Take Your Hunting to The Next Level With These Expert-Recommended Ladder Stands

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Hunting from an elevated stand gives you a stealthy position and great vantage point to get the lay of the land. Tree stands come in all shapes and sizes, including the ladder stand, which makes it easy and comfortable to hang out and wait for your target to come into range. Ladder stands are among the easiest elevated stands to place and are comfortable for hunters of all ages and experience levels, giving them a 270-degree field of view, and a considerable opportunity for success.

Best Ladder Stands

• Best Overall: Hawk 20-Foot Big Denali 1.5-Seat Ladder Stand

• Best Value: Guide Gear 15.5-Foot Ladder Stand

• Best Two-Person Stand: Hawk 18-Foot Denali 2-Man Ladder Stand

• Best Extra-Wide Seat: Guide Gear 20-Foot 2-Man Double Rail Ladder Stand with Hunting Blind

• Best Tall: Primal Treestands Mac Daddy Xtra Wide 22-Foot Ladder Stand

• Best for Bowhunting: Big Game Hunter HD 1.5-Seat Ladder Stand

What to Consider When Buying a Ladder Stand

Ladder stands have become a vital piece of hunting gear in regions from the Midwest to the Southeast, where woodland hunting allows you to make effective use of an elevated position in high-traffic areas.

That said, ladder stands are bulky and often quite heavy. Frequently weighing 50- to 100 pounds, they are generally too heavy to carry in and set up and on a single-day hunt. It always pays to look for a lightweight option, but don’t get too hung up on weight: Every ladder stand will be heavy, so it’s more important to focus on the details that will set you up for success.

Safety First: Always Wear a Harness

When using a stand or hunting from an elevated blind, you should always wear a safety harness. All of our picks lift you around 20 feet in the air: Without a harness, slipping or missing a step could lead to a fall, which could kill you.

If you need a harness to go with your stand, look for a “full-body” harness, which alleviates pressure that could cut off circulation to your limbs or torso. We recommend the Hunter Safety System Hanger Harness for hanging stands or the Hunter Safety System X1 or similar for all-season hunting. Both are easy to use and fit well under your hunting jacket and hunting pants.

Height

There’s no point in using an elevated stand if you don’t get up high enough to avoid detection. If your stand is too low, your prey might be able to see or smell you. We’ve found that most hunters should look for a stand that’s 18- to 22 feet high, and our picks are all in that range. Manufacturers typically measure stand height from the ground to the platform, seat, or rail. (They’ll tell you which one with the specs.)

A taller stand makes it hard to line up your shots, though, so keep that in mind when picking out your stand. If you’re hunting in an area with thick brush and cover, you can get away with something shorter–around 10- to 12 feet high. A few ladder stands feature an adjustable ladder, allowing you to hit both sweet spots with a single stand. It’s a very useful perk, but not a standard feature.

Weight

The main disadvantage of a ladder stand is its size. It is bulky and often heavy compared to other types of stands, which may or may not be a problem for you on a hunt. It’s worthwhile to invest in a stand designed to weigh less, but don’t sacrifice comfort for the sake of a smaller, more portable stand. There are no ultralight options, and you may be up there for a while.

Keep in mind whether you plan to carry and set up the stand on your own or with a hunting partner. Remember that some stands are designed for solo outings, and others are made with a duo in mind.

Load Capacity

Make sure your stand can handle the weight you plan to put on it. That means everyone who plans to use it, plus the weight of their gear. Your stand’s load capacity should be significantly higher than that number. You do not want to exceed the limit because you brought some extra stuff.

Seat Size & Style

The seat quality is essential to any ladder stand. You will not be still if you are uncomfortable, and moving around can ruin your hunt quickly. Ladder stands generally come in single seats, extra-wide “1.5 seats,” and double seats for hunting duos.

Ladder stand seats are usually made with waterproof nylon or Cordura exterior and a 1- to 2 inch foam insert, or a tightly woven mesh material riveted to a metal frame, similar to some patio furniture. Many seats will flip up out of the way, allowing full access to the platform, which is especially helpful for bowhunters, who need more room to draw and shoot.

Rails

The rail on your ladder stand is, first and foremost, a shooting rest for guns and crossbows. It is not a safety feature. Wear a safety harness.

Ideally, you should look for a padded railing, which allows you to rest your weapon without marring the weapon's finish, and adjust your aim quietly. If you get a stand with an unpadded railing, you can also add padding yourself using pipe insulation.

Make sure to look at the shape and angle of the railing, as well, as some sit higher or lower than average, which can affect your shooting position. Some rails are adjustable to allow a customized height.

If you are a compound bowhunter, make sure to look for a ladder stand with a removable or adjustable rail to free up space when you shoot.

Other Features

Some ladder stands offer less common features, such as fold-away footrests, side hooks for hanging gear, adjustable rail heights, cup holders, adjustable seat backs, removable seat pads, and the ability to remove a rail section for a shorter height. These are all perks and can be useful in the right circumstance, but they aren’t always necessary. Think about how they might improve your hunt before picking a stand because of them.

How We Selected The Best Ladder Stands

We selected the best ladder stands based on experience, research, and the opinions of other hunters. Considering the location, the type of hunting you are doing, and how far you will need to transport a stand will significantly influence the style of ladder stand you choose. With our combined evaluation, experience, and research, this article can assist you in determining which option below best fits your needs and is worth your investment.

