The most commonly used strategy in hunting is to first look for an area from where you can get a clear view of your prey, wait for the perfect opportunity, and then make your shot.

However, the question that arises here is how to get a clear view of your prey but, at the same time, also stay hidden from them? The answer to this question is TREE STANDS.

Tree Stands are very popular among hunters. They provide users with a platform from which they can have a clear view and a good cover with the help of which they remain concealed from the eagle-eyed prey.

Hang on vs Climbing Tree Stand

Tree Stands come in different types, each with unique attributes that make them suitable for different purposes. In this article, we will compare hunters’ two most popular tree stands: the Hang on tree stands and the Climbing Tree Stands.

Climbing Tree Stands

Known for their mobility, climbing Tree stands is a favorite of hunters. As a result of their many impressive attributes, these stands put hunters at a great advantage when used with proper care.

These stands have no height limit and can be used to climb even the tallest trees. Moreover, they can be attached and removed from trees within minutes.

Climbing Tree Stands also provide a good cover against the prey. As they can slide high into the trees, the branches act as a cover to ensure that the hunter remains hidden from the target animals.

Another feature that sets them apart from hang-on stands is that these stands are designed using colors and patterns that can easily camouflage with the other trees in the background.

This also allows the hunters to remain undetected. However, unlike hang-on tree stands, they are not suitable for all trees. Trees that produce a lot of sap, like Maple Trees, are not suitable as they can increase the risk of the climber stand slipping down the tree and collapsing.

In addition to this, trees only with narrow diameters and soft barks are suitable as the teeth of climber stands can easily bite into them. The diameter of the tree barks should also be even to the top of the tree.

Thus, very specific trees are required for climbers, while hang-on stands can work well with all trees. Moreover, climber stands are much more difficult to climb than hang-on stands. They require a lot of physical effort. As a result, hunters sweat while climbing the tree.

This puts them at a disadvantage as the smell of sweat attracts the prey’s attention and ruins the cover. Moreover, these stands are also not very quiet. They make considerable noise in the form of squeaks and metal scraping when sliding up and down the trees.

Nonetheless, they are preferred by many hunters due to their easy setup and mobility. They are good to take with you on hunting lands you are not familiar with.

The best and most reliable climbing treestand manufacturers include Summit Treestands, OL’ MAN, and Lone Wolf.

 

Hang On Tree Stands

Another popular type of tree stand is the Hang on Tree stand. They are mobile and extremely versatile stands that, unlike climber stands, can easily attach to any tree using a strap or a chain.

There is no restriction on the diameter of the bark of the tree or the texture of the bark. In addition to this, they are smaller in size and lightweight compared to climber stands. This amplifies their portability and convenience.

Another advantage of hang-on stands is that they are known for their quietness. They make considerably less noise compared to climber stands during setup and are quiet while in use. This makes them ideal for hunters as it ensures they remain hidden from their prey.

Moreover, they are also much smaller in size in comparison to climbers. This makes the hang-on stands a stealthier and more convenient choice. Although hang-on stands are easier to set up and use, they require climbing sticks for climbing.

Climbing sticks are portable ladder sections, around 30 feet. To efficiently reach up to 15 to 20 feet without any discomfort, you will at least require 3-4 climbing sticks.

However, the more experienced climbers and hunters can climb the hang-on stand with the help of only a paracord. Whatever climbing method you choose, hang-on stands do not require much physical exertion; thus, hunters do not sweat a lot.

This reduces the risk of hunters attracting the prey’s attention due to the smell of sweat. The limitation of hang-on stands is that they cannot go very high.

Whereas climber stands have no height limit, the maximum height hang-on stands can reach safely is around 20 feet. Moreover, they also do not provide a good cover as climbers do. Hang-on tree stands are more suitable for places hunters are already familiar with.

Whereas, hunters can take climbing tree stands to any new hunting place they have never explored before. Nonetheless, hang-on stands are much more affordable than climbers and are loved by many hunters for their convenience.

The best and most reliable Hang on treestand manufacturers include Lone Wolf and Millennium.

Conclusion

Climbing Tree Stands and Hang on Tree stands are equally popular among hunters; both have pros and cons. Neither is better than the other. While climbing tree stands can go as high up as you want, they make noise while in use and also are difficult to climb.

On the other hand, hang-on tree stands are extremely quiet and easy to climb; they require climbing sticks and cannot go as high as climbers. In addition to this, hang-on stands are suitable for every type of tree and are also lightweight, unlike climbers.

However, they do not offer a good cover which a climber does. Nonetheless, both of them are portable and mobile. Hence, climbers and hang on both have their advantages and disadvantages.

You will decide which one is more suitable for you based on your preference and needs.