Tree stands are a crucial part of hunting. They help you to get an advantage over the prey and hunt from a remote location above the eyesight of the target. They also help you to take better pictures of birds and bird nests.
You can categorize tree stands as many types. Some of them are suitable for short people and lightweight people. But what about us giants? Well, don’t worry. We got some good stuff for you. Here are some of the best tree stands for big guys. All of the stands are certified to hold over 300 or more pounds of weight. Sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the read instead of your morning newspaper.
What Makes A Tree Stand Standout?
Pun aside, what are the qualifications for a good tree stand? Can’t I just grab any tree stand from the list and call it the best? Of course, I can’t. That would be deceiving. But here are some of the key points that you should remember while buying a tree stand.
Weight Limit: This is the big guy we are talking about. The weight limit is super important to us. If the tree stands can’t even carry above 300 lbs, what’s the point of buying it for us then? That’s why, go for a tree stand that can withstand the mighty weight of.
Build Quality: Tree stands don’t look like they are built that well. Even a foldable tree stand can lift over 300 lbs of weight. That’s why don’t go for the looks. Look at the materials used in the tree stand and how well the construction is.
Best Climbing Tree Stand For Big Guys – Our Top List!
1. Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand
| Stand Type | Closed Front |
| Tree Diameter | 8″ – 20″ |
| Construction | Aluminum |
| Platform Size | 20″ x 36″ |
| Seat Frame Size | 19.75″ x 26.5″ |
| Weight | 20 lbs |
| Weight Maximum | 300 lbs |
Summit is a well-known brand in the industry. The tree stands they make always tend to have top-notch quality and portability. The tree stand we have here is no different.
(+) Build Quality
Made out of aircraft aluminum Viper is here to keep you comfortable for a long time. Aluminum isn’t prone to rust. That’s why even on rainy days or in a snowy mountain, you can use this tree stand without any issues. The tree stand consists of two layers. One to sit and the other to keep your leg and bags on.
(+) Weight Limit
When we are talking about climbing stands for big guys, we are talking about at least something with 300 lbs or more weight capacity. Viper can lift up to 300 lbs of weight. That’s more than enough to get it an entry to the giant men’s club.
(+) Lightweight
One of the best things about this tree stand is the weight of the entire unit. When we look for old man climbing tree stands, we need to think about the weight of the unit as well. We don’t want our elders to carry more weight than they physically can.
(-) Keep That In Mind
The platform size can be a bit tedious for wide people. The weight limit is not an issue it can easily handled 300lbs+ weight but the seat could have been a bit wider.
2. Lone Wolf Wide Flip Climbing Tree Stand
| Straps | Backpack straps |
| Seat size | 14” x 12” flip-up |
| Tree size | Fits trees 9”-19” in diameter |
| Seat | Contoured foam pad |
| Platform size | 30” x 19.5” |
| Weight | 21 pounds |
| Weight Maximum | 350-pound |
As the name suggestss Lone Wolf tree stand is a convertible wide climbing tree stand. You can fold it around and take it around easily. It’s more convenient and portable-friendly.
(+) Weight Limit
The main concern for big guys climbing tree stands is the weight limit. The weight limit here is 350 lbs. A lot higher than other tree stands in a similar price-range.
(+) 6 Points Fall Arrest Safety System
This is a safety measure to prevent climbers from falling. Saving you from fall damage. Okay, bad jokes aside the safety mechanisms are pretty neat. You add in the strong and durable construction of the tree stand, it’s a great combo.
(+) Comfortable Seat
The seat is cushioned with enough foam to provide good comfort to your butt in the long sitting sessions.
- We took the best of both the Sit & Climb and the Alpha Hang On and combined them to make the ultimate climbing treestand
(-) Keep That In Mind
The seat is cushioned but the width of the seat is quite small. It might not be enough to cover your butt. To avoid that situation, you need to buy a separate big-sized cushion to put above the seat. It’s a small issue but still there.
