Treestands are very valuable and beneficial pieces of equipment for seasoned hunters as they give you an instant height advantage against your target.
However, tree stands can often be short of space thanks to a large tree trunk behind you and therefore compromise the positioning of your arms.
This is especially true for bow hunters and more often than not they struggle to get an accurate shot thanks to the limited space.
That’s where free-standing deer stands come in! They offer all the benefits from a treestand, just without the bulky tree getting in the way.
They can also be set up anywhere so you’re not dependent on where the trees are positioned.
A tripod deer stand is as simple as the name suggests – it is a tripod with a seat attached to the top of the legs. The most important factors when buying a free-standing deer stand is that it is stable and secure so you don’t find yourself tipping over or falling from a great height due to a slight breeze or the wrong movement.
Your model should also be easy to set up, portable and lightweight, and feature a comfortable enough seat.
Below we’ll be looking at the top five tripod deer stands on the market at the moment, along with factors to consider before purchasing your new gear.
In a hurry? This is our winner!
- ULTRALITE TRIPOD: The Millennium T-100 Tripod is designed by hunters for hunters. The lightweight tripod sets up in under a minute. The most comfortable and hunter friendly tripod in the industry and it meets or exceeds TMA industry standards.
- 360-DEGREE SEAT: The ComfortMAX seat swivels 360 degrees, with the footrest turning with the seat. Footstands on the tripod make turning and stopping the seat fluid and unobtrusive. You’ll have the view you need to take that shot.
- 10-FOOT HEIGHT: The T-100 tripod features an eye height of 10-feet. An effective height in low covered areas without sky-lighting yourself. At 10-feet with a 360-degree view, your chances of bagging a deer are greatly increased.
Best Tripod Deer Stand Reviews – Comparison Table
Best Tripod Deer Stand Reviews – Reviews
Millennium Treestands T-100 Tripod, 10 ft, Brown, one Size
The shortest deer stand on our list, the Millennium Treestands T-100 Tripod is only 10 foot tall and made of strong aluminium with a powder coated finish for added durability and protection.
At the end of each of the tripod legs is a circular foot which prevents the stand from sinking into the ground or slipping underneath you.
Each of these legs can be retracted and expanded into itself for easy setup and portability, one of which is also independently adjustable so you can keep the seat level on all sorts of terrain.
The ComfortMax Seat included is able to swivel 360 degrees so you can have eyes on all your surroundings. The footrest keeps you secure and balanced while up high, however there is no rail for you to rest your firearm or bow on.
Perhaps the most impressive benefit of the Millennium Treestands T-100 Tripod is that it weighs only 36 pounds while having a maximum capacity of 300 pounds.
This slight weight makes this model the lightest one on our list and by far the most portable.
Overall, Millennium Treestands’ model is a great option if you’re looking for a tough and secure deer stand which can be easily carried around amongst your other gear.
Granted, the price is slightly higher than the market average, however the high quality and beneficial features make it worth the investment.
- Very lightweight and portable at only 36 pounds.
- Swivel chair gives you a 360 degree view.
- Coated aluminum construction is strong and durable.
- Higher price point (but we think it’s well worth it).
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The 13’ Deluxe Tripod Deer Stand by Gear Guide is a tough and durable free-standing deer stand that is made from welded steel covered in a layer of powder coating to prevent any wearing or damage occurring over time.
However, customers have found that the hardware, such as the nuts and bolts, have no coating on them and therefore are prone to rusting rather quickly.
This deer stand features a 360 degree swivelling chair positioned on a platform which you can use to rest your feet or stand on if you’d prefer a higher position.
A safety rail lines the platform to give you a place to rest your firearm or bow while not using it, as well as preventing you falling from a significant height.
Each leg of Gear Guide’s deer stand can be adjusted to six different positions so you can ensure a stable and level platform even on uneven terrain.
This stand weighs a hefty 112 pounds, so get ready for an upper body workout carrying this to your favorite hunting location.
It can also take slightly more time to set up, however this extra effort is definitely worth it once it’s up and running.
- 360 degree swivel chair included.
- Made out of durable powder coated welded steel.
- 13 foot tall stand which can hold up to 300 pounds.
- The three legs can be independently adjusted to six different positions
- Not very portable due to its heavy build of 112 pounds
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Another 13’ tall model, the Sniper Sentinel Swivel Tripod Deer Stand is made from coated steel which is extremely durable and rugged. This stand has a maximum capacity of 300 pounds don’t worry about packing light.
