When the deer hunting season comes, many make their way into the woods with a bunch of tools and equipment with the hope of getting lucky and bring back something while having a good time doing their hobby.
However, good luck is not enough, if you are serious about this, you need the right equipment, one of which is the right ladder stand.
Here are the best ladder stands for bow hunting (Dec 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand
- Lightweight: Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Tree Stand
- Best for Heavy Hunter: X-Stand Treestands The Duke 20' Tree Stand
- Best 2-Person Ladder Stand: Guide Gear 18' 2 Person Ladder Tree Stand
- Durable: Summit Treestands Steel Ladder Stands
- Best for All-Day Comfort: Rivers Edge RE651
| 6 Best Ladder Stands for Bow Hunting | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand | |
Lightweight | Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Tree Stand | |
Best for Heavy Hunter | X-Stand Treestands The Duke 20' Tree Stand | |
Best 2-Person Ladder Stand | Guide Gear 18' 2 Person Ladder Tree Stand | |
Durable | Summit Treestands Steel Ladder Stands | |
Best for All-Day Comfort | Rivers Edge RE651 | |
Best Overall: Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand
- Well-designed, sturdy and very safe - Closed-front aluminum, weight capacity of 300 pounds, & Green Utility Strap
- Much quieter and more comfortable - Suspended foam-padded seat with backrest
- Handy and flexible to use - Full-Body Fall Arrest Harness System and more
- Poor directions
The Summit Treestands 81120 is a premier product for a great price.
It is well-designed, sturdy, and very safe that our testers didn’t have any issue hooking it up to trees and climbing. Much better than the steel ladder stands we’ve tested, the aluminum makes it nice and light to walk in long distances.
It is also much quieter and more comfortable feeling when you set the teeth into the tree, and great for archery hunters.
The provided accessories come in handy and flexible to use on trees of variable sizes, which is a big bonus.
| Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Closed-front aluminum |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs. |
Weight of Tree Stand | 20 lbs. |
Seat Size | 18” W x 12” D |
Highlight Features | Closed-front aluminum, weight capacity of 300 pounds, & Green Utility Strap; Suspended foam-padded seat with backrest |
The Summit Treestands 81120 does its job admirably considering the price. If you want an overall performer for bow hunting, we suggest checking this out.
Lightweight: Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Tree Stand
- Easy to travel, quiet & simple to set up – weigh only 11 pounds
- Durable and strong - 350-pound weight limit
- The backpack straps need improving
- A bit expensive
This hands down the lightest hang-on stand we have ever tested. It weighs only 11 pounds and yet, very strong and sturdy thanks to the one-piece cast aluminum design.
Such lightness makes this ladder stand not only easy to travel with through the woods or ideal for pack-in and pack-out but also simple to set up. The versatility, in general, is unmatched and we’re more pleased with the quality.
It is besides quiet even when flipping the stool up and down.
Pairing with some hawk helium climbing sticks, there’s no tree you can’t hunt from.
| Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Tree Stand Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | one-piece cast aluminum |
Weight Capacity | 350-pound |
Weight of Tree Stand | 11 pounds |
Seat Size | 14" x 12" |
Seat Height | 21" |
Highlight Features | weigh only 11 pounds; 350-pound weight limit |
For the price, we think the Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Tree Stand is worth the money if you are finding something this lightweight.
Best for Heavy Hunter: X-Stand Treestands The Duke 20
- Extremely strong and stable – made of steel & a 300-pound weight capacity
- Plenty of room & comfort – comfort-flex seat cushion sizing 22
- Would be a pain for one person to assemble – very heavy
- Pricey
If you’re a heavy bow hunter, this ladder stand is surely what you are after. It is super-strong and stable with plenty of room. Best if you could use a pickup to take it to your tree.
The built-in locking system is a big bonus that fastens to the tree while you are standing on the grown.
