Tree stand recommendations

[James]

Some of the blacktail spots I hunt I think a tree stand could improve my success.

What would be ideal for me is something I can haul around on my back and set up/take down quickly. So I can keep the stand with me and set up as needed (like for a morning spot and an evening spot). I don’t generally hike more than 2 miles blacktail hunting so weight isn’t a big deal, but awkwardness is.

Would love to hear what works for you guys.

[brokentrail]

I've tried a few different tree stands, both climbers and non-climbers.  They are usually cumbersome and loud and not something I would want to wander around with on my back.

I have been hearing more and more about tree saddles and think those may be a better option for run and gun setups with less weight, noise, etc.

I haven't yet bought one, so I can't say it will work for me but I am leaning that way.

[Machias]

LOVE my Lone Wolf Assault Climber

[KFhunter]

I'm using a summit viper, but that lone wolf looks quieter and lighter 

[Machias]

I'm using a summit viper, but that lone wolf looks quieter and lighter 

It's so lite and flat you don't even know your carrying it.  Very quiet to set up and get up the tree and really nice and stable while you are up in the tree. 

[huntnnw]

Ive used stands for 30 years and I will never use a climber and almost never throw stands up and hunt. All my stands are pre scouted and hung, every now and then Ill move stands or hang new ones, but I am never in them that day. Way to much disturbance.

[James]

I am intrigued by the saddles, but they look like they could be uncomfortable after some time. Would love to hear from someone that has used them.

The summit viper and lone wolf look like good options

How do you feel about those poly belts holding the lone wolf to the tree?

Thanks again

[Machias]

How do you feel about those poly belts holding the lone wolf to the tree?

Thanks again

Very quiet and very secure, no slipping, I really like them.

With most stands huntnnw is spot on, so far the only stand I would scout around in and then setup the stand and hunt is my Lone Wolf Climber, fairly quick and super quiet.  You could be stealthy enough to scout, setup and hunt out of this stand with very little disturbance.  But I also have 3 Lone Wolf fixed stands already situated after scouting.  I just go in and strap on a couple of the bottom ladder steps and hunt.

[Threewolves]

As being one that has fallen asleep in about every tree stand made I prefer summit climber that has the bar around it that keep you from falling out.

Don't think I do this all the time. I have a buddy in KS, that has two other buddies, all of them have 4 or 5 tree stands each, hang on, ladders stands, ladders to a hang on and climbers,  at just about every trail crossing,   hedge row or a creek crossing they have a tree stand.  I think wind dependent I sat in just about every one of them hence the sleeping thing, in a summit you don't wake up with that maybe falling feeling if you were checking your eye lids for holes for a second.

Have a really good reason to place a tree stand or don't put it up. I have four tree stands, two Climbers and two hang on. I like tree stands up and in place before the season. Use limbs or screw in steps (where legal) to get up in two them. The biggest down falls (pun) with climbers is you have to move super slow to keep the noise level down while climbing. I have been known to "hang my climbers and go up with steps (look at tie on blocks if screw in are against the law. Also, in the AM I like to be up in the stand and hour before shooting time to give the area a chance to quiet down. It is ok to go back to sleep until shooting time.

[Machias]

Never go up any stand without a harness.  I also use a mine from the moment I leave the ground until I get back down.  The nice thing about the Lone Wolf stands and one of the reason they cost so much is they do not make any noise if you have to move or shift your weight.