Best Climbing Tree Stand for Big Guys
As a big guy who’s into hunting, one of the limitations you have to deal with is finding a sturdy and stable tree stand to elevate your view of your surroundings. Having a clear vantage point gives you an advantage over other hunters.
Fortunately, more manufacturers are now creating heavy-duty tree stands for big guys. A quality climbing tree stand needs to be stable, reliable, safe, and provide access to nature.
Our detailed guide covers some of the best climbing tree stands for big guys. We also list some essential factors you need to consider apart from weight capacity when choosing a climbing tree stand.
Top 7 Best Climbing Tree Stands for Big Guys
If you’re looking for a quality tree stand that’s worth the value, here are a few options to consider.
1. Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II
- Comfort meets convenience, without sacrificing an ounce of performance
- The unique, pivoting sit & climb bar provides easy climbing; Fits trees 6″ – 19″ in diameter
- 2-panel contoured foam seat pad provides all-day comfort
- Features the full-size 30″ x 19.5″ platform with the distinctive 3-D camo platform design
- Weighs just 21 pounds and has a 350-pound weight limit; Packs down to a slim 4-inch profile
The Lone Wolf Wide Sit and Climb Combo II is a 350-pound capacity climbing tree stand designed for big guys. It fits tree sizes that are between six to nineteen inches in diameter.
Weighing in at 20 pounds, this climbing tree stand is a fantastic choice for hunters who change locations frequently. The model also flattens to a thin size that can be easily packed.
Another impressive feature about the Lone Wolf Combo II is its quality straps that make movement silent whether you’re going in or coming out of the tree stand. The sit and climb design enables the hunter to sit on the bar as you pull up the stand with your legs. That translates into less energy when going up the tree.
Big guys do well with a wide platform and the Lone Wolf doesn’t disappoint. It has a platform that measures 30 inches x 19.5 inches, which makes it comfortable for plus-size individuals. Previous users love how the cam-lock system connects to the tree quickly.
On the downside, the Lone Wolf Sit & Climb stand is not meant for a hunter who stays in one location for several hours. You may find it uncomfortable for long hunting sessions.
Pros
- Innovative lightweight design that is highly portable
- Sit and climb design reduces fatigue
- Folds up flat for easy storage
- comfortable, wide platform
Cons
- May not be comfortable for extended hours
2. Summit Treestands Titan SD
- Even more roomy than the Goliath SD thanks to a larger top seat frame and longer foot platform
- Designed for larger-framed hunters
- Has a higher maximum weight limit of 350 pounds
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty
Summit is a reputable brand known for its quality tree stands, and the Titan SD doesn’t disappoint when it comes to construction and features.
The climbing tree stand can support up to 350 pounds and comes with a full-body fall arrest harness. You don’t have to worry about squeaky sounds with this stand as Summit uses expanding foam to reduce any noise and keep its weight low.
Its durable aluminum construction makes the stand lightweight and portable; you can easily assemble the tree stand in a few minutes and the 20-inch diameter works well for individuals with a big midsection.
Summit Titan SD also has a wide platform that gives you extra space for your hunting gear. The seat is replaceable in case it gets worn out.
Other features include RapidClimb Climbing Stirrups and the QuickDraw Cable Retention System.
Pros
- Comes with a 4-point harness
- Simple to setup
- Durable and lightweight design
- Provides a wide range of vision
- Stable and blends well with the environment
Cons
- Some users found the armrests weak
- Lacks storage pockets
3. Summit Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand
- The Viper SD remains a favorite amongst hunters
- Strong, lightweight aluminum construction makes transporting and climbing a breeze
- Sit comfortably for hours thanks to the suspended foam-padded seat with cushioned backrest and padded armrests
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty
The Summit Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand is a must-have if you’re looking to save energy and time. Although this stand may appear larger, it only weighs 20 pounds. That’s due to the aluminum construction, which makes it lightweight and one of the sturdiest stands available.
Fitted with a comfortable seat and a closed-front design, this tree stand makes it easier for you to climb up and down when hunting. Its four-point harness with safety straps ensures you are safe, while the green utility straps conceal your identity when you’re out hunting in the natural environment.
You can also comfortably enjoy long hunting sessions thanks to the padded foam seat. Summit also includes the Dead Metal Sound Dampening Technology that delivers a quiet hunting experience.
