Best Hang On Tree Stands

best hang on tree stand

The best hang on tree stands are safe, lightweight, quiet, roomy and comfortable. It’s not easy to find a lock on tree stand that excels at all of those features but with a bit of compromising you can definitely get close.

What you eventually choose will depend on what sort of setup you’re looking for:

With a gun ‘n’ run rig, you’re probably going to prioritise weight over comfort, in which case the XOP Vanish Evolution (10lbs) paired with some Hawk Helium climbing sticks might be what you’re after. (We’ve made a list of the best lightweight hang on treestands here).

For a permanent stand, for example, the sort where you’re trying to weigh up the pros and cons of a ladder stand vs a hang on stand, you’ll likely be thinking the opposite! A comfortable tree stand might be much more important than weight. In which case the brilliant Millennium Treestands M150 should be in the running.

The Millennium M100U is an awesome option if you want to hunt multiple fixed positions but only want a single hang on stand. Because you can place multiple Receiver Mounts and climbing stick sets around a property allowing you to just click the M100 into place.

And for bow hunting you’ll want want a fold up seat and platform big enough for a standing shot (unless you like taking seated shots). In which case the Rivers Edge Big Foot TearTuff XL Lounger could be exactly what you are looking for.

Whatever your situation, there should be something on this list that work for you. So do please read on!

The Best Hang On Tree Stand: The Lone Wolf Alpha II

The Lone Wolf Alpha II is the best hang on tree stand available today. It packs many features into a tidy and affordable package from a top supplier of hunting equipment. 

The straps are comfortable, and the kit includes a complete fall-arrest system to keep you safe. Some hunters may want to upgrade the harness for better comfort, but that is really to be expected at this price point. 

Specs

  • 30″ x 19.5″ platform, one-piece cast aluminum
  • 14″ x 12″ Seat with 21” height
  • Fits trees 4″ – 22″ in diameter
  • Camouflage pattern
  • Seat: Large, ergonomic foam pad
  • Maximum weight capacity rating: 350 pounds
  • Weight: 14 pounds
  • 6-point fall arrest system included
  • Backpack straps included

The Verdict 

If you are a hunter who likes to ‘run and gun,’ moving from one location to another often, the Lone Wolf Alpha II is pretty much unbeatable. 

It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and very quiet both during carrying and when you are perched in your hide. Its mobility makes it hard to choose another hang on tree stand over it. 

But, if you’re hunting with a bow or like to place multiple stands, you might prefer a slightly different setup that is more suitable for how you hunt. For instance, the Lone Wolf Assault II is even lighter at only 11 pounds. 

And if you like to plan ahead and place multiple receivers on different stands, you might want to focus on the models from Millenium, as their design is more conducive to that strategy. 

Availability

The Lone Wolf Alpha II should be available at the following stores:

The Bottom Line

The Alpha II is the top choice for a hang on tree stand. And, there are other offerings from Lone Wolf that might appeal to different users.

Millennium M100: Most Comfortable Hang On Treestand

The Millennium M100 is an excellent choice for anyone who likes to place multiple receivers and climbing sticks in advance and then move around between locations with your tree stand. With the Millennium M100’s rapid deployment, it’s ideal for this sort of strategy. 

Specs

  • 38″ x 20″ platform, powder-coated aluminum
  • 22″ x 16″ Seat with 17” height
  • Fits trees approximately 6″ – 19″ in diameter
  • Green and black pattern
  • Seat: Fold-up
  • Maximum weight capacity rating: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 12.5 pounds
  • Rope ladder included
  • Backpack straps included

The Verdict

Buy a few sets of receivers and Hawk Helium climbing sticks, and plan your movements for the day. When you go to a new location, it only takes about ten seconds to lock your stand in place on the prepositioned receiver. It’s one of the best lock on tree stands. 

And, if you own or have experience with an older M100, this updated model is 20% lighter, making it even easier to take advantage of the slick receiver system. There’s plenty of space to stand on the large platform, making it an ideal perch for bowhunting. 

