What To Look For In A Tree Stand or Ground Blind
This is one of many areas where it's easy to get waayyy over budget in a hurry if you're not careful.
Depending on your financial situation and definition of what's worth paying for, the information you learn in this lesson may lead you to willingly allocate more than you initially intended.
We just don't want you to get the impression that spending top-dollar is a requirement on this or any future step. There are solutions available to fit every of budget, but as the old saying goes...
"You get what you pay for."
...At least, usually. Let's take a look at some examples of different stands and blinds, and what sets them apart as these differences can sometimes lead to wide variations in price.
Climbers
The basic design of all climbing tree stands is going to be similar. The widest discrepancies you'll see in price will be due to the materials and components a particular stand is comprised of. The most sought after features include:
- Overall weight (lighter = $$$)
- Comfort/adjustability of the seat and shoulder straps
- How quietly the stand can be assembled and broken down
You can find a basic climber that will do the trick brand new for around $100-$150. By doubling that number, you may be able to accomplish all three of the items above. Take these two examples from the very same company selling from the same retailer:
The Summit Viper Classic SC and Summit Viper SD Ultra.
Both stands have a weight rating of 300lb. Both will fit trees from 8"-20" in diameter. But one weighs 8lb less overall, has sound-dampened tubing and a handful of little creature comforts you'd likely appreciate ten-fold after having used the lower model. You can spend twice that or more for a larger platform, space-grade aluminum, etc.
Whether you should is a question only you can answer.
Above: A basic hang-on platform available from sportsmansguide.com
Hang-Ons
Hang-on stands offer a great middle ground between climbing and ladder stands. Though often more expensive, there's also an advantage to using a quality lightweight combination of platform and climbing sticks over climbers that many hunters don't realize:
You can hunt from almost any mature tree.
We should repeat that for dramatic effect: Almost any mature tree. That is a stark contrast to climbers, which only work on straight trees within a certain range of diameters. While climbing stands are unquestionably the most popular choice among public land hunters, those of us in climbers are limited to straight trees with no low limbs or branches. Even where permitted, cutting limbs and branches requires time, work and noise. Not ideal.
Packing a "Run-N-Gun" a.k.a. "Hang & Hunt" system in and out opens up a lot more woods because you can climb right past low-growing limbs and branches; and with some higher-end hang-on platforms like the Lone Wolf Assault II, you can even level the stand to correct for a tree that isn't growing perfectly perpendicular to the ground. No one likes sitting cattywampus.
This opens up the potential for hunting from a lot more trees.
Some hunters also opt for a hang-on over a climber because it tends to offer a wider range of motion (due to lack of a climbing bar). This can prove especially important for bowhunters, as it could mean the difference between being able to draw and fire from a seated position. Having to stand up before you draw adds a considerable amount of movement to a method that already requires a much larger motion than shouldering a gun. Conversely, gun hunters may actually appreciate having the climbing bar as a rest to steady their shot.
These platforms and corresponding ladders - referred to as climbing sticks - used to get up to them are priced for similar reasons as we discussed with climbing stands.
If circumstances dictate that a hang-on or multiple hang-on setup makes sense for you, here's what you should expect to gain by paying more (the following applies to both hang-on platforms and climbing sticks):
- Lighter materials, lower overall weight
- Wider seat and/or platform (bigger = $$$)
- Folds up for compact stow and carry
- Ability to hang stand one-handed
- Quick & quiet setup/breakdown
Beginning with the most basic platform and sticks you can buy, compare the features and corresponding prices of the models below.
Jon and Jake have hung several of the first two platforms on this list semi-permanently, but hunters desiring a mobile hang-on setup are going to benefit greatly from investing more in a single, lighter, more compact design.
Higher-end features include a separate hanging bracket so you can put the strap on the tree independent of the stand (safer/easier than attempting to strap the stand directly to the tree) and backpack-style shoulder straps.
For reference, any platform under 15lb is getting pretty light:
- Field & Stream Hunter Hang-On + Field & Stream 20ft Climbing Sticks
- Field & Stream Timberline Hang-On + Field & Stream 20ft Climbing Sticks
- Hawk Helium XL Hang-On + Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks
- Lone Wolf Alpha Hang-On + Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks
Above: The Lone Wolf Alpha Hang-On, a lightweight platform designed for mobile hunters available from Lancaster Archery Supply
Depending on state and local regulations, you may be legally permitted to leave a hang-on stand out on public ground (consult your Hunting & Trapping Handbook or Digest, State DNR website, or consult with a DNR officer).
If you're allowed to do this and decide to leave gear out, you really need to invest in a decent lock. Most outdoor and sporting goods stores may even keep a few in the hunting section marketed as "tree stand locks," but they're the same as the cable locks you'd find at any hardware store.
If you ride a bicycle, you may already have all you need.
Choosing to leave your personal equipment on public land and neglecting to lock it up and/or remove your climbing sticks when you leave is equivalent to setting your stuff on the curb with a sign that says "FREE." The same applies to trail cameras, etc.
We've run into this problem a couple times even on private land at the hand of trespassers, so now we leave cheap locks on everything. It's a shame it has to be that way, but isn't peace of mind worth a $7 lock?
Truth is, if someone really wants it, they're probably gonna get it. But most thieves are lazy. That's why they steal stuff instead of working to earn money and pay for it.
Lock it up. Make it difficult. Keep your gear.
Above: Blog article reviewing and comparing some popular ground blinds by Master of The Outdoors
Ground Blinds
Unless you're hunting private land where you can leave a larger blind out there all season, lighter is probably going to be better.
We picked up a few Ameristep Doghouse pop-ups this year. While a bit on the small side, this may be all you need if you're hunting solo. They're inexpensive, break down small enough to fit into a roughly 18" diameter included bag with shoulder straps, and don't take very long to set up.
The Ghostblind folding mirror-style blind reflects your surroundings. Available at sportsmansguide.com
With exception to mirror-style blinds like the Ghostblind Phantom or Ghostblind Predator, any ground blind will require the work of brushing it into the surroundings daily provided you're not in a position to leave your blind in the field all season.
Just be cognizant of the limited room afforded by smaller blinds. This won't be as big a deal for gun and crossbow hunters. But imagine trying to draw your bow and shaking the entire blind as you snag your broadhead on the front or bump the back side with your elbow. The jig is likely up at that point.
If you do go with a pop-up, keep interior dimensions and overall weight top of mind. You want something big enough to avoid the hazards above, but ideally not at the expense of dragging a ball and chain with you on every hunt.
Watch the video below as Jon compares examples of tree stands and ground blinds to aid in your buying decision.
Next Steps
Begin your search in-store or online for the right tree stand(s) or ground blind(s) for your needs.
Set a budget in advance and stick to it. This isn't the last purchase you'll make before Opening Day.
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