Help me choose a tree stand

[mtnbkr]

I've decided I want to buy a tree stand. I can't stand sitting on the ground for long periods of time anymore.

What do I need to know? What would make a person choose a climber over a hang-on stand and vice versa?

I hunt on public lands (mostly National Forests and WMAs), so setting up a stand and leaving it for days is not an option (although, I can leave one overnight when I'm camping in the area). I am generally quite far from my vehicle and can only travel in by foot. The terrain ranges from hilly to steep and rocky.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Guyon]

Hillly terrain and public land = light stand.

In other words, make sure that you get an aluminum stand. When you're packing it in a mile or so, you'll thank me.

My situation is very similar to yours. I have the Summit Viper XL (19 lbs.) and have been very happy with it. I killed a deer out of it last year as well as this year. Also, the customer service at Summit could not be better. They make a pretty divergent line of stands, so be sure to check them out as you make your decision.

 

[mtnbkr]

Other than weight, is there a reason to choose a hang-on stand over a climber? After you factor in the steps, the hang-ons aren't much lighter than a climber anyway.

Chris

 

[bernie]

I do not hunt much public ground, but that will not keep me from putting in my two cents!

I hunt primarily from a climber stand. It allows for more flexibility in location. And trees in my area go pretty straight. You might need a small saw to remove small limbs on the way up the tree. I only use chain on or ladder stands in areas that are proven performers and are "semi-permanent" in that they will not be moved during hunting season.

 

[Kingcreek]

Some public land areas do not allow you to cut branches or use any screw-in mounts or steps.
Climbers are OK if your selection of trees run straight enough. I sometimes have trouble finding a suitable tree in that just-right hot spot but I hunt more creek/river bottoms and field edges and a straight tree is as rare as a P&Y buck.
Strap-on stands and ladder sticks have become my first choice for most of my hunting. If I find myself using the same tree with some regularity I'll use some screw-in steps and free my stick-ladders up for more flexibility.
I've been using a couple of the Gorilla stands lately. The all aluminum Silverback is my favorite for under $100 bucks. L.L. Bean has a set that includes the Silverback or Kong stand with strap-on stick ladder sections and a backpack setup to carry the whole works for a little over $200 and its probably available other places as well- maybe cheaper. I have no experience with those particular steps tho.
ABSOLUTLY include a good safety system in your budget. at minimum, use a chest type harness and safety tether, a full harness or vest system with leg straps is even better. Don't just buy a good one- USE IT EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE THE GROUND.

 

[mtnbkr]

Good info. Where I hunt, there's usually a good selection of straight trees to use a climber on (in fact, my of the stand users in my group use climbers).

Chris

 

[Guyon]

bernie's already said it, but I'll repeat it. Climbers allow you to change locations with a minimum of fuss. Most of them fold up in some way that you can wear them like a backpack. You can change locations during the same hunt if you so desire.

Kingcreek is absolutely right about the safety harness. My Summit came with a 4-pt. "Seat of the Pants" harness. If your stand doesn't come with a good harness, buy one before you climb. Also, don't get complacent like some hunters and climb without using the safety rope. If you're going to have a fall, it's going to happen more likely WHEN you're climbing.

Don't scrimp. Spend some cash and get a good climber. When you're 20-30 feet off the ground, your life depends on the quality of the stand. Of course, this goes for any stand, not just climbers.

 

[Kingcreek]

If you're leaning toward a climber, get a good one. Some of the cheaper ones can be noisey. Try some out if you can borrow from your buds and see waht you like. If you are going to spend some time in one it needs to be comfortable too.
I use a full-body safety harness with the lineman type rings at the beltline- one at each side above the hips. These allow me to use the climbing strap and/or the main tether up high at my back. Not only can I have both hands free for rigging a stand or steps but I can also stay secured to the tree, ie climbing belt until I reach that limb, attach main tether above before opening climbing belt to re-attach above that limb. (hope that makes sense)
I haven't used one of the vest systems but they look handy and secure. haven't seen em with linemans rings tho.

 

[Atticus]

I have a Summit Viper climber and like it. The only thing I don't like about it, is that the top half does not like to hang on to smoothbark trees (but a strap is provided to secure it). I go out of my way to avoid Beeches and such- I simply don't like wearing the top section of the climber around my ankles when I'm up in a tree.

Whatever you buy, make sure that you practice putting it together, taking it apart, and climbing (with your hunting clothes, boots, and harness on), before heading to the woods to hunt. Learning by flashlight on a frosty morning is not a good thing - and neither is the clang, clang, clang, of metal in the still of the night.

 

[Guyon]

Atticus, you are right about the smooth barked trees and the Viper. Any climber of similar design has the same problems. However, there are other (bulkier) climbers I've seen that have no problems with smooth barks. I'm in oak and pine country and have no real problems finding decent trees though.

Good tip about practicing. If you have a two piece climber, it's also essential to learn where to put the bottom in relation to the top so that you're seated comfortably. I still have to readjust the bottom after sitting down sometimes.

 

[Cindog]

I'll second the Summit Viper recommendation. Just be sure to check with your state's game commission to ensure that it is legal to use on state game lands before you buy it. Some states outlaw climbing tree stands that cause damage to the tree below the bark. And always wear a full body safety harness (the Seat of the Pants harness that comes with the Viper is excellent).