Tree stands remain one of the most popular ways to hunt for deer in wooded areas. Hunting from an elevated stand reduces the chance that the deer will see or smell you. Plus, the extra height gives you a commanding view of the surrounding area. There are four basic types of tree stands: ladder, hang on, climber, and permanent stands.

Types of Tree Stands

Ladder stands include a platform supported by a ladder, which breaks up into sections for easier carrying. Ladder stands are one of the safest types of tree stands, since there are points of contact with both the tree and the ground.

Hang on stands attach to the tree with a strap mounting system. They are lightweight and easy to carry into the woods.

Climber stands combine the climbing system and platform in one. The climber straps around the tree and lets the hunter “climb” up the trunk. This type of stand is convenient, but it requires the right kind of tree (free of lower limbs, the right diameter, etc.).

Permanent stands are built into the tree. Over time, they can weaken because of continued exposure to the elements. Never trust a permanent stand if it has been neglected or you are not sure how solid it is.

The type of tree stand you use will depend on the trees in your area, the weight of the stand and how far you need to carry it, how many people will be sitting in the stand, and ease of setup, as well as other factors. No matter which type of tree stand you use, always wear a safety harness and practice the 3-point rule (always have three points of contact with the steps or ladder while climbing).

We now have Rivers Edge and Leverage tree stands and ladder stands available for the 2011 hunting season!

Rivers Edge and Leverage hang on stands are lightweight and portable, designed for hunters who like to move from one location to another with little hassle. Hang on stands work in almost any tree that is strong enough to hold your weight and tall enough for a good view of the surrounding area. They are light and compact for carrying into the woods, and setup takes only a few minutes, so you’re in your stand and ready to go before the deer even know you’re there.

Ladder stands—including the Rivers Edge Oasis and the Leverage Speed Ladder—are easy to get into and safer than any other tree stand available. They are large enough to hold one or two people, which makes them ideal for hunting with a buddy. If you like the idea of a ladder stand but dread the extra effort of carrying it into the woods and setting it up, take a look at the Leverage Speed Ladder. The telescoping design is extremely portable and fast to set up.

See more of our tree stands and ladder stands! Free shipping is available on all orders to the continental United States.

Hang on stands and ladder tree stands are two of the best options for hunting if you don’t want to worry about finding the right tree for a climber stand. They are fast, mobile, and give you plenty of height for the best concealment and vantage point.

Safety

Ladder stands are generally considered the safest type of mobile tree stand. They provide the most platform room and are the easiest to climb. Since a ladder stand is connected to the tree and the ground (through the ladder), it has more support than a hang-on stand, which is supported by the tree only.

Using a safety harness is strongly recommended for any tree stand, both when you are setting up the stand and climbing into it for the hunt.

Size and Weight

A ladder stand is more cumbersome to carry through the woods than a hang on stand. A ladder stand also takes up more room in storage. Hang-on stands can be as light as 10 pounds, which makes them one of the most mobile and compact options for tree stand hunting. Ladder stands are heavier and bulkier.

Setup

If you hunt on private land and can set up your stand before the hunt, a ladder stand is your best option. Climbing into your stand on the morning of the hunt is quieter than using a hang-on or climber, and you won’t need to carry any climbing sticks with you or wait for the area to “cool down” after you set up.

If you need to move your tree stand every time you hunt, though, ladder stands can be a pain to haul in and out of the woods. They break down into smaller pieces, but reassembling the stand takes more time than a hang-on or climber. Hang-on stands are easier to relocate.

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.