The Lightest Hang on Tree Stand Reviewed! (Just 10lbs)

lightest hang on tree stand

Looking for the lightest gun ‘n’ run setup?

Whether you hunt public land, need to hike in to your favourite spot or just like to stay mobile, we’ve gone looking for the lightest hang on tree stand and climbing stick combo available right now.

Of course, even when prioritising weight, you may actually consider other important factors. For example, even though at just 10lbs the XOP Vanish Evolution is the lightest hang on tree stand on the market, you’ll find plenty of hunters are willing to sacrifice an extra 4.5lbs to go with the extreme comfort of the Millenium M100 Ultralite.

For the purposes of this article we’ve consider the lightest tree stands to run anywhere up to 15lbs. So whether you’re looking for a padded seat, or a big platform or a run rail in addition to your lightweight requirement, you should find a rock solid recommendation somewhere below.

From the lightest to the heaviest:

  • Millenium M7 Microlite: insanely light at just 8.5lbs (available at Amazon >>)
  • XOP Vanish Evolution: 10lbs and very compact (available at Scheels >>)
  • Hawk Helium Ultra Lite: a very respectable 11lbs (available at Walmart >>)
  • XOP Air Raid Evolution (11.8lbs)
  • Hawk Helium Pro 12lbs and 6-position seat (available at Black Ovis >>)
  • Hawk Helium XL: 12lbs with 5sq-foot-platform (available at Sportsman’s Warehouse >>)
  • Millennium M100 Ultralite: 14.5lbs and insanely comfortable (available at Optics Planet >>)
  • Big Game Captain: 15lbs but great budget option (available at Scheels >>)
  • Primal Raven: 15.5lbs but very, very cheap (available at Sportsman’s Warehouse >>)

XOP Vanish Evolution (10lbs)

The XOP Vanish Evolution is the lightest lock-on tree stand at only 10 pounds. Its platform measures 27 by 19 inches, so there’s plenty of space to rest your belongings. And it can hold up to 350 pounds.

This stand features a six-point fall arrest system to keep you from falling to the ground. To make use of the system, you also get a full-body harness. That way, you don’t have to worry about feeling unsafe when sitting down.

And it’s quiet and compact, so it’s perfect for taking with you to different hunting spots. If you ever come across a crooked tree, you can still use the XOP Vanish Evolution. Its design lets you use it slightly offset to account for the tree’s angle.

This stand comes with a compression foam seat pad so that you can be comfortable. The backpack straps are also comfortable and easy to use as you walk to and from a hunting site. It’s an excellent choice for frequent and occasional hunters.

Pros

  • Lightest option
  • Works on crooked trees
  • Holds up to 350 pounds
  • Compact
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Small platform
  • Some folk might find the stool uncomfortable for long sits

Availability

The XOP Vanish Evolution should be available in the following stores:

Hawk Helium Ultra Lite (11lbs)

Another one of the lightest hang-on tree stands is the Hawk Helium Ultra Lite. It’s not the lightest, but it comes close at just a pound heavier than the XOP stand. The aluminum design keeps the stand from being too heavy and hard to use.

And you can adjust the memory foam seat to make yourself as comfortable as possible. The foot platform measures 10 by 16 inches, and you can adjust it as well. That way, your feet don’t have to hang from your seat.

This stand can hold up to 300 pounds, so it works for a lot of people. It also features Teflon washers that keep metal from contacting metal.

You will get a full-body safety harness, a ratchet strap, a pull-tight harness, backpack straps, and a lineman’s climbing strap. All of that can help you stay secure, so you can sit as high up as you want without the risk of falling.

Pros

  • Quiet and super compact
  • Comfortable and adjustable
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Very minimalist (not that comfortable)

Availability

The Hawk Helium Ultralite should be available in the following stores:

Lone Wolf Assault II (11lbs)

Another one to consider when searching for the lightest lock-on tree stand that meets your needs is the Lone Wolf Assault II. The seat is comfortable and versatile, so you can sit in almost any tree to help you hunt.

Not only is it lightweight and mobile, but it’s small enough to fit on a lot of different trees. Its self-leveling system is great for use in offset trees. The contoured foam seat measures 12 by 14 inches and is comfortable for a long day of hunting.