20-Foot Big Denali 1.5-Seat Ladder Stand

The Big Denali's oversized MeshComfort seat has a 20-foot ladder and high contoured backrest that gives crossbow and gun hunters a front-row seat to their hunting ground. The flip-up padded rail features a well-padded bow/gun holder, making it easier to find a comfortable, steady aiming position. Unfortunately the seat doesn’t flip up, though, leaving a small standing platform for compound bow hunters.

Weighing 65 pounds, a single hunter can move it into position and set it up independently. I like that this stand is designed for easy storing and transporting so much that I will travel with it this season, using it for crossbow hunting in Nebraska during the rut.

The ladder sections are designed to nest into each other when packed for compact, easy transportation.

15.5-Foot Climbing Ladder Tree Stand

This Guide Gear stand provides the stability of a two-rail ladder at under $200, making it a great value for budget-conscious hunters. The fold-up seat allows for safe movement on the platform while getting situated, and padded armrests add comfort and stability.

At 61 pounds, this unit is also lighter than the other two-rail ladders on our list, making it a good choice for those planning on carrying it longer distances. The relatively small seat might not be ideal for larger users though, so keep that in mind.

18-Foot Denali 2-Man Ladder Stand

If you tend to hunt with a partner, this two-person stand could be a great choice. The mesh seats, contoured backrests, and centered armrest combine to provide the comfort and support you both need for extended hunts. The treaded steps decrease the chances of slipping or sliding in wet weather, and the heavy-duty oval steel steel tubing gives the entire structure a sturdy, stable feel.

At nearly 100 pounds, it’s not exactly light, but two people should be able to handle it fine. The 500-pound load capacity might sound like a lot, but taking into account two people, plus gear, that limit could be reached more easily than you think.

20-Foot 2-Man Double Rail Ladder Stand with Hunting Blind

This extra-wide ladder stand can be used for two people, or, since it doesn’t have a center divider, as a spacious, 36-inch-wide seat for one.

A large camouflage blind conveniently unravels from the shooting rail, providing cover from your prey and helping to eliminate silhouettes. The curved, 55-inch platform offers plenty of room to move around, and its 14-inch depth is convenient for storing equipment.

Perhaps best of all, the 20-foot height should keep you well out of the eye line of any animals that might be lurking below.

Treestands Mac Daddy Xtra Wide 22-Foot Ladder Stand

Primal Treestands’ extra-wide, extra-tall Mac Daddy ladder stand is on the pricey side, but offers a few features not found in our other picks. Its stabilizer truss system adds extra strength and stability to the ladder without a stabilizer bar, expanding the range of trees that can provide a sturdy base. Its Grip Jaw System holds the ladder tight, eliminating unwanted squeaks, pops, and creaks. It also makes the stand easier to set up.

The Mac Daddy’s Textilene seat is made with a comfortable soft-molded foam, and features a high back, so it’s comfortable to sit in for a long stretch. Likewise, a fold-away step on the platform gives you a chance to put your feet up while you wait for your prey. The adjustable shooting rail and padded seat lift out of the way for bowhunters, giving you a large standing platform as well. It’s a rock-solid stand that's quiet, stable, and perfect for long days up high.

Hunter HD 1.5-Seat Ladder Stand

If you are a bowhunter, you will appreciate the flip-up oversized seat and extended platform on Big Game’s Hunter HD 1.5 ladder stand. The extra-wide Flex-Tek seat distributes weight evenly with no pressure points, making extended sits a little more comfortable.

It features a flip-down footrest to keep you comfortable while you wait for your target. It’s also one of our lightest stands, weighing only 61 pounds, so it’s a great choice for a solo hunter.

We selected this stand with bows in mind for its slightly shorter 18.6-foot height, which keeps you well above ground level while minimizing distance. Also, the platform extends to the tree, allowing ample room to draw and make the perfect shot.

Ladder Stand Q+A With Expert Hunter Nancy Jo Adams

What is the best advantage of using a ladder stand over other style tree stands?

All tree stands have the same core purpose: To create an elevated position and give you an advantage on your hunt. A ladder stand makes it easier to gain that advantage than with other types of stands by allowing you to simply mount a ladder, rather than struggle with screw-in pegs or hammering rungs directly into the tree for a parallel climb.

I appreciate a stable ladder and stand when climbing a stand with a backpack, sometimes in thick layers, placing items where you need them or packing them back up, often in the dark. Having ample seating also gives me confidence while I’m sitting 20 feet up in the air. Lastly, you can’t discount having a comfortable seat and solid stand if you plan to sit out all day.

What’s the best way to transport a ladder stand?

Ideally, you should try to get your ladder stand as close to your setup location as possible to minimize the distance you have to carry it on foot. From my vehicle, I’ll carry my stand in sections: It usually takes two trips–one for the ladder, and a second for the platform and seat.

Unfortunately, you can’t always pull a vehicle close. If I have to carry the stand a long way, I’ll use a game cart to make the process a little easier. Strap the bundled ladder sections down and the platform section on top.

While ladder stands are portable, I generally reserve them for hunts on private land and leases where you can set up a stand and leave it in place for the entire season. While ladder stands are technically portable, it’s better to minimize the number of times you have to set them up and take them down.

What are your ladder stand pet peeves?

Squeaks, rattles, and loud pops have sent several of my stands to eBay and Craigslist. Not only are small nuisance noises annoying but I’ve been busted in the heat of the moment on several occasions by a little pop or squeak from my stand as I prepared for a shot.

You don’t need to throw out a stand the first time you notice the issue. A few drops of scent-free oil in squeaky joints or some camo duct tape around any spots where metal meets metal should help quiet down a noisy stand. If that doesn’t work, the stand gets retired. I will not use gear that makes me less stealthy.

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