUCTS Vanish Evolution
- High quality cast aluminum construction – If you’ve had enough of the clunky steel stands, its time to make the switch. Every XOP stand is durable, solid, lightweight, easy to transport and incredibly quiet
- Fully leveling seat and platform for trees leaning/ crooked trees
- Heat-treated steel Fast trap buttons – everything you need is included – Comes with a safety harness, seat cushion, UV treated fastening straps, Six point bracket, backpack straps and our bonus XOP safety DVD!
- Heavy duty stand with a 350 pound weight rating: platform Dimensions 27” x 19”: Overall weight 12 lbs.
- Tri layer foam seat provides the ultimate comfort while sitting and also when standing and Shooting. Watch our video to the left to learn more!
Our final selection is the XOP-XTREME OUTDOOR PRODUCTS Vanish Evolution, which is c. It comes with a full leveling seat and platform for trees, while the kit comes with everything you need for a successful setup as it includes a safety harness, seat cushion, UV treated fastening straps, six-point bracket, backpack straps, and a bonus XOP safety DVD, making it a great choice for beginners.
The stand is heavy-duty and has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds, making it accessible for hunters of all shapes and sizes.
This climbing tree stand has a triple-layered foam seat that provides ultimate comfort in any position, meaning that it is great for those who like to go hunting for long amounts of time, so your body can have the support it needs while reducing the amount of pain in the legs and joints.
This unit only weighs 11.3 pounds, making it one of the lightest models on the market, which is ideal for those who want a quick and easy setup.
Pros:
- Has a triple-layered foam seat that provides ultimate comfort in any position, meaning that it is great for those who like to go hunting for long amounts of time, so your body can have the support it needs while reducing the amount of pain in the legs and joints
- Comes with a full leveling seat and platform for trees, while the kit comes with everything you need for a successful setup as it includes a safety harness, seat cushion, UV treated fastening straps, six-point bracket, backpack straps, and a bonus XOP safety DVD, making it a great choice for beginners
- Has a triple-layered foam seat that provides ultimate comfort in any position, meaning that it is great for those who like to go hunting for long amounts of time, so your body can have the support it needs while reducing the amount of pain in the legs and joints
Cons:
- High price point
Buyers Guide
When conducting your research, there are certain factors that you always need to consider before making your purchase. This will help to ensure that you know how the product will perform and prevent any disappointment. Always consider the weight of the unit, the material it is made from, what features and kit it comes with, any warranty period, and your budget.
Once you have weighed these aspects against your own needs and requirements, you’ll be in a position where you can make a fully informed decision with confidence.
Weight
When purchasing a lightweight climbing tree stand, it’s important to start your research by looking into the weight of the product. All the options in this list are extremely lightweight in design but are capable of holding a large amount of weight, which makes it accessible for hunters of all shapes and sizes.
Not only does this mean that setting the climbing tree stand is easy to do, but it also makes it easy to transport the climbing tree stand if you like to hunt in multiple places.
Material
The next thing that you need to think about is the material of the climbing tree stand. Units that have a frame made from a sturdy material such as aluminum will ensure that your climbing tree stand is incredibly durable and reliable for years of regular heavy-duty use.
Having a padded cushion that is soft will make sure that the user is comfortable when using the unit for long amounts of time.
Features
Always look into what features the unit has and what you receive in your kit. The more advanced models tend to provide you with everything you need for your setup, while cheaper options may only provide you with the basics and require you to make additional purchases so you can customize your setup further if desired.
Warranty
Another important factor that you always need to consider is whether the unit comes with a warranty period or return policy. This is especially essential if you are skeptical about making your purchase and want to have extra peace of security and mind.
The majority of options on this list come with a warranty period, so you can be assured that you get the best performance from your unit. The brand’s customer service teams are also on hand to provide you with technical support should you have any queries and issues.
Budget
Lastly, always consider your budget. As you can see from the options provided in this article, there are recommendations available at a variety of price points, meaning that whether you have the money to spend or are working with a stricter budget, you’ll be able to find the perfect choice for you that doesn’t break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Climbing Tree Stands Worth It?
Climbing tree stands are seen as a worthy investment for mobile hunters who don’t want to be restricted to one spot, as they can be placed at multiple locations for easiness without costing too much.
How High Should you Go in a Climbing Tree Stand?
Climbing tree stands will usually come with their own height limits, but a general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t exceed 20 feet as this will mean that you’re high up to prevent a deer’s line of sight, while not being too uncomfortable for the hunter to climb.
Does Climbing Stand Scare Deer?
Climbing tree stands help to avoid the deer’s line of sight, meaning that if you have a successful setup, then you should be able to have more success when hunting deer. This is because they provide a higher perch over the active deer sign.