It fits really tight with next to no 'shake', making the stand much safer when putting it up. Quiet as well. The seat is so comfortable that if you surf the net from the tree you will probably fall asleep.
| X-Stand Treestands The Duke 20' Tree Stand Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Steel |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs. |
Weight of Tree Stand | 79 lbs. |
Seat Size | 22" Wide x 16" Deep |
Seat Height | 20' |
Highlight Features | made of steel & a 300-pound weight capacity; comfort-flex seat cushion size 22" Wide x 16" Deep; built-in locking system |
For you – a heavy hunter, if comfort and safety are paramount then the X-Stand Treestands the Duke 20' delivers in spades.
Best 2-Person Ladder Stand: Guide Gear 18' 2 Person Ladder Tree Stand
- Versatile and flexible – two seats
- Sturdy and long-lasting – weight capacity of 500 pounds
- Safe and easy to use - two safety harnesses, fasteners, and an adjustable support bar
- The pictures needed to be a little larger
- Little heavy
This ladder stand is quite sturdy and goes together very well. Making it different from other counterparts is the additional seat for the ability to have a companion or stretching out in the stand.
The durable construction and long-lasting value make it sturdy and dependable to hold a max load up to 500 pounds with no issues.
The added oversleese ladder sections come in handy and the padded flip-up shooting rail is practical for you to shoot more steadily.
A big plus is that it comes with two safety harnesses, fasteners, and an adjustable support bar to climb up and sit down securely.
| Guide Gear 18' 2 Person Ladder Tree Stand Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Steel |
Weight Capacity | 500 lbs. |
Weight of Tree Stand | 65 lbs. |
Seat Size | 13" x 38" |
Seat Height | 17' |
Highlight Features | two safety harnesses, fasteners, and an adjustable support bar; two seats; weight capacity of 500 pounds |
Whether for another companion or for yourself to get more room to stretch out in the stand, the Guide Gear 18' 2 Person Ladder Tree Stand is a great choice.
Durable: Summit Treestands Steel Ladder Stands
- It’s a heavy one
The Summit Steel Ladder Stand is a great option for big guys. It highlights larger dimensions - 25"X 32" platform and 25" w x 14" D seat with a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
It also gives a solid feel and conceals phenomenally well in the woods. This stand features a new brown powder coating for extra weather resistance and concealment.
Sitting on it all day long isn’t a matter at all because the seat of this stand is designed with ultra-thick bench seat cushion design and full backrest. A good thing is the seat/back is all one piece which means you're not going to have things falling on the ground that you set on the seat.
Finally, this stand eliminates noise excellently.
| Summit Treestands Steel Ladder Stands Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | thick gauge steel columns |
Weight Capacity | 300 pounds |
Weight of Tree Stand | 83.6 pounds |
Seat Size | 25" w x 14" D |
Seat Height | 18" |
Highlight Features | 25"X 32" platform and 25" w x 14" D seat; a new brown powder coating; once-piece seat with ultra-thick bench seat cushion design and full backrest |
In terms of durability, the Summit Steel Ladder Stand is far better than anything and a nice feature to be included at this price.
Best for All-Day Comfort: Rivers Edge RE651
- Comfy – plenty of room, well-padded seat with mesh parts & able to flip up
- Allow for tracking the targets better – extended height
- Need at least two people to set it up
Extremely comfortable and sturdy, the Rivers Edge RE651 is our favorite choice to sit all day if we have to. It holds up well a maximum load of 300 pounds while giving plenty of room
Particularly, it bolds a well-padded chair that flips up quietly giving one lot of platform room. The mesh parts make it comfortable and breathable.
The stand extends out from the tree a considerable distance, which is able to place you away from the usual tree cover, which is useful to track your targets.
