Safety First: The TMA Standard and Full-Body Harness
Before any discussion of stand types, price, or features: the most important tree stand purchase you will make is a full-body safety harness. Approximately 3,600 tree stand falls are treated in emergency rooms in the US annually according to the CDC. Falls from tree stands cause more hunting-related injuries than any other activity — firearms accidents combined.
The Tree Stand Manufacturers Association (TMA) certification is the industry safety standard. Look for TMA-certified stands that meet ASTM F2763 standards. Every TMA-certified stand ships with a harness — use it every single time you are off the ground, including while climbing.
Critical harness rule: Attach your harness to the tree BEFORE leaving the ground. Use a lineman's belt while climbing. Most falls happen during ascent and descent, not while sitting in the stand.
Tree Stand Types: Quick Comparison
| Stand Type | Setup Time | Portability | Tree Requirement | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hang-On (Fixed) | 30–60 min | Moderate | Any straight or slightly crooked | Permanent season setup, multiple locations |
| Ladder Stand | 45–90 min (2 people) | Low (heavy) | Straight, at least 8" diameter | Family hunting, comfort priority, permanent spot |
| Climber | 5–15 min | High | Straight, branchless lower section | Mobile hunters, scouting new areas, solo hunting |
| Ground Blind | 5–10 min | High | None | Bowhunting, windy conditions, physical limitations |
Hang-On (Fixed Position) Stands
The most versatile stand type. A platform and seat attached to the tree with a ratchet strap or chain system. You access it via separate climbing sticks (most common), screw-in tree steps, or a fixed ladder. The platform and seat size vary widely — bowhunters prefer large platforms for maximum range of motion.
Key specs to check: Platform size (larger = more room for bow shot movement), seat depth and padding (for long sits), attachment system (chain-link vs strap), and weight. The best hang-ons weigh 10–15 lbs including the seat.
Ladder Stands
A fixed ladder section (typically 15 or 20 feet) with a fixed platform at the top. The safest and most comfortable option, but also the heaviest and least portable. Requires 2 people to safely install. Best for hunters who return to the same productive spot season after season.
Two-person ladder stands have become popular for introducing new hunters or hunting with a partner. Width and seat configuration matter — a 36" platform two-person stand gives each hunter room to shoot independently.
Climber Stands
Two separate sections (seat/back section and foot platform) that clamp around a straight-trunked tree. You ascend by alternating the sections upward — sitting in the top while sliding up the bottom, then standing in the bottom while moving up the top. Fast setup for mobile hunters who scout and adapt.
Climber limitation: Requires a straight tree with no branches below your target height. In many eastern hardwood forests, finding suitable climber trees is challenging. In pine plantations or western aspen stands, climbers shine.
Weight Limits and Optimal Height
Weight limits: Most stands are TMA-rated for 250–300 lbs total (hunter + gear). For heavier hunters, look specifically for stands rated to 350 lbs. The weight limit is a hard engineering spec — exceeding it voids the warranty and creates genuine failure risk.
Optimal height:
- Bowhunting: 15–20 feet. This clears most deer's line of sight and helps with scent dispersal, while keeping shot angles manageable (under 30 degrees). Above 20 feet increases fall danger without proportional benefit.
- Gun hunting: 12–15 feet. Sight lines are less critical at firearm distances and lower height means better safety margins.
Top Tree Stand Picks
Common Tree Stand Mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight limit for tree stands?
Most tree stands are TMA/ASTM rated for 250–300 lbs total capacity including the hunter plus all gear. Always check the stand's rating tag. Never exceed the rated capacity. Heavy-duty stands rated to 350+ lbs are available for larger hunters.
Do I legally need a safety harness in a tree stand?
Requirements vary by state, but the TMA and every safety organization strongly recommends a full-body safety harness 100% of the time while off the ground. Falls from tree stands are the leading cause of hunting injury — more than firearms accidents combined.
What height should I hang my deer stand?
15–20 feet is the sweet spot for bowhunters — high enough to clear a deer's line of sight and help with scent dispersal, but not so high that shot angles become extreme. For gun hunters, 12–15 feet is common since range is less of a concern.
What is the difference between a hang-on and a climber tree stand?
A hang-on (fixed position) stand attaches to a tree using straps or chains and requires separate climbing sticks to access. A climber stand clamps onto a straight tree and you ascend by alternating the seat and platform sections upward — no separate steps needed.
Sources & Further Reading
- Tree Stand Manufacturers Association. "Safety Standards ASTM F2763." treestandsafety.org
- CDC. "Tree Stand-Related Injuries." cdc.gov/niosh
- Hunter Safety System. "Full-Body Harness Guide." huntersafetysystem.com
- Quality Deer Management Association. "Tree Stand Safety." qdma.com
- Bowhunter Magazine. "Tree Stand Selection Guide 2025." bowhunter.com