You can rest your feet on the 19.5 by 26-inch platform so that your feet won’t hang loose. It also comes with a fall arrest system to keep you extra safe when using the stand.

When you’re done hunting, you can fold up the seat into a compact shape. That makes it easy to take with you deep into the woods. And the backpack straps keep you from having to carry the seat in your hands.

Pros

  • Flexible
  • Not too big
  • Easy to use
  • Portable
  • Works in a lot of trees

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive
  • Not the most comfortable

Availability

The Lone Wolf Assault II should be available from the following stores:

Lone Wolf Alpha II (11.5lbs)

If you want to hunt in different places, you might want to consider the Lone Wolf Alpha II. It’s a bit heavier, but it’s still fairly lightweight. You can use the hang on with trees as small as 4 inches or as large as 22 inches in diameter.

The seat is quiet, so you can keep from disturbing animals as you hunt. Plus, the seat and platform level themselves, so you don’t have to worry about sitting at an angle. It also features a large foam seat to help you stay comfortable.

You can use the E-Z Hang Hook bow holder accessory to preset different hanging locations. That way, you don’t have to set up the seat from scratch with each tree. And the fall arrest system will help you stay safe when sitting up high.

Meanwhile, the camo pattern makes it hard for animals to notice you. The backpack straps are great for transporting the stand to and from your favorite hunting spots.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Easy to use
  • Preset options
  • Fall arrest system
  • Self-leveling

Cons

  • Watch out for metal-to-metal contact
  • Could be more comfortable

Availability

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

Hawk Helium Pro (12lbs)

The Hawk Helium Pro is another one of the lightest hang on tree stands. You can use it comfortably for a long day of hunting, and the one-piece design won’t make noise. Attachment hooks and Teflon washers keep the stand even quieter.

This stand’s seat is comfortable and can support you when you get on and off of it. You can push the stand into the tree bark to make it super stable. Plus, there are six places where you can adjust the seat to make it level, even on a crooked tree.

It features a camo print seat, and the rest uses neutral colors. That way, you don’t have to worry about your prey seeing you before you shoot.

While it’s not the lightest option, it’s not too heavy. But it can take a while to set up the seat, so you want to make sure you’ll sit there for a while to make it worth it. Then, you can enjoy a day of hunting from the trees.

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Comfortable
  • Weather-resistant
  • Quiet
  • Fairly sturdy

Cons

  • Hard to set up
  • A little expensive

Availability

The Hawk Helium Pro should be available in the following stores:

Hawk Helium XL (12lbs)

You should also consider the Hawk Helium XL when considering lightweight hang on stands. It weighs about 12 pounds, and it can support up to 300 pounds. Aluminum keeps the stand from getting too heavy so that you can carry the stand easily.

Once you get to your hunting spot, you can set everything up. Heavy-duty cables help support the seat and yourself, and the memory foam padded seat is comfortable and can relieve pressure. Meanwhile, the Teflon washers are quiet, so you can focus on hunting rather than not making noise.

This seat also has teeth that dig into the trees to provide more stability. The colors are all neutral and dark, and the seat cover has a camo print. That combination makes it hard for your prey to spot you.

You’ll have plenty of room to spread out and sit for a long day of hunting. And the seat is easy to put together so that you can get to hunting more quickly.

Pros

  • Supports up to 300 pounds
  • Easy to assemble
  • Camo and dark colors
  • Pretty quiet
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Not super affordable
  • No mention of a fall arrest system

Availability

The Hawk Helium XL should be available in the following stores:

Millennium M100 Ultralite (14.5lbs)

If you don’t like the design of other light weight hang on stands, consider the Millennium M100 Ultralite model. This seat has a back and looks like a seat you’d use at an outdoor sports game. But it features a good sized platform for your feet like other tree stands.

At 14.5lbs it’s not the lightest tree stand but my goodness people wear by the comfort!

This seat is great for people with back problems (although the bottom doesn’t have a foam cushion like other options do). Still, the green is neutral and can help you stay unnoticed when you go hunting.

