Best Climbing Sticks of 2026

"I'm actually sitting in the stand right now and I'm genuinely impressed by how comfortable and stable it is. The assembly instructions were straightforward, and I was able to move it between spots without much hassle. Even though it's made of steel, the weight is manageable unless you're hiking long distances. Climbing is simple and quiet, and the included seat is much more comfortable than my old ladder stand. Overall, it's an excellent first climber or budget-friendly option, and I'm very satisfied with the quality Summit delivers."

"After using this climbing stand for three seasons, I can say it's been an excellent investment. The stand is sturdy, packs well, and is easy to set up and move. I've hunted from multiple trees and found it easy to shoot from, whether sitting or standing, with different weapons. If I ever need another, I'd definitely purchase this one again and recommend it to fellow hunters."

"I was a bit skeptical after my last climber bent on me, but this one is noticeably lighter, larger, and much better built. The seat is thicker and more comfortable, and the overall quality is impressive, especially compared to cheaper stands. I'm really glad I went with Summit this time and am excited to get out into the woods with it."

"I've owned many types of stands, but this was my first climber and I'm impressed. Super easy to use, lightweight to carry, and extremely comfortable up in the tree. Assembly took just a few minutes, and I felt very secure while hunting. It even comes with a safety harness and is easy to attach and adjust. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable climbing stand."

"After years of using other stands, I finally got the Viper SD and wish I hadn’t waited so long. It’s well-built, comfortable for long hunts, and doesn’t make much noise in the woods. While it’s a bit pricier than some alternatives, the added comfort and quality are worth it. Definitely the last stand I’ll need for a long time."

"I’ve had the older Viper models and recently upgraded to the SD version. Assembly was straightforward, and comfort is outstanding—no pressure points at all. My only small gripe is the new zipper armrest pads can make a bit of noise, but it’s a minor issue. Overall, this is the best hunting chair I’ve ever used, and I appreciate the flexibility to add side bags and other accessories."

"I used this stand all season and was impressed by its comfort and stability. The seat is so comfortable I could sit all day, and there were no squeaks or wobbles. Assembly was a breeze. For the price, it’s top-notch value and quality."

"This stand has a spacious platform and the seat is fantastic. It's light enough for one person to mount and feels sturdy. I added a ratchet strap to get it extra tight to the tree, but all in all, I’ll definitely be buying another!"

"After replacing a missing bolt, I realized this is the most comfortable lock-on stand I’ve ever used—just as good as my climbers. I wish I’d bought more when I had the chance!"

"As someone who weighs 200 lbs, I can tell you this ladder is sturdy and safe to climb. I set it up by myself, but having an extra set of hands or a spotter is a good idea. The straps fit well around 16-inch trees, but for anything larger, consider getting longer straps."

"With size 15 boots, I found the extra wide version to be perfectly comfortable and secure. The steps are spacious enough for both feet, and the stand-off from the tree is just right. I'm a bit particular about safety after a past accident, so I swapped the top and middle straps for ratchets—now it's rock solid. I wish the price was a little lower, but overall it's a worthy investment."

"I'm 66 years old and not as steady as I once was, so I really appreciate how solid and easy to climb this ladder is. The wide treads make it much easier to keep three points of contact while climbing."

"I found the stand comfortable and secure once I finished assembling it, even though putting it together was a bit of a hassle, especially since I had to do it in the rain. The seating is great and I felt very safe once it was set up."

"As someone who’s put together a lot of ladder stands, I have to say this was the most frustrating experience I’ve had. Missing hardware, sharp metal left from welding, and poorly aligned parts made the process tough. The instructions were hard to follow, and I ended up returning it because I just didn’t feel it was safe to use."

"I picked this up at the sale price and thought it was a solid deal for the money. For me, at 6'4" and 220lbs, it felt a bit tight and I wouldn’t want to fit two adults on it. Once properly secured, it felt sturdy and reliable. The one thing I’d improve is the seat position—it sits too far back, making the back bar uncomfortable to lean against."

"I was really impressed with how sturdy and comfortable this stand is, especially considering the great price. It was easy to assemble and the platform gives me plenty of room to maneuver. I did upgrade the straps for extra peace of mind, but overall, it’s solid and I’d definitely buy another."

"I’ve bought several of these stands because they’re comfortable and once I hang them, they stay put for years of hunting. They are a bit on the heavy side, but for the comfort and stability, it’s worth it."

"Putting this together was a breeze, and I was happy to see that all parts were included and fit together perfectly. The directions could be clearer, but if you have some common sense, you’ll have it up in no time. For the price, you really can’t beat it."

"This is my first climbing stand and I absolutely love it! It’s so much better than a ladder stand and offers plenty of room to stand. With minor seat adjustments, it’s quite comfortable. I’m already considering getting another one!"

"I’m really impressed with the quality of the Viper SD Pro climber. The only minor drawback is that the Velcro pads for the upper rail are a bit awkward to install—I think a zipper would be easier."

"The new attachment rail on the Pro SD works well, even though attachments only fit on the straight sections. I’ve used over a dozen Summit stands and never had one fail—they’re always reliable."

"As a bigger guy at 5'9'' and 260 lbs, I was skeptical based on other reviews, but after some trial and error, I found this stand to be stable and lightweight, making it much easier to carry on long hikes. The seat is more comfortable than expected, though the cushion does tend to slide back. Overall, it gets me safely up in the tree, and I'm planning to use it for a couple of seasons to see how it grows on me."

"I appreciate how lightweight and easy to set up this stand is. I call it my 'Climbing Hang-On' because there's no bar in the way and it's sturdy enough for bow hunting. It can be a bit tight for bigger users (I'm 6'2", 220 lbs), but it's a solid option for anyone used to climbing stands."

"I was hesitant at first, but after trying this stand, I'm glad I did. It's perfect for long walks thanks to its light weight, and the open design is ideal for bow hunters who want fewer obstacles. If you're on the bigger side, you might feel a little crowded, but at 5'7''/180 lbs it was comfortable for me. Adding a footrest makes longer sits even better."

"I've bought three of these stands, and they always arrive with all the parts despite the boxes looking rough. At 6'0 and 210 lbs, I find them easy enough to assemble and move unless I'm in thick brush. The stand offers great value, but I do swap out the seat for a stool for extra comfort."

"The stand itself is well made and comfortable, and I feel the price is justified. Assembly took some time—I used my own nut drivers instead of wrenches, which helped. Despite the extra effort, I'd happily purchase again."

"I was disappointed to find out the legs aren’t adjustable, even though they were advertised as such. Everything else about the construction is solid, but for uneven ground, it's not ideal."

"I've collected a huge number of these sticks—they're honestly my absolute favorites!"

"When I bought two, I received them with damaged boxes and the ends were already open. Returning them was a bit of a hassle."