I’m in the market for a climbing stand and wanted to hear recommendations from guys that use them. I’m looking for something that’s lightweight but still comfortable enough to sit in for several hours.
Been looking at the Summit and Lone Wolf models. Anyone have experience with these or others you’d recommend?
I hunted out of a climber for years but it was really heavy, noisy and got to be such a pain that I started ground hunting. Hoping with some of the new technology out I’ll have a better experience now.
Lone wolf is a great lightweight stand that packs up easy and is easy to carry. It is not all that comfortable to sit in but I can tough it out for a while. I have no experience but have heard that Summit is much more comfy. On another note the Millennium hang on stand is SUPER comfortable and with the attachment system its real easy to hang. I swear I can sit in that thing all day!
I’m a big fan of Summit climbers. I have had a Viper for years. It is heavier to pack around compared to others but way more comfortable. The added weight is worth it to me. I upgraded mine with the Summit Surround Seat and I love it, worth every penny.
I’ve hunted out of a Summit Viper for years. Only major problem with them is that when it is a cool morning and there is a slight breeze and the tree is swaying just a little bit you will absolutely miss the biggest buck you will never ever see because you will have fallen asleep and woken up at noon! I’m positive I’ve missed the world record whitetail at least 3-4 times over the years. LOL
I elk hunt my property with a lone wolf. It checked my boxes: comfortable enough for morning and evening still hunting, easy and fast to change location, safe.
I’m an average build and got the wide version. Glad I did.
Very true! LOL I’m sure I’ve missed him too catching some zzz’s while being perched in mine as well!
After the “bed to food pattern” in early season morning and evening hunts, once the rut really heats up I don’t come down all day in mid November unless the sun has went down or I have shot a deer. The comfort of Summit stands is second to none for long sits and the weight difference of just a few pounds compared to some other stands doesn’t bother me at all.
OP… I would consider what you’re main style of hunting will be. Are you going to just be sitting in the stand for 3-4 hours until lunchtime? Or will you be packing a lunch sitting all or most of the day at all?
For a few hours at a time in mornings and evenings you might be happy enough with a lighter less comfortable climber. If you plan on sitting on all day hunts go for the few extra lbs and more comfort. Either way in my opinion…
More comfort = more patience
More patience = more time enjoyed in the woods
Which will do nothing but increase your chances for success.
Also when using climbing stands one of the best upgrades I have done is ditch the “seatbelt” type backpack straps that come with them and invest in some good ones that are padded, it makes a huge difference on your shoulders while packing it around.
Big Lone Wolf fan here. I have both the climber and strap on version. Light, sturdy and definitely the most quiet stand I have ever hunted out of.
I agree with Mbtech regarding the straps. Get some padded ones, especially if you are going any distance or adding other weight, such as backpack.
Good luck !
I have a few Summits and API’s, both are nice. The summits are easier to use if trying to setup in the dark. Get the biggest available for comfort and add a foot rest. Also get a quality comfortable safety harness and use it.
Another vote for Summit Viper climbing stand. I still have an old steel Summit stand I use for bow hunting from time to time but like the Viper for muzzleloader and gun hunting.
I feel the need to add, make sure you use the rope that secures the top and bottom sections together if it is two pieces. I tied mine really long thinking I needed the extra room to make long walks up the tree. Well the bottom slipped and it took me a few tense minutes of trying to get my foot hooked back in the bottom strap to pull the bottom part back up. The whole time i was holding myself up with my arms. I quickly retied the rope a bit shorter! Something to keep in mind!
I had that happen to me when I was probably 12-13. I was unsuccessful in resetting the bottom and me the stand and my bow slid about 25-30 feet down the oak tree. It hurt. I think I went un conscience for a while.
Wow! I wasn’t that unfortunate, luckily I was able to finally get my boot hooked into the bottom and lift it back up. Those were some tense minutes though struggling to get it hooked.
Haha! Don’t ask if you don’t understand! After bear hugging a tree and a raw belly chest and face! Shimmying down a large tree is Very difficult compared to one like a palm tree…
Late to the thread, Had a nice Summit (lounge chair) very nice and great for napping, sucks to carry. Went to the LoneWolf hand climber, light, not great for napping-keep your harness on! I like it also because if I’m in an area where I don’t climb, the seat makes a great “chair”
especially on hilly area’s. Mostly now, I just have a small pad I sit on, lighter yet.