You can even fold the seat up to have more room on the platform. That way, you’ll be able to get the best angle if you want to stand while you shoot. Plus, the design is both lightweight and quiet, so you can move without disturbing anything nearby.

The seat can hold up to 300 pounds so that so that, most people can use it. There’s even a rope with a knot and carabiner that you can use to get in and out of the seat.

Pros

  • Insanely comfortable
  • Can sit or stand
  • Quiet
  • Easy to get on and off

Cons

  • Not cheap

Availability

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

Big Game Captain (15lbs)

If you’re on a tight budget, the Big Game Captain may be the right light weight hang on stand for you. We’re definitely moving away from the light weight territory as it’s 3.5lbs heavier than the lightest tree stand on this list. But the steel construction is durable and, because you can flip the seat back up, you have plenty of room for stand up shots.

This seat folds flat when you aren’t using it, so it’s easy to transport. Once you put it all together, the foot platform will measure 20 by 27 inches. The seat is 14 by 8 inches, and the entire thing weighs about 15 pounds.

It can support 300 pounds, so most hunters will be able to use it. While it’s not the best quality or lightest model, it’s not the worst option.

Because it’s so cheap, you might want to buy this one to see if you like a hang on before you invest fully in a hang on setup. Then, you’ll know if you want to spend more on something better. You might also learn that you’d prefer a different seat design, such as the Millenium model.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to set up
  • Sturdy
  • Includes a harness
  • Great for beginners

Cons

  • Not super comfortable
  • A little small

Availability

The Hawk Helium Pro should be available in the following stores:

Primal Raven (15.5lbs)

The Primal Raven is another affordable hang-on tree stand, but it’s far from the lightest option on the market. Still, it’s an excellent choice for many hunters. The seat measures 13 by 8 inches, and you can flip it up when you want to stand.

You have 26 by 20 inches where you can stand, so you don’t have to feel stuck. The steel is durable and supportive, so you can use the stand all day. Meanwhile, the full-body safety harness can keep you safe while in the trees.

Transporting the stand is easy thanks to the backpack straps. Once you’re ready to set up, you can use the two cables to secure the stand to a tree.

This is a worthy alternative if you’re on a budget but don’t like the Big Game Captain. And you can use it for a long time.

This hang on treestand is available from Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to use
  • Secure
  • Flip-up seat
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Somewhat heavy
  • A bit small

How To Choose the Best Lightweight Hang On Tree Stand

While it can help to know about the lightest hang-on tree stand and some comparable options, that information may not be enough to help you buy one. The best stand for your friend or hunting partner might not be the best for you.

Be sure to consider more than just the weight as well. Even though a stand is light, it may not have all of the features you want.

Here are a few things to think about as you shop for the lightest lock-on tree stand.

Balancing Weight & Size

While having a lightweight hang on treestand is great, you don’t want it to be too small. If the stand isn’t big enough, you’ll struggle to move around. That can make it hard to find a comfortable position both when you’re sitting to wait and standing to hunt.

You need to have enough space for yourself and your hunting gear. Think about if you want to sit on something small or if you want a bigger seat. And you should consider if you’ll have enough space to stand up with or without the seat down, especially if you like to take a standing shot.

Of course, you also don’t want to choose a seat that will be too bulky to carry. That’s especially crucial if you plan to hike for a while before you select a tree where you’ll set up.

The smallest or lightest tree stand isn’t always the best. Be sure to consider the size and how that will affect you and your hunting experience. Then, you can also enjoy the next factor, comfort.

Balancing Weight & Comfort

Another factor to consider with a hang on treestand is the comfort of the seat. Some tree stands feature a memory foam seat, while others use a different material. You also may want to decide if you want a seat with a back or if you’re okay without that.

Being able to rest your feet comfortably on the platform is also worth considering. If you’re a bit shorter or taller than average, you may want to choose a stand that’s adjustable. That way, you can keep from having the platform be too high or low for your legs.

It can be easy to forget about comfort when hunting. But if you plan to hunt all day, you need to prioritize your comfort. That way, you won’t be in pain when you spot an animal you want to shoot.