Consider adding an M105 Footrest from Millennium to pimp out your stand, even more, taking your comfort to the next level. 

Availability

The Millenium M100 Ultralite should be available from the following stores:

The Bottom Line

The Millennium M100 is the most comfortable hang on tree stand, so if you like to post in your perch for hours at a time, this is the stand for you. Just be prepared that you might doze off!

Millennium M150: Biggest Hang On Tree Stand

Millennium’s line of hang on tree stands also offers one of the biggest hang on stands you can find. The M150 model is a bit harder to hang than the smaller M100, but if you’re a bit bigger or you hunt with a rifle, you’ll appreciate the extra space and comfort of the larger model. 

Specs

  • 37″ x 24″ platform, powder-coated aluminum
  • 14″ x 12″ Seat with backrest and side straps, adjustable 16”-20” height
  • Work on trees with up to a 15-degree lean
  • Fits trees 9″ – 22″ in diameter
  • Green and black pattern
  • Fold up seat
  • Maximum weight capacity rating: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 19 pounds
  • Rope ladder included
  • Backpack straps included

The Verdict 

Millennium’s M150 is hard to beat. It is spacious, comfortable, and suitable for use on almost any tree, even if it’s leaning at a bit of an angle. For such a roomy tree stand, it’s still relatively light and maneuverable. 

That extra weight makes it a bit harder to hang, but the typical M150 user is big enough that the added heft won’t be much to contend with. And if you want even more comfort, consider purchasing a footrest

The Bottom Line

The M150 is definitely one of the most comfortable hang on stands you’ll ever sit in, and it’s probably the best hang on stand for big guys because of the extra space and excellent design.

Available From

Guide Gear Hang On Tree Stand: Best Hang On Tree Stands Under $100

The Guide Gear Hang On Tree Stand is noteworthy for its extreme affordability. Available for less than a third of the price of some premium models, it is still quite capable of offering a hunter a perch from which to stalk their prey. 

And, it’s conveniently available in two sizes. 

Specs

Guide Gear Hang-on Tree Stand, 24″ x 29.5″

  • 24″ x 29.5″ foot platform
  • 14” x 8” foam Seat with 21” height
  • Black pattern
  • Maximum weight capacity rating: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 21.5 pounds
  • Ratchet straps included

Guide Gear 20” x 18″ Hang-On Tree Stand

  • 20” x 18″ powder-coated steel construction
  • 10”x 12” foam Seat with 22” height
  • 25” x 18” foot platform
  • Black and chrome pattern
  • Maximum weight capacity rating: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 18.3 pounds
  • Ratchet straps included

The Verdict 

For the price of one premium tree stand, you could conceivably purchase two Guide Gear stands. For someone shopping for a group, this purchasing power can make a real difference. They aren’t supremely light, and they don’t have some of the fancy features you might want. 

But, their affordability makes them a solid contender for your next hang up tree stand purchase. I have two nieces who are learning to hunt, and I was able to buy the larger and smaller model for them to join me on hunts. I carry both of these models with my gear, as they are a bit heavy. 

Then they argue over who has to carry mine!

Available from…

The Bottom Line

The Guide Gear hang up tree stands are ideal for novice hunters or kids. They are inexpensive, but they’re not cheap. So you shouldn’t hesitate to buy one as an extra to bring along on hunting excursions where you might have a guest, especially if they are not going to miss a backrest. 

Muddy Boss XL – Best Hang on Tree Stand Under $200

The Muddy Boss XL lacks some of the adjustability you find on other hang up tree stands. But, it is a serious bargain, offered at a very reasonable price point. And, while it’s affordable, it is still a pretty high-quality tree stand. 

Specs

  • 34″ x 25″ platform, steel construction
  • 18″ x 12″ foam flip-up seat with 21” height
  • 9″ minimum tree diameter
  • Black and orange pattern
  • Maximum weight  capacity rating: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 19 pounds
  • 4-point fall arrest system included
  • Slide-buckle straps included

The Verdict 

There isn’t anything negative about the Muddy Boss XL. Sure, it doesn’t have a fancy leveling system, and it’s a bit of a no-frills design. But, it’s spacious, comfortable, affordable, and able to support very large hunters safely, even when taking a standup shot.