3. Summit Goliath SD Climbing Treestand
| Stand Type | Closed Front |
| Tree Diameter | 8″ – 20″ |
| Construction | Aluminum |
| Platform Size | 20″ x 36″ |
| Seat Frame Size | 21.75″ x 26.5″ |
| Weight | 21 lbs |
| Weight Maximum | 350 lbs |
Summit Goliath might not be as big as a Gollum, but it’s still big enough to carry giants. It’s always fun to see old men climbing tree stands. If the tree stand is too big for them, they might not be able to climb it all the way up. Thankfully Goliath SD is moderately sized for hunters of all shapes and sizes.
(+) Weight Limit
The weight limit of the Goliath is 350 lbs. It’s way higher than most of the climbing tree stands in a similar price range. Most young hunters don’t require more than 200-250lbs of the weight limit. We are talking about big guys here. Of course, we need the extra weight. The bags they carry might be at the same weight as a young hunter.
(+) Build Quality
There is nothing that needs to be said about the build quality of a Summit tree stand. They are constructed with fine machinery and some of the best aluminum out there. The seat of the tree stand is well-cushioned and pretty comfortable to sit on.
- Covered by Summit’s 5-year limited warranty
(-) Keep That In Mind
This is not a flaw of the stand but depends on your cautiousness. If you don’t bind the stand to the tree tightly, the stand might swivel around a bit. It’s not a manufacturing error.
4. Lone Wolf Combo II Sit & Climbing Tree Stand
| Straps | Backpack straps |
| Fits trees | 6″ – 19″ |
| Top dimension | 17.25″ wide |
| Seat | 2-panel, Contoured foam pad |
| Platform size | 30” x 19.5” |
| Weight | 20 pounds |
| Weight Maximum | 350-pounds |
Lone Wolf Combo II is basically a chair hooked into the tree stand. It’s not visually appealing that’s for sure. You will feel like a beach volleyball coach sitting on the top of a tree instead.
(+) Design
It’s not visually appealing but it’s practical. The idea behind the tree stand was quite nice and the delivery was spot on. The chair looks and feels really comfortable to sit on. It’s like those directors chair you see in a film set. It’s not the best thing to sit in the world but it’s comfortable enough to keep you seated on the top of the tree.
(+) Weight Limit And Build Quality
The construction of this tree stand is top-notch. You can see from the construction up close that it was made for big guys. It’s not easy to nail a big man tree stand but if someone does, it might be Lone Wolf. The weight limit of the tree stand is 350 lbs. Similar to all the other tree stands we featured so far.
(+) Huge Platform
The open space underneath the chair is called the platform. It’s 30” tall and 19” wide. Pretty spread-out platform to keep your legs and other goodies intact.
- 2-panel contoured foam seat pad provides all-day comfort
(-) Keep That In Mind
The price of this is a bit higher end but that is to expected. You pay a premium price for a premium product. Lone Wolf definitely nailed it with this one.
5. Summit Titan SD Climbing Treestand
| Stand Type | Closed Front |
| Tree Diameter | 8″ – 20″ |
| Construction | Aluminum |
| Platform Size | 21″ x 38″ |
| Seat Frame Size | 21.75″ x 28.5″ |
| Weight | 25 lbs |
| Weight Maximum | 350 lbs |
Summit is one of the largest tree-stand manufacturers. It’s obvious they have more than 1 tree stand that would stand out. The naming game of Summit is always on point. Titan suits this tree stand.
(+) Build Quality
Just like all the other Summit tree stands, it’s also made out of aircraft-grade aluminum. Some of the most durable materials available on the market. It’s expensive, it’s durable, and it’s lightweight. All the things you can expect in a Summit tree stand.
(+) Weight Limit
The weight limit of this tree stand is 350 lbs. That’s around 155-160k. Quite a hefty number to have around. Even the largest guy won’t have issues with this tree stand. It’s one of the best climbing tree stands for big guys available on the market right now.
(-) Keep That In Mind
The weight of this tree stand is 25 lbs. That’s a bit higher than the other two Summit tree stands we mentioned so far. But there is a reason for the increased weight. The platform size of this one is bigger. That’s why it needed more material to make up for the big platform.
