Which Is the Best? Hang On Treestand vs Climber

In contrast, others opt for a mobile apparatus to help them shift their hunting location to meet animal patterns and movements. 

No matter your hunting style or your opinion on the hang-on treestand vs. climber debate, it's essential to consider both options for your next hunt to ensure you're well-prepared and maximize your height advantage. 

Here are the pros and cons of the hang-on stand and the climber to help you decide.  

Hang On-Treestands

Hang-on treestands are prized for their portability and adaptability, allowing users to attach the climbing equipment to a tree with a belt or chain system. 

The Benefits of Hang-On Treestands

Why choose a hang-on stand? Here are some of the leading benefits of hang-on treestands to bag a big buck: 
 

• Versatility: The hang-on style's simple design and functionality mean it can be used on virtually any (sturdy) tree, opening up the entire hunting landscape. This allows you to set up and target hard-to-reach areas such as feeding routes or dense regions. 
   
• Portability: The weight of your complete hunting kit, rifle, provisions, and more can significantly impact your hunt's success and longevity. The hang-on tree stand, generally lighter than a climber and with a more straightforward setup, offers the convenience of less caloric expenditure and more time for your hunt. 
   
• Stability and durability: Due to their durability and design, hang-on treestands are considered a safer option that can be mounted and used for one-day or multi-day hunts. No matter your stand, always remember safety gear, a lifeline, and a harness. 
   
• Stealth: Due to the versatility of the hang-on option, you can go into stealth mode and set up your stand in a tree with lots of vegetation and coverage for additional camouflage. Additionally, the setup can be quieter than a climber, as there is no need to cut away the branches or limbs of the tree. 
   

Many hunters love the advantages of using a hang-on stand for elevated hunting, which allows them to gain an advantage over the deer below.

What Are the Drawbacks of a Hang-On Tree Stand?

While a strong option, there are some drawbacks to using a hang-on tree stand. These include:
 

• Setup time: While the advantage of setting up a hang-on stand anywhere is strong, it can take some getting used to and can even be a loud process that can spook deer in the area. Additionally, gear such as climbing sticks or a ladder is a requirement and can add to the carry weight and setup time. 
   
• Height access: If you're uncomfortable with heights, a hang-on stand may feel uncomfortable, especially if you want to maneuver it. It's a smaller option, making you feel less enclosed and safe. You'll also need a strategy to reach the required height, requiring further effort. 
   
• Visibility and noise: It's essential to understand that a hang-on tree stand doesn't guarantee complete stealth. While hanging or adjusting the stand, you may spook game from your area. 
   

Still, even with these drawbacks, hang-on stands are a popular option to consider if you're ready to get off the ground for your next hunt.

Climber Treestands

Climbing tree stands are best used on straight trees as they are 'walked' up the tree section by section. 

Benefits of Climber Treestands

Climber stands are also portable and popular among experienced hunters. Here are a few reasons why.
 

• Functionality: They're quick and easy to set up, and the inbuilt climbing design allows hunters to gain height without additional tools.
   
• Adjustability: As you're adjusting your heights, your perspective shifts. You can make on-the-spot decisions regarding angling and height positioning. As the terrain and game movement change, you can shift your positioning to reflect and meet these shifts. 
   
• Portability: With its modern design and updates, the climber treestand can be folded and carried like a backpack, making it a good option if moving and changing locations quickly. 
   
• Comfort: A climber treestand is a more 'complete' apparatus with built-in seating and backrests, making it a great observation stand for hours of comfortable glassing and observing animal behaviors and habits. 
   

These traits make climbing stands convenient for many hunters who like to pick up and move to different trees during a day in the field.

What Are the Drawbacks of Climber Treestands?

The comfort and additional features of climber treestands also contribute to some drawbacks, including: 
 

• Tree compatibility: Climber treestands are more limited in their setup as they only work effectively on straight, limbless trees.
   
• Noise and movement: Processes such as the 'climbing' of the tree stand can be noisy, alerting nearby games to your presence.
   
• Weight: The additional features of a climber treestand add to the device's overall weight, creating a bulkier carry-out. 
   

When using a climber stand, choose your location and plan your approach carefully to avoid scaring away the deer you've scouted!

What to Consider in the Hang-on Treestand vs. Climber Debate

How do you choose the best tree stand for your hunt? Consider the additional factors when determining the right tree stand for your hunting needs. 

Hunting Environment 

The type of tree stand you use may depend on the natural environment you're hunting. For example, a hang-on stand may be more appropriate in a forest with many irregular and misshapen trees since a climbing stand requires sturdier, straighter trees. 

Mobility Needs

Finding the right hunting location can require frequent trips to a specific area you've e-scouted using the HuntWise app. However, setting up and taking down can be incredibly time-consuming.

If you plan to change locations, a climber tree stand offers more convenience but is limited in tree use. 

Your Physical Fitness

Conserving energy and mental clarity for the hunt is essential. While both options require physical exertion, setting up a climber tree stand requires both upper body and lower strength to 'walk' the stand up the tree. 

How Long You'll Be in the Tree

After some time in the tree stand, comfort becomes increasingly essential.

A hang-on style is ideal for a more permanent setup. On the other hand, a climber may be the more appropriate option for a quick setup and takedown. 

The Location

Spending time and energy setting up your tree stand only to hear animal movements all day out of range can be frustrating.

With HuntWise, you can pre-scout ideal setup locations, marking GPS locations using terrain and elevation map features to pinpoint perfect tree stand locations every time. 

Whichever choice you choose, ensure you're comfortable with the setup and apparatus and equally proficient in takedown. It's always a good idea to practice setting up your tree stand with a professional or experienced hunter if you're new to them before you head out to the field. 

Whether a Hang-On Treestand vs. Climber, Pick the Right Spot With HuntWise

When deciding between a hang-on vs treestand climber, personal preference, hunting needs, and requirements all come into play. 

E-scouting and location marking will optimize your chances of success tagging out this deer season. With HuntWise, you'll be able to pinpoint high-potential zones to set up your stand, meaning less time moving around and disrupting the natural environment and more time waiting for the perfect buck to pass by. 

Gain an advantage over your hunt planning and other hunters this season! Download HuntWise and start plotting your treestand locations – free for a week!