If you’re looking for more, there are plenty of other models with those premium features included. But, for a budget-wise hunter, it’s hard to find a better hang up tree stand. I think that Muddy Boss could probably charge quite a bit more for their XL stand, but their loss can be your gain. 

The Bottom Line

The Muddy Boss XL is probably the top choice for those hunters who purchase multiple tree stands. Whether for hunting with family or friends or for setting up a few at a time when hunting alone, the price is unbeatable, and the comfort level is more than adequate. 

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Rivers Edge Big Foot Tear Tuff XL – Best Hang On Tree Stand with Padded Backrest & Armrest

The Rivers Edge Big Foot Tear Tuff XL offers a couple of features that many tree stands lack. Not only do you have the added comfort of padded armrests, but you can also relax into the convenient backrest. 

Specs

  • 37.5″ x 24″ platform, one-piece cast aluminum
  • 20.5″ x 13″ Seat with 22” height
  • Fits trees 8″ – 20″ in diameter
  • Black and yellow pattern
  • Seat: mesh, flip-up
  • Maximum weight capacity rating: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 26 pounds
  • Full-body harness system included
  • Single noiseless strap included

The Verdict 

For all-day perching, the extra margin of support provided by the armrests and backrest is quite useful. And, the platform on this Rivers Edge model is the same size as that of the much more expensive Millennium M150. 

But, keep in mind that while the platforms are close to identical, the seat on the Rivers Edge Big 

Foot Tear Tuff XL is considerably smaller than the one on the Millennium M150. So, if you have a bigger rear end or like to move around a bit, it might not be the right tree stand for you. 

The Bottom Line

The added comfort of padded armrests and a backrest can make this tree stand the top choice for some hunters. Combined with a reasonable price point and with almost all of the features and dimensions comparable to premium models, it’s a hang up tree stand to consider.

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Primal Comfort King: Best Hang on Tree Stand with Shooting Rail

The Primal Comfort King comes with an integrated shooting rail. For many hunters, a convenient rail to lay their rifle across when setting up a shot is an essential feature. But, you have to pay extra for a shooting rail when you purchase it as an add-on accessory from most manufacturers. 

Specs

  • 35.75″ x 24″ platform, steel tube frame
  • 20.5″ x 15.5″  flip-up padded seat with 21” height
  • Black and camouflage pattern
  • Padded armrest and shooting rail
  • Seat: Flip-up canvas
  • Footrest also flips up
  • Maximum weight capacity rating: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 29 pounds
  • Full body safety harness system included
  • Backpack straps included

The Verdict 

This tree stand from Primal isn’t any sort of slouch. But it’s kind of a budget model. It’s much heavier than some of the more expensive models, and it doesn’t have the convenience of an ergonomic seat, a leveling system, or other top features. 

What it does have is an integrated shooting rail. So if you are a rifle hunter, this model may be very appealing for you. Right out of the box, it’s ready to go. Ready, aim, fire!

The Bottom Line

The Primal Comfort King is a very nice entry-level model, but its weight is significant. Lower price would prefer to bring along my Millennium M150 and their add-on shooting rest when I go rifle hunting.

For others who don’t have the budget for the Millennium model and the added cost of the M101 shooting rail, the Primal Comfort King will do the trick.  

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Millennium M360 Revolution: Best Hang On Tree Stand with Swivel Seat

The Millennium M360 Revolution is special. Its design allows the user to swivel through a full 360 degrees, offering unparalleled flexibility as a hunting platform. There are other swivel models out there, but this is the best hang on tree stand. 

Specs

  • 40″ diameter round platform, powder-coated aluminum, and study steel construction
  • 20” x 17” seat with 7” height
  • Green and black pattern
  • Seat: 360-degree swivel, with flip up seat
  • Leveling system and built-in leveling bubble
  • Maximum weight rating: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 27 pounds with seat, 22 pounds without
  • Safelink rope included
  • Three secure ratchet straps and easy-hang strap included

The Verdict 

If you like to get a good look at everything around you, you can’t go wrong with this tree stand. There is a bit of a trade-off though, as that swiveling ability comes with a bit of added weight. This stand weighs twice as much as some other models. 

