Hey hunters and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best portable hunting ladder stands to look over your prey with this year. Finding the right location, including elevated areas, is essential for effective hunting. And for this reason many hunters turn to a good ladder tree stand for a more convenient and often more comfortable sit than climbers and hang-on stands.
However as always, there are a few options to choose from out there so to help you out, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent choices below.
Let’s check them out.
My three recommended portable hunting ladder stands
I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are hunting ladder stands?
A hunting ladder stand is made up of a ladder and a platform with a seat that is attached to a tree or pole to aid hunters in capturing their prey by elevating them.. The back section of the platform is contoured to fit partially around a tree with the ladder attached to a tree using ropes, chains, ratchet straps, or cam buckle straps.
They are often used on conjunction with a good scent eliminator to keep the hunter hidden from their prey. The materials used for the ladder and platform/seats vary depending on the manufacturer.
What should you be looking for?
The following outlines some factors to consider as you look for a good ladder stand for your hunting expeditions.
- Capacity
- Comfort
- Safety
- Portability
- Additions
Capacity
Hunting ladder stands are generally sold depending on the number of occupants intending to use it as follows:.
- One-person ladder stand: As the name suggests, this type of ladder stand is intended to hold only one person. The stand is typically lightweight and designed to carry through the woods by a single person easily – often attached to their hunting backpack. A single-man stand includes a ladder for climbing and a seat to rest as the hunter waits for his prey. Most seats have a backrest on which you can recline for maximum comfort while waiting for the prey to arrive at your chosen location.
- Two-person ladder stand: As opposed to the first kind, this ladder stand can hold two hunters. Its seat and platform are wider than the one-person ladder stand. When it comes to weight, this type is heavier and may require more than one person to carry it to the desired hunting spot.
Comfort
As hunters tend to be on the hunting ladder for several hours, they should provide you with the necessary comfort. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Seat: The seat’s backrest should be slightly inclined and high enough to accommodate your height. The seat should be ergonomically contoured to fit your back, buttocks, and legs. And finally, the seat space (length and width) should be large enough to sit comfortably but not so deep that it makes sitting and standing difficult.
- Platform: Moving around in the stand will be easier once the footrest is more spacious. Additional platform areas on the hunting ladder will benefit you because they will serve as storage space for your gear.
- Padding: Cushions placed at the hunting ladder stand’s backrest and armrest help improve the equipment’s comfort.
Safety
To ensure the hunter’s safety as he occupies the ladder stand, a safety harness system such as a fall arrest system (FAS), should installed on the equipment.
These FASs usually comprise a connector, an anchorage and a body harness whilst some also include a deceleration device, lanyard, or a combination of these.
Nonetheless, it is advised to select a ladder tree stand that meets all Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA) safety standards and also make sure the weight capacity of the stand matches your weight and equipment. A tree ladder with a weight limit of 300 pounds is appropriate for a solo-type ladder whereas a two-person ladder stand should have a weight capacity of 500 pounds or more.
Portability
You will have to carry your ladder tree a number of times before arriving at your hunting location. In this case, the weight of the stand becomes an issue.
Today, the adage “the heavier the ladder tree stands, the more safety” is somewhat inaccurate. Many stands on the market offer the best of both worlds – safety while remaining lightweight and comfortable. Make a point of looking for these items.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Height: Effective hunting ladder stands should provide at least a 20-foot elevation.
- Footrest: A footrest on a suitable stand keeps your legs from hanging in the air as you wait for your target.
- Handrail: This ladder part helps you alight the hunting stand safely.
- Holder: You can secure other small items such as water bottles in a holder.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. BIG GAME Hunter HD 1.5 Treestand
This first option is a heavy-duty ladder stand does an excellent job of keeping you safe, organized, and on target while hunting from a great height. It has a large seating capacity and can accommodate large bodies with a seat contoured to the hunter’s legs for maximum comfort. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Big Game
- Height: 18.6 feet
- Capacity: One-person stand
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Seat dimensions: 23” wide x 18” deep
- Item weight: 70.1 pounds
- Construction material: 100% steel construction
Other inclusions:
- Safety harness
- Adjustable shooting rail
- Footrest
- 1-year warranty
Why have I chosen it?
Compared with other one-person tree ladder stands, this option gives you more space to move around with a unique seating design that contours to your legs, preventing numbness and fatigue during long periods of waiting for prey. The stand can be folded down to a slim profile when not in use and is light enough to carry on your back with other hunting gear too.
2. Muddy Skybox Deluxe 20 Foot Tree Stand
This next option gives the hunter enough concealment to hunt their game and perfect for both bow and gun hunting. It comes with a comfortable seat and adjustable shooting rail whilst fully hidden from the prying eyes of animals. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Muddy
- Height: 20 feet
- Capacity: One-person stand
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Seat dimensions: 22” wide x 17” deep
- Item weight: 64 pounds
- Construction material: Black steel construction
Other inclusions:
- Silencer technology
- Adjustable and padded shooting rail
- Footrest
- Ease of assembly
Why have I chosen it?
The ladder’s weight capacity is 300 pounds, which is more than enough for a solo hunter with all their gear and equipment. It is a breeze to put up and the the shooting rail makes no noise, meaning your targeted animals will not even notice you are there. This ladder stand fits anyone looking for a functional product with affordable pricing.
3. X-Stand Treestands The Jayhawk 20′ Two Man Ladderstand
The final item on my list is a ladder stand made from high-quality products. The stand is a 20-foot ladder stand for two individuals that includes the Safe System for extra protection as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: X-Stand
- Height: 20 feet
- Capacity: Two-person stand
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
- Seat dimensions: 39” wide x 17” deep
- Item weight: 122 pounds
- Construction material: Durable steel construction
Other inclusions:
- Drink holders
- Padded armrest
- Adjustable padded shooting rail
- Footrest
- 2-year manufacture warranty
Why have I chosen it?
As you install the stand, the integrated steel jaws clamp around the tree ensuring its stability and safety. They even keep the treestand from pulling away from the tree while you’re stabilizing it. Additionally, it comes with ‘Traxtion Control’ which is a non-slip feature that provides grip to the foot platform for increased stability and safety. It also reduces noise and provides weather protection with ‘Weather Defender’ – a one-of-a-kind powder coating sprayed on their products to provide a non-slip texture. This is a great option for those that like to hunt with a friend.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best hunting ladder stands that will give you comfort and concealment during your hunting adventures. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