What we like the most about this stand is it can lock in while we are still on the ground and brings lots of practical add-ons.
| Rivers Edge RE651 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Steel |
Weight Capacity | 300 lbs. |
Weight of Tree Stand | 94 lbs. |
Seat Size | 20" x 15.5" |
Seat Height | 19' 6" |
Highlight Features | plenty of room, well-padded seat with mesh parts & able to flip up; extended height |
The Rivers Edge RE651 tops the charts for its unrivaled comfort, making it an ideal choice for all-day sitting on the stand.
How To Choose The Best Ladder Stand for Bow Hunting?
Types
When choosing a stand for bow hunting, you will face three options: the hang-on stand, the ladder stands, and the tripod. To figure out which type is the right one for you, you must know the basics and compare them.
Hang-on Stand | Ladder stand | Tripod | |
Pros | Better for carrying around and packing. Flexible enough for you to face either direction on it. Less visible, easy to conceal. Quieter and less evident. Its height can be adjusted to achieve the best cover. Easier to set up. No need to cut tree limbs. More height options and more coverage from tree branches. Lighter. | More comfortable and safer with legs firmly holding the ladder to the ground. Easy to climb the stand and to get into. You can move freely and flexibly. | Compact, easy to pack up and relocate. The most packable and movable of all. Lightweight. Great for soybean fields and cornfields, etc. |
Cons | Less comfortable. | Less mobile. More visible, harder to conceal. Harder to set up, requiring 2 people. Heavier and bulky. Need to cut tree limbs. | Harder and takes longer to assemble than the ladder stand. Less comfortable than ladder stand. |
Platform Size
In short, the bigger platform, the better. Especially when you are bow-hunting, you will need adequate room to turn, draw, and shoot without worrying about stepping out of the stand. Once you have decided on a type of stand, get the largest platform possible.
Comfortable Seat
This could be a deal-breaker for a hunting stand. If the seat on a stand is too small or uncomfortable to sit on, you will not enjoy your hunt.
Height
The minimum recommended height for a ladder stand is 20 feet, which could keep you out of sight as much as possible. The higher a stand is, the harder it is for a deer to see you.
Which Brands Make The Best Ladder Stand for Bow Hunting?
Summit Treestands
This brand offers stands made by hunters for hunters. It commits to making long-lasting products with versatility, adaptability, and innovation. They are also tested to the maximum potential and get verified by the Treestands Manufacturers Association.
X-Stand
X-Stand is best known for making the safest products so that you can hunt safely. It manufactures the most innovative and most lightweight treestands for hunters.
Rivers Edge
This brand has built its reputation for being an expert in terms of ladder stands. It makes one-man ladder stands for both bowhunters and gun hunters of different sizes and heights.
FAQs
Does the ladder stand offer a footrest?
Usually, a ladder doesn’t come with a footrest, you will have to buy it as an accessory.
How to prevent rust for ladder stand?
First of all, at the end of each deer hunting season, you need to remove the ladder stand. This way, it won’t be exposed to fluctuated temperature, natural damage, and rust-causing precipitation.
Secondly, check the condition of the stand for any expired item, replace them every one or two years.
If you spot any rust patch forming on the stand, you should remove the rust immediately using a drill or an angle grinder. Then, paint over it with a rust-preventing tree stand to paint.
How high should a tree stand be for bow hunting?
As we mentioned before, a stand should be at least 20 feet tall to conceal you as much as possible.
Does ladder stand spook deer?
Not necessarily. A deer can get curious when seeing a ladder stand and it will look at the stand until it gets used to its presence in the forest.
How do you hide a ladder stand?
To hide your ladder, stand while hunting, you should use a tree stand blind kit or a camouflage burlap. You should wrap the platform and the seat to hide your movements when you’re in the tree. You can even use fabric with loose-cut leaves to add a natural look.
Conclusion
It seems that the ladder stand is the best overall choice in terms of the best ladder stands for bow hunting.
However, depending on the area you’re hunting, it could be a hang-on stand or a tripod, each of which comes with their own advantages and disadvantages.
That’s why you will have to consider carefully before deciding anything.