But, it’s easy to level, and once you’re in place, you don’t have to make crazy moves or twist precariously to survey things that aren’t right in front of you. Simply swivel around the platform for a complete view. 

Its seat is comfortable, it levels quickly, and it’s very quiet. However, it is a pretty popular model, so much so that it can sometimes be hard to find in stores. 

The Bottom Line

The Millennium M-360 is from a top manufacturer of tree stands. Its design is ideal for hunters who want to remain aware of their surroundings. The swivel design is something that you will either love or hate, depending on your style of hunting. 

It’s probably a good idea to try one out before you open up your wallet to buy one. 

Available From

XOP Vanish Evolution

The XOP Vanish is a viable alternative to the Lone Wolf Alpha II. It offers the same run-and-gun style, compact design, and features, but at a lower price point. 

Specs

  • 27″ x 19″ platform, cast aluminum
  • 14″ x 11″ Seat 
  • Green or Storm Gray pattern
  • Seat: foam pad
  • Maximum weight rating: 350 pounds
  • Weight: 11 pounds
  • 6-point fall arrest system included
  • Backpack straps included
  • Accessory hooks for gear

The Verdict 

The XOP Vanish Evolution is a bit cheaper than some premium models. But it’s backed by a lifetime warranty on its metal components, so even the most mobile hunter can rest assured that it will stand up to the demands of heavy field use. 

This newest version of the Vanish Evolution is almost three pounds lighter than its predecessor, bringing unprecedented mobility to your gear. 

The Bottom Line

The XOP Vanish Evolution is new for 2021, and it’s ready to get to work. You shouldn’t hesitate to add one to your hunting gear, even if it doesn’t enjoy the same reputation as some premium tree stands. 

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Hawk Helium

The Hawk Helium series of hang on tree stands comes in three distinct versions. The Hawk Helium Ultra Lite features a 16×10” adjustable foot platform and comes with climbing straps, a full-body safety harness, a lineman’s climbing strap, and backpack straps. The Ultra Lite weighs just 11 pounds and has a 300-pound weight capacity. 

The Hawk Helium Pro model stand has a 24×30” welded platform, with a flip-back footrest, a comfortable memory foam seat, and weighs in at just 12 pounds. 

It also comes with a cam buckle tree strap, a full-body harness, a set of backpack straps, and a lineman’s climbing strap. It can also support hunters up to 300 pounds. 

The  Hawk Helium XL has a 24” x 30” platform with an oversized grip, heavy-duty cabling and also comes with a full body safety harness. It also has a 3” thick foam seat that measures 16” x 10.” It also weighs just 12 pounds. 

Product Highlights

  • Multiple size platforms, tubular frame design
  • Multiple seats and height
  • Camouflage pattern
  • Maximum weight rating: 300 pounds
  • Weight: variable 
  • Single or double strap attachment included depending on model 

The Verdict

All three of these tree stands from Hawk Helium use a set of grip teeth to bite into the tree for stability. You may need to adjust the stand to get maximum stability, particularly when preparing for a shot, mounting, or dismounting. I ended up adding an extra ratchet strap to support my weight when I have to move. 

This series of tree stands are enough to get the job done, and anyone can find one that is suitable for them among the XL, Pro, and Ultra Lite models. 

The Bottom Line

The Hawk Helium XL, Pro, and Ulta Lite hang up tree stands are a reasonable alternative to Lone Wolf and other premium brands. You can save a few dollars, but remember that cost-savings when your stand wiggles a bit, and you have to fine-tune it a bit. 

Available From:

Buying Guide

When shopping for a hang up tree stand, I recommend being mindful of the following considerations. Understanding this guide will help you make the best purchase. 

How Mobile Do You Need to Be?

If you’re a run-and-gun hunter who likes to move from one place to another according to your senses and instincts, you need a portable, lightweight stand that is quick to deploy and takedown. 