6. Lone Wolf Assault Climbing Tree Stand
| Straps | Backpack straps |
| Traction belt | 2 reg |
| Fit trees | 6″ – 19″ |
| Seat | Contoured foam pad |
| Platform size | 26″ x 19.5″ |
| Weight | 14.7-pounds |
| Weight Maximum | 350-pounds |
Lone Wolf Assault is one of the blandest-looking tree stands you will ever come across. It won’t even look like a good tree stand from a distance. You can easily mistake it for something cheap hanging on the tree.
(+) Build Quality
It’s bland, it’s minimalistic, it gets the job done. The end. On a serious note, it’s constructed from good-quality aluminum and is not prone to bending or cracking. Even if you put in the maximum weight that tiny seat won’t break down on you. It would be catastrophic otherwise.
(+) Weight
The weight of this package is below 15 lbs. It’s one of the lightest tree stands for big guys available on the market. Pretty absurd when you think about it. A 15-pound object can lift up to 350 lbs worth of object. Never ceases to amaze me.
(+) Weight Limit
Surprisingly, the weight limit on this tree stand is also 350 lbs. I know, this doesn’t look like it can carry that much weight. Believe me, I had a hard time grasping the reality. But once you find out and accept the truth, then the fun begins. It’s so tiny you can carry it anywhere you want. The backpack-style strap helps with the portability as well.
- Assault Hand/Climber Combo
(-) Keep That In Mind
There is no rail on the side of the chair. You will need to make sure you bind yourself well with the tree and the chair. Otherwise, there is a slight risk of moving/falling.
7. Summit 180 Max SD Climbing Treestand
| Stand Type | Closed Front |
| Tree Diameter | 8″ – 20″ |
| Construction | Aluminum |
| Platform Size | 21″ x 38″ |
| Seat Frame Size | 21.75″ x 28.75″ |
| Weight | 26 lbs |
| Weight Maximum | 350 lbs |
Another day, another Summit. Wait, it’s still the same day. Anyway, you have seen so far just how good Summit tree stands are. One might say they are one of the best tree stand makers right now. That’s a bold statement, I know. But Summit can surely back me up to stand on that statement.
(+) Compact
It’s compact. The straps and foldable mechanism make it easier to carry the stand around. There is tons of extra cushioning throughout the stand.
(+) Build Quality
The build quality of this tree stand is solid. The weight balance is good as well. It can carry up to 350 lbs of weight. It can carry you and the weight you are carrying around. The bottom platform is big enough to carry a lot of weight. You can use that as a footrest as well.
- Has a higher maximum weight limit of 350 pounds
(-) Keep That In Mind
It’s quite heavy. Weighing at 26lbs, it’s not light. You need to carry it around the backpack till you reach your destination. That might slow you down a bit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tree Stand For Big Guys Different Than Old Man Tree-Stands?
Truth be told, the differences are not that much. What we mean by big guy tree stand is that the tree stand is capable of holding up a big size/weight people. Where Old man tree stands are supposed to be helpful for the veteran hunters. It’s better to take a tree stand with more safety features and a comfortable seat for them.
Can I Use Any Tree Stand As A Big Guy?
Short answer, no. The long answer is also no. Simple reason, a cheap tree stand might only have 200lbs or less max weight. If your weight is over 150lbs and you take a 200lbs weight limit tree stand, it won’t work out for you. You will also carry a bag with you with equipment for hunting/birdwatching. They will easily outweigh the rest 50 lbs. You may compromise the tree stand with more weight.
Portability Is Your Best Friend!
When we go to the jungle for hunting or birdwatching, we don’t want to carry a huge burden on our backs. Walking with weight can be painful and stressful. That’s why always go for tree stands that are foldable and easy to carry around.
Conclusion
Tree stands are essential. Doesn’t matter whether you are a big guy, a small one, or an old man. Anyone could use the help of a tree stand in their life. But finding the best tree stand for big guys has always been a challenge. We don’t usually fall into most categories. From finding clothes to finding the right equipment for giants, we need to think a lot. That’s what I tried to do here.
This review was a guideline to help you reduce that thinking and decide on the tree stand. I hope you found your desired tree stand from the list. If not, we can always assist you further. And that concludes the journey here. Till next time.
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