Most tree stands come with various safety features. So consider how comfortable that system is and how safe it will keep you. A good tree stand will have straps that can keep you from falling and that can give you peace of mind while you sit and hunt.

Balancing Weight & Ease of Setup

You should also think about how easy a tree stand is to put together. If you have to struggle to assemble everything and hook it to a tree, you could lose precious hunting time. Even if the stand is light, having a long setup time isn’t worth it.

An excellent example of when you may prioritize setup over weight is with the Millennium M100. It features a receiver that you can set up well in advance. While it’s not the lightest option as a total rig, you only have to carry in the hang on stand itself and lock it into place. It is pretty quick, so you can start hunting sooner.

Ease of setup also goes the other way when you’re done hunting. If it takes too long to take a hang on treestand down, you may need to stop hunting a bit earlier. Or you’ll have to carry the stand before you can disassemble it.

That may not sound like a huge deal. But it can really add up, and it can be frustrating when you’re ready to start hunting or ready to head back to your vehicle or campsite.

Don’t Forget Climbing Sticks!

You’ve found the perfect tree to use with your hang on treestand. You’re ready to set up your tree stand and start hunting. But you realize that you don’t have a way to reach the height that you want.

Fortunately, a good set of climbing sticks can help. You can attach the sticks to the tree so that you can get high enough off the ground to reach your seat. Then, you’ll be able to get on and off the seat easily without having to climb just using the tree.

Consider the following climbing sticks to decide which is right for you.

Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks

The Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks are an excellent choice for pairing with lock on tree stands, whether you use a Hawk Helium hang on treestand or not. Aluminum keeps the sticks lightweight, so each stick weighs less than three pounds.

They have special teeth that stick into the tree so that you can enjoy extra stability. Plus, each stick can get you up 30 inches with the steps 10 inches apart. The sticks can support up to 300 pounds, which should be plenty for most hunters.

Unfortunately, the suction cups aren’t the best quality. So you may need to replace those or the entire sticks somewhat soon.

Muddy Pro Climbing Sticks

Muddy Pro Climbing Sticks are another option worth considering for use with lock on tree stands. You get a pack of four sticks that you can add to a tree, so you can get plenty of height. It will help you get as far up as 12.5 feet.

The aluminum is lightweight, so these sticks are easy to carry with a hang on. Each stick is about nine inches wide, so there’s plenty of room for your feet.

To use these sticks, you will need to select a tree with a diameter of at least nine inches. That way, you can secure the sticks and make your way up the tree safely. Then, you can install your tree stand and get to hunting.

Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks

Another option to try is the Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks. These are very versatile and can work on trees with a small diameter of four inches. On the other hand, you can also use them on trees up to 22 inches in diameter.

Each stick weighs 2.5 pounds, and you can get one, three, or four sticks at a time. Then, you can get the perfect number of sticks to help you get your hang on treestand to the height you want.

These sticks work well with tree stands from Lone Wolf as well as other brands. So if you want to mix and match, give it a try. That way, you’ll be able to use the gear you like the best to help you hunt.

FAQs

What Is the Lightest Lock On Tree Stand?

The lightest lock on tree stand is the Millenium M7 Microlite weighing just 8.5lbs. However, just becauase it is the lightest hang on tree stand doesn’t make it the best! You may want to consider other factors; such as comfort, size, and price.

What Are Lightweight Hang On Tree Stands Made From?

Lightweight hang tree stands are typically made from cast aluminum and have very minimal seats, usually made from fabric with a sling design. Heavier hang on stands might be made from steel and have padded foam seats.

Further Reading

Of course, “lightest” tree stand doesn’t mean “best” so you might want to check out our list of the best hang on tree stands here.

If your permission has lots of straight trees you might also be interested in a climbing tree stand. Check out our articles covering the best climbing tree stand and the lightest climbing tree stand.

You may also find our reviews of ladder tree stands useful if you want a more fixed set up.

Picture of Bertie

Bertie

I’m Bertie and I’ve been enjoying the wilderness for as long as I can remember. I get out camping, hiking and backpacking whenever I can. And when I can’t, I enjoy writing about outdoor-related stuff!

EffortlessOutdoors.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Facebook Twitter
© 2024 All Rights Reserved