5 Best Tree Climbing Gear - Feb. 2023

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more

Bottom line

Pros

Cons

High Quality Materials

Bottom Line

Tree climbing spikes and cushions made with leather and steel.

Pros

Includes 8 x 8-inch padded leather cushions, extra-long gaff, and 133-mm stirrup. Features nylon and neoprene straps adjustable from 17 to 21 inches. Contoured leg iron and steel sleeve are attached with 2 hex bolts, washers, and nuts.

Cons

May not be padded enough for some users.

Best Bang for the Buck

Paliston

Climbing Hand Ascender

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Most Compact

Bottom Line

A set of 2 metal rope climbers with grips.

Pros

Aluminum alloy right- and left-hand climbers for ropes 8 to 12 mm wide. Features a wide handle with a grip. Ascends easily and securely in all types of weather. Easy to store. Handles 900 pounds.

Cons

Rope has to be threaded through the hand ascenders.

Summit Treestands

Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand

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Most Comfortable

Bottom Line

A durable climbing seat with a camouflage pattern.

Pros

Aluminum climbing stand with cushioned seat and front and side bars. Has a 300-pound weight limit and weighs 20 pounds. Features a safety harness and comes with all parts. Can be used when sitting or standing.

Cons

May be difficult to set up.

A tree climbing seat that is designed to minimize noise and fatigue.

Pros

Steel climbing stand and seat with a 300-pound weight limit. Quick and simple attachment to trees. Exterior is rust resistant and the cushion is padded. Seat height is adjustable. Weighs 29 pounds. Comes with climbing stirrups.

Cons

Climber may be heavy for some users.

A pair of metal climbers with padded guards and secure straps.

Pros

2 lightweight tree climbers with red fiberglass guards. Features washable pads and wide Velcro straps. Bottom straps are leather and have split rings. Aluminum alloy gaff is hot forged and sharpened. 350-pound weight limit.

Cons

Some reports of missing items.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
Considered

101

Consumers
Consulted

Hours
Researched