Treestands are attuned to specific needs. What are yours?
Every deer hunter in America wants one thing — more deer hunting gear. Whether treating yourself, or buying for a loved one, elevate Christmas, and the special hunter in your life, this season. Check out the top saddle and treestand kits for different styles of deer hunting.
Find your best adventures via saddle hunting.
Highly Mobile Saddle Hunting
Saddle hunting is newer to the landscape than treestand hunting. Even so, it’s quickly taken the industry by storm. A significant number of DIY deer hunters are implementing this new way of hunting whitetails. Hawk provides excellent options for those interested in this manner of hunting.
The Hawk Helium Hammock Saddle is the ideal selection for those implementing the saddle hunting route. It includes the saddle, removable padded seat, reclining belt, climbing grade aluminum carabiners, rope grabber, tether rope with prusik, climbing rope with prusik, and more. The entire kit fits into an 8-inch-by-8-inch-by-10-inch carrying bag. It weighs less than 4 pounds and fits those with sizes 28-40 inches. The weight rating is 300 pounds. It features the Chaos camo pattern.
The Hawk Helium Hammock Apex Platform is another big part of the saddle system. Pair it with the Hawk Helium Sticks and Helium Hammock Saddle. Its Tree Digger Teeth bite into bark for rock-solid and secure hunting. The Silent Attachment attaches with one silent, pull-tight strap.
The Hawk Helium HSP Platform is also a potential piece of the saddle hunting puzzle. Use it with the Helium Hammock Saddle. Implement the Rock Solid Attachment — the platform mounts to helium stick with two quick-set snap pins. The Tree Digger Teeth bite into bark for rock-solid and secure hunting.
Being mobile can get you into places where the biggest bucks live.
Ultra-Mobile Treestand Hunting
A significant percentage of modern deer hunters are into the highly mobile element of deer hunting. While some prefer saddles, others favor ultra-mobile treestand hunting. Hawk offers multiple solutions.
The Helium Ultra Lite is the premiere option for the hang-and-hunt enthusiast. This stand weighs only 11 pounds, is compatible with the Hawk Cruzr Bracket, has an adjustable seat, comes with a pressure-relieving memory foam set, and more. The stand platform is 20 inches wide by 24 inches deep. It attaches to the tree with one silent, pull-tight strap and one ratchet strap. It has a 300-pound rating.
Want a slightly larger stand that’s still mobile? Try the Helium XL Hang-On. It comes with a spacious 24-inch-by-30-inch platform with grips and heavy-duty cables. It’s crafted with premium, powder-coated metal. All said, it still only weighs 12 pounds. The seat height is 20 inches. Additional features include the Ultra Plush Memory Foam, over-molded attachment tree hooks (for fast, quiet setup), Tree Digger teeth (to ensure wobble-free performance), and more. Its one-piece platform design prevents squeaks from ruining the hunt.
Regardless of which stand you select, consider pairing it with the Helium 20-Inch Climbing Stick Gen 2. Offered in singles or a pack of four, The Silent Stack nesting system ensures quiet storage and transport. The sticks are constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum with weight-saving cut-outs, so it’s strong and lightweight. For improved safety, dual-sided, traction-grabbing steps provide added stability. Finally, the over-molded tree attachment hooks limit noise during setup. Sticks are 20 inches long and have a 10-inch step width. These weigh just 2.5 pounds. and have a 300-pound weight capacity.
The CRUZR Tree Bracket is an easy and safe tool for treestand hanging and removal. The post and socket receiver is very convenient and allows for quick stand setup. A 1.5-inch ratchet strap and TreeDigger Teeth provide unmatched grip and stability, so your stand stays rock solid and quiet. Use multiple brackets for multiple stand locations.
Comfort matters, especially for longer sits.
Very Comfortable Treestand Hunting
A portion of hunters aren’t worried about mobility. They prioritize comfort in the stand. They need a quality stand system that optimizes usability and makes long sits easier to muster.
The Kickback LVL Hang-On checks that box. It offers a lounge-chair feel. The mesh seat is super comfortable and does not absorb moisture, ensuring a dry seat. A matching back rest makes all-day sits a breeze. It’s paired with a large Kickback footrest that extends out from the platform at the perfect angle. Plus, it features a 24-inch-by-30-inch platform that’s welded at all contact points to create a rock-solid, one-piece design. The oversized, heavy-duty platform cables and Tree Digger teeth provide an added level of security and stability. It sports silent, over-molded attachment hooks and premium Teflon washers for no-noise performance.
The Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On is over 35% lighter than the original Kickback. It’s the aluminum version of the ever-popular hang-on stand, and it’s designed to be the most spacious and comfortable hang-on stand available. It features the Ultimate Kickback Footrest and MeshComfort Textiline seat with a contoured backrest. Hawk utilizes self-lubricating Dupont Teflon bushings/washers and welds every point of the oversized, mesh platform, so you can hunt with confidence. It’s compatible with the Hawk Cruzr Bracket. The platform size is 26 inches wide by 31.5 inches deep. The seat size is 21 inches wide by 15 inches deep by 15 inches tall. The stand weighs 20 pounds and has a 300-pound weight rating.
The Helium 30-Inch Climbing Stick Gen 2 pairs quite well with the above treestand options. Get it in singles or packs of three. This stick comes with an angled footpeg for easier and more efficient climbing. It features the innovative Hawk Button with a lightweight Helium Rope for secure, quick attachment. The Silent Stack nesting system ensures quiet storage and transport, while the lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction enhances portability. Equipped with Silent Lock Technology, the steps quietly snap together thanks to the new suction cup design, preventing unwanted noise. The silent-use versa button prevents noise during packing and installation. Tree-Digger Teeth grip the bark for superior stability, ensuring a firm hold. The stick measures 30 inches in length with a 10-inch step width, weighs 2.9 pounds, and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Sometimes, you need a good hang-on to get deep in the timber.
Permanent Stands for Bowhunters
A percentage of deer hunters — specifically those who carry a bow — choose to leave stands up for the entire season. They hang these in summer and pull them in winter. Thus, some stands are optimized to support the requirements of this style of hunting.
The Boss treestand boasts a cushioned, flip-up Flex-Tek seat, spacious 24-inch-wide by x 30-inch-deep platform, and rugged steel construction. Silent straps ensure no metal-on-metal contact or related noise. It weighs 17 pounds and is rated for 300 pounds.
Likewise, the Boss XL features a flip-back 20-inch-wide by 15-inch deep Flex-Tek seat, large 25-inch-wide by 34-inch deep steel platform, a fixed footrest, and more. It’s packable with compatible Muddy climbing systems (not included). The stand weighs 19 pounds. It’s rated for 300 pounds.
For either of the above stands, check out the Stagger Steps by Muddy. Available in one- and three-section models, these steel steps adapt to your setup — delivering rock-solid performance when scaling crooked trees, and full, enclosed steps for added stability. And, at just 4 pounds apiece, they pack and store easily. The total height is 12.25 feet with three sections and 18 inches between sections. The height per section is 31 inches, step width is 9 inches, and weight per section is 4 pounds. The weight rating is 300 pounds. Tree size is a minimum of 9 inches in diameter.
Even lone deer hunters like the benefits of a ladder stand with railing.
Permanent Ladder Stands with Rails for Gun Hunters
Most gun hunters prefer a ladder stand with gun rests. These offer increased comfort for long sits, added safety and security, and a sturdy rest for taking that long-awaited-shot opportunity.
The Odyssey XTL boasts a powder-coated steel construction with textured Fiber-Guard coating to ensure a no-slip grip and Silencer Technology throughout. Obviously, it is one tough stand. The Hercules Cross Grip Safety System prevents sliding. It comes cushioned and supportive. The stand is rated for up to 350 pounds. As for specs, the height is 20 feet, foot platform is 18 inches wide by 26 inches deep, and seat is 22 inches wide by 17 inches deep by 19 inches tall (and flips back). The stand weighs 75 pounds.
Another excellent choice, the 20-FT 1.5-Man BigHorn Ladder Stand by Hawk is built with durability and comfort in mind. The roomy mesh seat, larger platform, and strong construction provide the hunter a comfortable solid platform to hunt from. Other features, like the adjustable gun rest, allow you to make that long distance shot. Or move it out of the way for bowhunting. The platform size is 23.5 inches wide by 30 inches deep. The seat size is 25 inches wide by 17 inches deep by 16 inches tall. The stand weighs 82 pounds. The weight capacity is 300 pounds.
