Treestands

Tree Stands Start With the Harness

Whatever stand you hunt from, the harness is the piece of gear that goes on before your feet leave the ground and stays on until they are back on it. Wear one on the way up, connected while you sit, and on the way down. That habit is the reason this section leads with harnesses.

Hunter Safety System, Muddy and Summit each have several options here. Read the product listing and the manufacturer's instructions for how each one is meant to be worn and connected, and practice putting it on at ground level before season. Fumbling with straps in the dark twenty feet up is a poor time to learn.

Choosing a Treestand Safety Harness

Fit comes first. A harness that is too loose or too tight is uncomfortable at best, and several listings here are sold by size (L/XL and 2/3X on the Hunter Safety System Hybrid, for example). Hunter Safety System also lists models named Lady and Lil Tree, so check each listing for the fit it is built around. Measure over the clothes you actually hunt in, because a November jacket adds real bulk.

After fit, think about how much time you spend in the tree. Hunters who sit all day tend to care more about comfort, so compare the higher-priced Pro-Series and Ambush listings against the entry models to see what the extra money buys. Muddy also sells lower-cost pieces with names pointing to one-hand and lineman's components; open the listing to see exactly what is included before you buy. The complete harness selection is on the treestand safety harnesses page.

Hang-On, Climbing and Ladder Stands

Three styles cover most deer hunting from height. A hang-on stand is light and goes up with steps or sticks, which suits hunters who move setups. A climbing tree stand walks up a straight, limb-free trunk and needs no extra climbing gear. A ladder stand is usually set with a partner and makes for an easy daily climb. Each style comes with its own manufacturer instructions; follow them, and wear a harness with every one.

For the climb itself, the Ameristep Step-Up tree step is on our tree stand accessories page.

Gear for the Sit

A stand put over a good spot beats a great stand in the wrong tree. Deer hunting supplies like feeders and attractants help build the spot, and cellular trail cameras tell you which tree to hang in. Once you are up, a headlamp gets you in and out in the dark, deer calls pull a cruising buck in during the rut, and deer scents can stop him in a shooting lane. Bowhunters will want broadheads sorted before the first sit.

Tree Stand FAQs

Do I need a harness in a ladder stand?

Wear one in any elevated stand. Follow the stand and harness manufacturers' instructions for how to connect it.

How do I know what size harness to buy?

Check the size on the listing and the manufacturer's sizing chart, and measure while wearing your hunting layers.

Do harnesses expire?

Check the tag and instructions that come with yours for service life and replacement guidance, and follow them.