On the downside, the stand has a low front bar, which may not work for most rifle hunters. Some users may also find the platform too small if they are plus size.
Pros
- Simple to set up thanks to the cable wrap system
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for rifle hunters
4. Summit 180 Max D
- Summit’s roomiest climber ever
- Includes a larger, rounded top seat frame and long foot platform
- Has a higher maximum weight limit of 350 pounds
- Specially-designed seat can be rotated a full 180 degrees
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty
If you’re looking for a tree stand with a reversible seat that allows you to sit facing the tree, you should check out the Summit 180 Max D climbing tree stand. The tree stand can hold up to 350 pounds.
It comes with an adjustable height that allows you to sit and aim at your target at your preferred height. Tall hunters will love this model as it’s fitted with an extended top frame.
Aluminum construction makes this stand sturdy and stable. The reversible seat enables you to sit facing the tee and makes it easy to hit your target even on your backside. Moreover, the backrest makes your hunting experience enjoyable and relaxing.
Weighing in at only 23 pounds, the Summit 180 Max D is portable and you can move around with it easily without getting exhausted. You can climb up the tree without worrying about any injuries thanks to the rapid climb stirrups. The four-point safety harness also reduces the chances of falling.
Pros
- Comfortable and stable
- Fitted with a reversible seat
- Durable aluminum construction
- Ideal for big and tall guys
- Easy to climb
Cons
- It May take time to get used to
5. Summit Viper Pro
- The Viper PRO SD takes the climber you know and love to another level with enhanced comfort and efficiency
- Includes the Quick Draw PRO cable system for faster and easier attachment to the tree
- Integrated into the top frame is the FasTrack rail for use with its compatible accessories
- Aesthetic features on the foot platform channels more effectively break up lines to provide additional camouflage in the field
- Design of the upper armrests creates a more roomy feel
The Summit Viper Pro model has a weight limit of 300 pounds and features a wider stance that makes for easy seated climbing. Unlike other tree stands, the Viper Pro has a wrap-around padded armrest cover that eases the pressure on the arms when sighting or looking out and reduces sound.
Weighing in at only 22 pounds, this climbing tree stand is lightweight and portable. It has easy-to-use fastening cables with Summit’s QUICKDRAW system and is compatible with other Summit products such as bow hooks and rifle holders so your gear is always close at hand.
Additionally, the durable construction makes this tree stand sturdy and strong. Enjoy long hunting sessions thanks to the cushioned seat.
The Viper Pro will fit trees from 8-20″ in diameter.
Pros
- Has a mounted padded seat
- Simple and fast to setup
- Fits 8 inches to 20 inches in diameter
- Allows for easy seated climbing
- Portable and quiet
Cons
- Expensive
6. Ol’Man Treestands Alumalite CTS
- FEATHERLIGHT TREESTAND: Bowhunters and gun hunters have plenty of gear to haul in and out of the woods. The Alumalie CTS is built to be lightweight, offering hunters an easier option to get up in the trees and start hunting.
- OVAL TUBING: The OL’MAN Alumalite CTS Treestand uses oval tubing in its construction. The oval shape is a much stronger shape than round tubing and is less likely to become misshapen over time. This offers hunters years of excellent use.
The Ol’Man Alumalite CTS treestand is specifically designed to be lightweight and get you to the hunt faster. Its aluminum construction in oval tubing is the first thing you’ll notice. That ensures improved longevity and stability in the tree.
You can conveniently carry this stand from one location to the next as it only weighs 21 pounds. Whether you’re planning to spend several hours out in the wild or a few hours with a target in mind, the Ol’Man Alumalite CTS has you covered.
Its patented ComforTECH seat webbing ensures that you’re comfortable throughout the day.
Additional features include pivoting spreader arms, a 18″ improved standing deck, 21″ seating area, and an easy to set cabling system. The Alumalite CTS can hold up to 300 pounds. It’s the perfect treestand for anyone looking for a lightweight and durable stand.
Pros
- Improved stability and sturdiness due to oval tube construction
- Fitted with a webbed seat
- Lightweight design
- Can hold up to 300 pounds
Cons
- Some users felt that the straps were too numerous
- May be noisy
7. Summit Treestand Goliath SD Climbing Treestand
- Comfort-engineered climber that is a favorite for larger-framed hunters or those looking for extra room
- Includes the same design features found in standard Viper SD
- Has a higher maximum weight limit of 350 pounds
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty
The Summit Treestand Goliath SD Climbing Treestand has excellent reviews online for various reasons. Its aluminum frame allows the tree stand to hold up to 350 pounds of weight. The stand also weighs about 25 pounds, which makes it portable to move around during hunting.
Previous users loved the foam-padded seats that have a comfortable backrest. The wide platform measures 20 inches x 28.75, a feature that has made this stand popular among plus-size hunters.
The Goliath SD tree stand is sturdy and won’t wobble or shake as you concentrate on your target. It’s also simple to assemble and use.
You only need to read the manual and follow the instructions. In terms of safety, the tree stand has a full-body fall arrest harness system that reduces your chances of falling.
However, some users found that binding the stand to the tree too tightly might make it swivel around. You need to be cautious when setting up the stand.
Pros
- Portable and stable
- Comfortable and adapts to the environment
- Fitted with a safety harness system to reduce the chances of falling
- Wide frame
- Durable aluminum construction
Cons
- Users need to follow instructions carefully when setting up
Comprehensive Buyers Guide: Choosing a Tree Stand as a Big Guy
A climbing tree stand allows you to hunt and move quietly and enjoy sturdiness without wobbling around. There are different types of climbing tree stands on the market. With the endless options and multiple brands to choose from, you may find the process of picking one overwhelming.
We came up with tips on what to look out for when shopping for climbing tree stands. Here are some factors on what to look out for when shopping for a climbing tree stand.
Weight Limit
You may find it challenging to find a tree stand that can hold up to 400 pounds and above. Most will accommodate 300lbs or up to 350 lbs.
The truth is that some manufacturers construct stands that can support extra weight than what’s indicated. Additionally, the weight rating on the tree stand also includes the clothes and gear you have.
Ease of Use and Setup
You may find some models require a lot of effort to set up. A few may also require upper body strength, which is something you want to avoid.
The right tree stand should be simple to set up and provide ample room and comfort, allowing you to concentrate on the hunt. You can find out about the ease of use by reading reviews online and trying out your preferred model.
Construction Material
Most climbing tree stands are made from aluminum or steel. These two materials are durable and sturdy. However, you’ll find stands made from aluminum lighter and more portable compared to those made from steel.
Comfort
As a big guy, you need a tree stand that has spacious armrests, a padded seat, and a wide platform. All these features help to ensure you’re comfortable. Some models have added extras like cup and bag holders, but these are just extra perks.
Flexibility and Portability
A quality climbing tree stand should not limit your hunting experience. Some models have fixed chairs, which makes them inflexible.
Find a tree stand with an adjustable chair to make your hunting experience easier. Additionally, the tree stand should be portable enough to carry around when hunting.
While some models will promise stability, they tend to be heavy and should be avoided. Check that the stand is portable and weighs no more than 30 pounds.
Safety
Your preferred tree stand should not only be sturdy but should also be fitted with safety features. Check to see that the manufacturer includes instructions on how to use the stand and that it has a heavy-duty lock system. Don’t forget to check for basics like a harness and how well the stand secures to a tree.
Hunting Location
A good tree stand should fit the location you plan to go for your hunting expedition. Find out the type of trees and the model size.
Check that your preferred model can stick to the trees in that location. That will allow you to move around conveniently.
Other Features
Climbing tree stands have varying features. Some may have more features at a higher price, and others will lack the same features, but will be reasonably priced.
You may find a tree stand with a full-body fall arrest harness system. This feature helps to reduce your chances of getting hurt while hunting.
A camouflaged tree stand also comes in handy when shooting your prey at a close range. Get a tree stand with features that you find useful.
Price
There are various climbing tree stands with different price points. Check to see that your preferred stand has features that justify the price like quality construction, portability, safety features, and more.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a big guy getting started on a hunting adventure or an experienced hunter looking to elevate your hunting game, a climbing tree stand can make all the difference.
Our buyer’s guide lists some crucial factors to help you pick the right tree stand. With our top-rated list of the best climbing tree stands, you should find it easy to pick one that fits your needs and budget.
