Buying guide for Best treestand umbrellas
If you’ve ever trudged back to your truck or campsite soaking wet and muttering about the weather forecast, it’s time for you to get a treestand umbrella. The deer and other game have to eat even if it’s raining or snowing, and you need to be out there to get them when they move around.
A treestand umbrella is an umbrella that is designed to be attached to a tree or treestand. They function like a traditional umbrella, but they have some additional hardware so you can affix them to a tree to keep you dry hands-free. Treestand umbrellas are available in different sizes and shapes, but nearly all models umbrellas have camouflage patterns to blend into the surrounding woods.
As with any hunting gear, you need something that is well suited to your environment.
Key considerations
Size
Some treestand umbrellas are as small as 38 inches in diameter, while others come in at a whopping 57 inches. However, choosing the right size depends on several factors.
One- or two-person treestand
Treestands are limited to two people at most, so your umbrella will only need to provide cover for one or two people. An umbrella 38 inches wide will be sufficient for one person but not for two. If you plan to keep two hunters dry, you shouldn’t get anything less than 48 inches in diameter. If you’re going to be the only one on the stand, you can use any size treestand umbrella you want, bearing in mind that larger models are generally heavier.
Wind
Even when it’s not windy per sé, there may still be a mild breeze blowing through the trees. The bigger your umbrella, the greater its tendency to flap in the wind. The flapping noise will scare off the deer and other game if you don’t increase the tension on the fabric or anchor it firmly in place. A smaller umbrella won’t be as likely to flap and make noise.
Rain
Rain rarely comes straight down — usually, it comes down at an angle, depending on how strong the wind is.
Check the weather patterns for the last 5 to 10 years. If rain is usually accompanied by strong winds, you’ll have to get a wider umbrella. If the rain in your area is generally accompanied by mild winds, you may be better off with a smaller umbrella.
Snow
Wet snow can be extremely heavy. Water itself weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon so wet, slushy snow can easily create a heavy burden on your umbrella. By contrast, light, dry snow won’t stick to your umbrella and will likely just blow off of it.
What kind of snow is prevalent in your area? If wet snow is frequent where you hunt, you will need a small strong umbrella that can withstand the weight.
Shape
Treestand umbrellas come in two main shapes: circular and square or rectangular. As a general rule, the square or rectangular ones are large enough for two people, while circular models are sufficient for one.
Weight
Most umbrellas don’t weigh more than 2 or 3 pounds. You’ll easily be able to stuff them in a corner pocket of your backpack or tie them to your belt until you reach your treestand. If need to walk a long distance to get to your treestand, a lighter umbrella may be your best option.
Heavy snowfall is a great time to hunt. Crops that stand above the snow, like corn and beans, will lure bucks out during the day. Stay under your umbrella and wait for them to come into sight.
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Features
Materials and durability
The central rod, the spokes, and any screws or rods that attach to the tree are metal, usually powder-coated steel or stainless steel. Some models may use fiberglass for the spokes, which is lightweight and flexible. The fabric is generally nylon or polyester, both of which are fairly durable.
A strong gust of wind can easily invert an umbrella, damaging the spokes. Other than the wind, the other main damage to a treestand umbrella comes from the sun. UV rays can damage nylon and polyester. Few manufacturers specify the materials of their treestand umbrellas, so you may have to read customer reviews to get a good idea of the durability of a model.
Setup
Opening a treestand umbrella is the easy part. They open just like a regular umbrella. Attaching it to the tree is more time-consuming. You will have to drive an anchor screw into the tree or tighten some straps around the tree to hold the umbrella in place, depending on the design of the umbrella
Some models have a cut-out to accommodate the tree trunk for a snug fit. When this works, it’s a handy feature that can keep rain from dripping down your back. When it doesn’t, it can make affixing your umbrella to the tree difficult if the tree is too large, leaving a sizeable gap.
Storage
Many treestand umbrellas come with a slip-on cover to protect them when they’re collapsed. When deer or hunting season is over, put your umbrella in its case or cover and store it away with the rest of your hunting gear until next season.
Did You Know?
Rain falling on an umbrella sounds remarkably similar to rain falling on leaves, so there’s no need to worry about your umbrella giving you away.
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Essential accessories
Tent tape: Gorilla Tape Camo Duct Tape
An accidental tear or rip shouldn’t spell the end of your treestand umbrella. This camouflage tape from Gorilla is both UV- and water-resistant. It can patch your leaks and tears so you can keep on hunting without getting soaked.
UV spray: Scotchgard Water & Sun Shield with UV Protector
Scotchgard is an industry leader in protective sprays. This spray can deliver excellent water-resistance to your treestand umbrella, and it will help it resist fading, drying, and cracking damage from the sun’s rays.
Ratchet tie-down straps: RPS Outdoors Ratchet Tie Down Straps
Extra ratchet tie-down straps always come in handy, especially if the wind starts picking up and you need reinforcement on your treestand umbrella. These camouflage straps from RPS Outdoors have black ratchets and will hold up to 900 pounds.
Treestand umbrella prices
Inexpensive
The low price range for treestand umbrellas is from $15 to $20. These umbrellas won’t last very long in windy conditions and can rip or tear, but they are water-resistant.
Mid-range
Most treestand umbrellas fall in the $20 to $40 range. They are more durable than less expensive models and are very water-resistant. Umbrellas in this range are also available in larger sizes.
Expensive
Above $40 is the high price range where you’ll find larger umbrellas fit for two people with sturdy mounting poles and straps. Most of the umbrellas in this range are highly durable and can withstand snow, wind, and heavy downpours.
Deer hunting in driving rain or a thunderstorm is a waste of time no matter how good your umbrella is. The deer will be huddled up in their dens waiting it out. You might as well pack it in too.
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Tips
- If possible, avoid setting up your treestand umbrella the same day you’re going to hunt. It will create all kinds of noise that will frighten the game away. Set it up the day before if possible, but avoid leaving your umbrella set up for extended periods.
- Noise during windy conditions is often a problem with umbrellas since the fabric tends to flap in the wind. The tighter an umbrella is stretched, the less noise it will make.
- Umbrellas can’t protect you from slanting rain. Anchor them as low over your head as possible without interfering with your view or your position in the treestand.
FAQ
Q. How long does it take to set up a treestand umbrella?
A. The first time you set it up will probably take 15 to 20 minutes. Once you get used to it, you should be able to put it up in less than 10 minutes depending on the design.
Q. Are treestand umbrellas waterproof?
A. Some are. The more expensive models are generally the ones that are waterproof. If you hope to hunt in a downpour, a waterproof model is worth the investment.
Q. Can I leave my treestand umbrella up all season?
A. Because they are meant for hunting, treestand umbrellas are often tougher than ordinary umbrellas. However, they can still be damaged by sun and strong winds. Don’t leave them up for more than a few days at a time.