Most hunters prefer a good shooting rail and footrest.
Best Ladder Treestands for Multiple Hunters
Most deer hunters just want to hunt with their family and friends. For a treestand hunter, there’s no better way to do that than from a ladder stand. Being able to put two hunters in the same tree is the way to go.
The Stronghold 2.5 XTL comes with the Hercules Cross Grip Safety System, which keeps this stand secure. Pair that with a supportive Flex-Tek seat, backrest, and padded armrests, as well as 50-inch-wide-by-17-inch-deep platform, a 24-inch-wide-by-17-inch-deep-by-27-inch-tall seat, and you’re sitting pretty. It features ample accessory hooks. The stand is 18 feet tall, is rated for up to 500 pounds. It weighs 106 pounds.
Another great option is the 18-FT Big Denali 2-Man Ladder Stand. It comes with two Padded MeshComfort Seats that are 24 inches wide with a 23-inch-high contoured backrest. It also features an extremely spacious 51-inch-by-17-inch platform that ensures the ultimate in security for you and your hunting partner. Heavy-duty oval tubing, bolted sections, and an exclusive tensioning system make this stand rock-solid, too. It includes an integrated footrest, flip-back shooting rail, and centered arm rest.
The 18′ Sasquatch 2-Man Ladder Stand is a third route. It has a platform large enough for extra security. The XXL MeshComfort Seats define comfort, too, and flip-up with Silent Teflon Washers so hunters can make full use of the oversized platform. It’s built with XL M-Series Tubing and HAWK’s patented Safe-Tread Ladder Steps. This unit comes with the Comfort Footrest, flip-back shooting rail, wide stance feet, and an exclusive cross tensioning system. The stand height is 18 feet, platform size is 51 inches by 36 inches, and seat size is 26 inches by 19 inches by 24 inches. The stand weighs 127 pounds and has a 500-pound weight rating.
Two-person stands are perfect for youth hunters.
Great Ladder Treestands for Youth Hunters
Youth hunters are still learning, and by most state laws, must remain close to an adult hunter. Thus, two-man ladder stands, often referred to as “buddy stands,” are excellent choices for introducing young and new hunters to the outdoors.
The Maxim is lightweight but sturdy with an all-steel construction that reaches 17 feet high with a supportive 38-inch-wide-by-18-inch-deep Flex-Tek bench seat and 38-wide-by-17-inch-deep platform. It has a padded shooting rail for stability. For safety, it includes a support bar, ratchet straps, two stabilizer straps, and two harnesses. The stand is 17 feet tall. This ladder stand is perfect for use on trees with a minimum 9-inch diameter.
Another excellent pick, The Partner is a spacious 17-foot-high steel stand. It features an extra-large, waterproof Flex-Tek seat and a 40-inch-wide-by-33-inch-deep platform with expanded D-Force metal grates and no-slip, Fiber-Guard surface that easily supports up to 500 pounds. The seat size is 37 inches by 18 inches by 20 inches. The backrest is 37 inches wide by 18 inches tall. It comes with a shooting rail with silent epic camo padded covering, no noise while shifting or setting up, and that flips-back quietly for full platform use. The footrest flips back silently, too. The minimum tree size is 9 inches in diameter. It includes ratchet straps and two harnesses.
The Rebel 2.5 is another 17-foot-tall stand that boasts cushioned Flex-Tek, flip-up seats, backrests, padded armrests, shooting rail, and more. It has a spacious 45-inch-wide-by-30-inch-deep platform. The seat measures 21 inches wide by 17 inches deep by 27 inches tall. Its strong DXT oval tubing construction provides a sure grip. The stand weighs 101 pounds. It’s rated for 500.
Always use a safety harness and lifeline.
Treestand Safety
Lastly, don’t forget about treestand safety. Always prioritize the smart use of safety harnesses, lifelines, and remain safely tethered while climbing up, in the stand, and climbing back down. Always be safely tethered to the lifeline when feet are off the ground.
Elevate the Hunt With HuntStand Ultimate. Visit the HuntStand Gear Store.
Like any of the above gear? Want to see more? Can’t wait to get your hands on some of that sweet, sweet whitetail swag? Head over to the HuntStand Gear Store for major discounts on incredibly effective gear.
