Having trouble deciding which type of tree stand to buy? Here’s some pros and cons of the most popular tree stands on the market.

Climber Tree Stands

Self-climbing stands are convenient because you don’t need to haul in separate climbing sticks or a ladder. You also aren’t limited by the height of your climbing sticks. As long as the tree is clear of branches, you can climb as high as you need to. Self-climbers are also highly mobile. You can easily move from one area to another. On the downside, the tree you choose must be clear of low-hanging branches, and it’s difficult to use the climber without making too much noise.

Hang On Tree Stands

Hang on stands are convenient because you can set up your stand ahead of time, sneak in to the woods with your climbing sticks on the morning of the hunt, and climb up to your stand quickly and quietly. On the downside, moving your stand takes more work than a climber stand, and there’s a higher possibility of losing your balance when you step from the ladder into your stand.

Ladder Stands

Most ladder stands weigh around 100 pounds or more. The lightest weight I found for a ladder stand was just under 50 pounds. Add in the weight of your other gear, and you’re not going to want to carry this stand very far. If you don’t plan to move your stand very often, or you don’t need to carry it very far, this stand is a good option with the safety and convenience of an attached ladder.

Permanent Hunting Stands

Because these types of stands are left up year round, they require close inspection before each use. Over time, a permanent stand can rot or weaken, which makes it unsafe. One of the biggest downsides of a permanent stand is that you can’t move it from one spot to another.

Freestanding / Tower Stands

These types of elevated stands are best for areas with few trees to support your stand. Some freestanding structures are permanent. Others are portable. Unfortunately, most portable tower stands are a pain to move because of their bulk and weight, so whether or not this type of stand works for you will depend on how much you plan to change locations.

With all the different kinds of hunting blinds out there, we’ve put together a few tips to help make it easier to choose which blind will work best for your hunting style. Here are a few insights into the world of hunting blinds.

Of all the popular types of ground blinds, here are the four that we’re going to cover here: hub style blinds, pop up blinds, layout blinds, and chair blinds.

Hub Style Blinds

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Hub Style Blind

Hub style blinds give you the greatest amount of “fidget” room when the waiting makes you restless. You’re free to move around from window to window without attracting the attention of wildlife. Your shadow and movement is swallowed up by the black-out interior and camouflage screens.
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You also get great visibility, with large and small windows on all sides of the blind. On the downside, its more roomy interior makes the hub style blind more difficult to conceal, so if you’re trying to keep a low profile in an open area, it may not be the best choice for you.

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Pop Up Blinds

Pop up blinds are easy to set up and easy to carry to your hunting spot. Like the hub style blind, you can move around without blowing your cover. You still get great visibility on all sides of the cover, but the pop up blinds are generally a bit smaller than the hub style, which makes them a little easier to conceal.

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Layout Blinds

Layout blinds are popular for hunting waterfowl. With their low profile and small size, it’s easier to conceal the blind in open fields and stubble. You also get a great overhead view and shooting range, and since you’re lying down, you won’t get a crick in your neck from looking overhead, like you would in a sit-down blind.

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Chair Blinds

The greatest asset of chair blinds is their convenience. Instead of carrying a blind and chair separately, you’ve got it all in one compact case. If you’re looking to cut down on the equipment you have to haul in, check out these chair blinds. You can get a smaller one for single hunters or a larger one for two hunters. Since you can only see out the front and sides, chair blinds are best for setups that don’t require 360-degree visibility.

Coming soon:

• Insider Info on Ground Blinds
• Which Tree Stand Is Best
• How to Camouflage Your Hunting Blind
• Climbing Tree Sticks 101

…and more!