But some hunters prefer to follow a plan. Maybe you have some intel from your trail cameras or other hunters, so you can change to predetermined positions throughout your hunt. If you prefer this method, you might be best served by buying a few receivers and climbing sticks that work with your stand, so you can pre-deploy your equipment in a few locations and rapidly change between them. 

You should also consider the distance you have to travel while carrying your stand. If you’re going more than a mile, you should carefully consider the weight of your stand. 

And, if you’re hunting on public land, you may have to be more mindful of others, so setting up multiple hides and tree stands all over the place might not go over too well. That is probably best done on private lands. 

How Big of a Platform Do You Need?

In the world of tree stands, bigger is not always better. But guess what? Smaller isn’t always ideal either. Aside from your size and weight, the most significant determining factor in how big of a platform you need in a tree stand is your means of hunting. 

Bowhunters need to stand up comfortably, drawing their arm back to achieve full tautness on their string. So, consider how you move, aim and shoot your bow when considering the size of the platform on your tree stand. 

Similarly, hunters who shoot using a rifle need space to aim and fire. But, they probably want to do so from a comfortable, stable, seated position. That might not necessarily require a large platform, but it does require particular ergonomics. 

Comfort

In a tree stand, comfort is often a relative term. You’re up off the ground, perched in a tree. But, having the support of a well-cushioned seat is essential for making your time in your tree stand comfortable. 

Some tree stands have simple canvas seats that are pretty comfortable initially. But after a couple of hours, you might desire something a bit plusher. 

And, when you add in a backrest, armrests, a footrest, and other creature comforts, you might be able to stay out on the trail longer in pursuit of your prey. 

It’s a good idea to sit in a tree stand for a minute to gauge how well it fits you, how well it supports you, and how much comfort it will afford you during your hunts. Some stores even have tree stands mounted a couple of feet off the ground for you to get a feel for them. 


And a lightweight tree stand should still allow you to sit comfortably and offer safety features to keep you safe at height and when carrying at ground level. The last thing you want is an aching back. 

Ease of Setup

Some hang up tree stands use ratchet straps. Others use slide straps. Still, others just rely on your weight to create tension. There are models with one strap, two straps, and three straps. 

If it is a pain in the neck to set up your tree stand, you’re going to hate it. So consider your preferences carefully. I, for one, hate ratchet straps in general, so I try to avoid those models. 

Every tree stand in this review is relatively easy to set up, but some are easier and faster than others. But, that speed and ease of deployment sometimes come with a tradeoff in the stability department. 

How Heavy is Your Gear?

When you load up your gear, your tree stand will probably be among the heaviest single things you carry. When coupled with your climbing sticks, you’re talking a pretty serious burden. 

So it makes plenty of sense to minimize your workload by opting for lightweight equipment wherever possible. 

A combined total of about twenty pounds between your tree stand and your climbing sticks is pretty reasonable, and most would consider that a lightweight kit. 

The closer you get to thirty pounds, the more you’re going to feel the added weight, particularly if you have a long hike into and out of the woods. 

Carefully consider how well you can cope with added weight and factor that into your purchase. 

How Quiet Is It?

No one wants a noisy tree stand. If it creaks or squeaks when you need to move to take your shot, you run the risk of scaring off the animal you’ve been waiting for all day. 

To minimize your noise, look for a good tree stand with Teflon washers, special coatings, and buffers that prevent metal-to-metal contact. 

Can You Level The Stand?

A built-in leveling system isn’t necessary for most tree stands. But, it’s a nice feature to have, as the level your perch is, the more comfortable it will be. 

But, adjustability is significant, especially if you plan on perching your stand in gnarly, crooked trees. Straps that are too short or too narrow can limit your hanging options. Some tree stands just aren’t made for outside-the-box setups in precarious positions. Often, the most straightforward setups with the least features are the best for hanging in tough locations. 

FAQs

What is the best hang on tree stand and climbing stick combo?

The best combination of a tree stand and climbing sticks are the Lone Wolf Alpha II and the Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks.