You may have heard about climbing treestands if you enjoy hunting or the woods. Well, climbing treestands can be used for many different purposes, but they are most commonly used for hunting.
While hunting is a good pastime and a source of pleasure for many, it involves lots of moving and can get tiring sometimes. So carrying a climbing tree stand with you can be an even bigger nuisance.
Well, this is where lightweight climbing treestands come in. Climbing treestands have different weights, but some lightweight ones are available on the market.
These are best suited for hunters and people who like to move from one location to another while hunting, as they are more portable and have higher mobility.
This article is your one-stop guide to finding the best lightweight climbing tree stand. To help you choose the best one, we have rounded up the three best lightweight climbing treestands available on the market.
We have reviewed them in detail, considering each feature. Moreover, we have curated a well-designed buyer’s guide for you, and we are confident it will help you make a final choice.
Let’s have a brief look at our top three picks;
- Summit OpenShot SD Climbing Treestand
- Summit Mini Viper SD Climbing Treestand
- Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II Climbing Tree Stand
Best Lightweight Climbing Tree Stand
1. Summit OpenShot SD Climbing Tree Stand |  |
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2. Summit Mini Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand |  |
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3. Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II Climbing Tree Stand |  |
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1. Summit OpenShot SD Climbing Treestand
Features:
- Construction: Aluminium
- Seating: Adjustable Base Pad Seat
- Weight: 15 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
The Summit OpenShot SD is the most lightweight climbing tree stand currently available. Like most treestands from Summit Tree Stands, the Summit OpenShot SD is of the highest quality while weighing only 15lbs. Constructed from lightweight Aluminium, It is extremely durable as Aluminium is highly resistant.
With a platform size of 20″ x 32″, it can easily support weight up to 300lbs.
This treestand has a compact and super portable design with an open front. It provides comfort with a foam seat cushion that can also be folded and used as a backrest.
It also comes with rapid climb climbing stirrups that ensure full safety by securely attaching your boots to the platform.
The dead metal sound technology helps keep the noise to a minimum. At the same time, the quick draw cable retention system allows for a secure attachment to the tree, which is not only silent but also easy, making the stand setup easy.
Furthermore, the treestand comes with a 5-year warranty, making it a reliable pick. The Summit OpenShot SD may not be the most comfortable choice, but it is still the best because of its functionality.
2. Summit Mini Viper SD Climbing Treestand
Features:
- Construction: Aluminium
- Seating: Foam Padded Seat
- Weight: 18 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
The Summit Mini Viper SD climbing treestand is the most comfortable treestand on our list.
It has a full padded seat, a padded backrest, and armrests. All three are highly comfortable and add to the overall comfort of the treestand, making it easy to sit for long periods.
This portable tree is lightweight, weighing only 18 lbs. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. The compact design does make it easy to carry but can be too small for big guys.
Unlike the Summit OpenShot SD, this climbing tree stand comes with a front rail made of Aluminium, which is useful for rifle hunters as they can easily position their rifles.
The Aluminium construction features dead sound technology to ensure there is no noise. This tree stand has safety features, including a full-body arrest harness and a harness safety strap.
Like the OpenShot SD, this treestand also cones with the Rapid Climb Stirrups and the QuickDraw Cable System. The cables are used to attach the treestand to the tree, while the stirrups keep your feet attached and are adjustable to all sorts of footwear.
The treestand also includes bungee backpack straps so that you can easily carry the treestand around. The Mini Summit Viper SD is a solid pick, given its comfort and value for money.
3. Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II Climbing Tree Stand
Features:
- Construction: Aluminium
- Seating: 2 Panel Foam Padded Seat
- Weight: 20 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
The Lone Wolf Wide Sit and Climb Combo II come with a hefty price tag and high quality.
The compact Aluminium construction guarantees both comfort and performance. Weighing only 20 lbs. the treestand has a weight capacity of 350 lbs, making it ideal for the Big Guys.
With a full-size platform, the treestand is still portable and convenient to easily pack up and move. The Lone Wolf climbing treestand has a unique sit and climb bar that makes climbing easier. At the same time, the padded foam seat ensures comfort.
This treestand also includes a fall arrest system for your safety, backpack straps, bungee straps, and stabilizing straps. These help keep both you and the stand secure and stable.
Lightest Climbing Tree Stand?
The lightest climbing tree stand currently available on the market is the Summit OpenShot SD, which we have reviewed above. This climbing tree stand weighs only 15 lbs and can support a maximum weight of 300 lbs.
Buyers Guide for Choosing the Best Lightweight Climbing Tree Stand
When looking for the best lightweight climbing treestand, you must ensure the weight doesn’t compromise other features such as strength and functionality. Therefore we have designed a buyer’s guide for you to know what features to look out for.
1. Weight
The weight of the tree stand is the most important factor to consider when looking for the best lightweight climbing tree stand. Lightweight climbing tree stands weigh less than 20 lbs. and are easy to carry around. So when looking for lightweight climbing tree stands, ensure that the weight falls below 20 lbs.
2. Weight Capacity
It would be best if you made sure that a lightweight tree has enough strength to support your weight, which is where the weight capacity comes in. Most climbing tree stands have a weight capacity of 300lbs. Your actual weight should be much lesser than the weight capacity of the tree stand to ensure safety.
3. Size
The size of a deer stand directly affects its weight. That is, a larger deer stand will be heavier. So most lightweight climbing deer stands will have a smaller platform and a smaller seat frame.
If you like some space to move around while sitting and hunting, the small platform may pose an issue for you. However, a smaller size will make it easier to carry around and switch locations for hunting.
So it’s all about making a compromise. Priorities your requirements and make a choice accordingly.
4. Comfort
Just like the size, most lightweight treestands also compromise on comfort. You have to sit and wait for a long time when you’re out hunting.
You can’t sit for longer if you feel uncomfortable; therefore, comfort should be one of your top priorities. Look for stands that have comfortable seats with foam seat pads. Backrests also provide extra comfort, protecting your back from the hard tree trunk.
5. Safety
Another important factor to consider is your safety, above all else. Look out for treestands that can be securely attached to the tree and have a safety harness to protect you.
6. Durability
One thing you don’t want to compromise is quality. If you’re spending on a purchase, you don’t want to regret it later. Some lightweight tree stands are not reliable or durable over time. So, read reviews before buying one, and go for stands that offer a warranty.
7. Noise
Hunters require silence while hunting not to scare off the animals. So no matter what type of climbing tree stand you buy, ensure it doesn’t make any squeaking or creaking noises.
8. Price
Price is always important to consider before making any purchase, whatever the product may be. Similarly, when buying a lightweight climbing tree stand, ensure the price falls within your budget.
If the price seems high to you, check if the features and quality justify the hefty price tag and then make a decision.
Final Thoughts
Lightweight climbing deer stands are not only portable but also easier to use and move around. They are the best-suited option for hunters. In this article, we reviewed the best three lightweight climbing treestands available on the market, and the Summit OpenShot SD was a clear winner for us.
It is not only the lightest one, weighing only 15 lbs, but also provides comfort and reliability. We hope this article helped you understand better and you are now clearer about your next purchase.