Unlike the Gear Guide model we looked at above, this deer stand only weighs 66 pounds which is much lighter and more portable than a whopping 112 pounds.
The chair can swivel right the way around so your line of sight is never compromised, and the chairs back and armrests are well padded for comfort.
There’s no platform included with this deer stand for you to stand on, however there is a footrest for added comfort. As there is no platform, there is no railing either so there isn’t that added protection that may be desired.
Having said that, there is a short shooting rail that can be pulled up from the chair to rest your firearm or bow on when not in use.
Although there’s not as much space to move around on this deer stand, the lightweight aspect surely makes up for it.
The three legs can be locked into position for sturdiness, however unfortunately you cannot individually adjust them.
Overall, the set up and take down is reasonably easy and quick so you won’t be fumbling around with your deer stand for too long before beginning your hunt.
The price is relatively low for the quality of the stand, and the portability and weight are impressive for such a well performing deer stand.
- Reasonably ightweight at 66 pounds.
- Can hold up to 300 pounds.
- Shooting rail attached to the chair.
- 13 foot tall.
- Attractive price point.
- Cannot adjust the legs individually for uneven ground.
Muddy Liberty 16 Foot High Single Seater Foldable Deer Hunting Tri-Pod Stand with Flex Tek and 300 Pound Maximum Capacity, Black
The Liberty Tripod from Muddy is one of the tallest free-standing tripod deer stands that you’ll find on the market due to its impressive 16 foot tall height.
The chair is surrounded by a circular platform to stand on and rest your feet on while you swivel your chair right the way around to ensure you’re monitoring your whole surroundings.
What’s more is that there is a circular shooting rail so you can rest your weapon down while waiting for your target to wander near. This also gives you more room to aim and shoot, so it is very beneficial for hunters who use larger firearms or bows.
Going back to the swivel chair, it is wide with pockets on either side of the armrests. While the seat looks thin and uncomfortable, rest assured that there are multiple customer reviews raving about how comfortable the seat is.
The three legs are made of solid steel and are all adjustable so you can get a completely secure and level seat even on uneven terrain – a very important feature when you’re going to be sitting 16 feet up from the ground.
The Liberty Tripod is 132 pounds so is not as portable as other models and it can withstand a complete weight of 300 pounds.
All your gear will fit up on the platform in a breeze, however you may find it slightly harder to get to your desired location if it’s buried deep in the woods.
- 16 foot tall free-standing deer tripod.
- Padded shooting rail all around the chair.
- You can stand on the platform to get an even higher view if desired.
- The higher you are, the less sturdy you may feel at the top of your tripod stand.
- Heavy weight of 132 pounds makes this not a very portable model.
Guide Gear 12' Tripod Deer Stand Tower for Hunting Climbing Hunt Seat, Hunting Gear Equipment Accessories
The Guide Gear 12’ Tripod Deer Stand is another affordable option for our list, but don’t let this deter you. Its steel construction is just as durable as all the other tripod deer stands we’ve looked at, which is impressive and welcomed considering the low price.
You’ll sit 12 feet off the ground with this deer stand and it can withstand the weight of up to 300 pounds. What’s more is that the three legs can be folded down to much shorter to ensure easy portability.
The chair is designed with ultimate comfort in mind with padded backrests and armrests, and it is able to swivel 360 degrees to keep your vision completely uninterrupted.
There is also a shooting rail to rest your firearm or bow on while not in use, as well as keeping it in the correct position to allow quick and easy aiming to get precise shots every time.
Unfortunately, much like the other tripod deer stand by Gear Guide that we looked at earlier, this model is on the heavier side and therefore harder to transport than other models.
The 66 pound stand is harder to set up and take down quickly so won’t work well for you if you find yourself moving around often during each hunting trip, this may not be the best option for you.
However, if you’re prone to staying in one position for the duration of your hunt and want an inexpensive chair that has an impressive weight capacity, you can’t go wrong with the Guide Gear 12’ Tripod Deer Stand.
- 12 foot tall.
- Legs can be folded down for easy transportation.
- Made from durable steel.
- Not as portable as other models due to a heavy weight of 66 pounds.
Best Tripod Deer Stand Reviews – Buyers Guide
The unique selling point and the most attractive draw for tripod deer stands is the fact that you can set it up wherever you desire. Let’s look at some factors to consider before committing to your new deer stand to ensure you choose the right one for your individual hunting style.
Seat comfortability
Deer stands are not inexpensive, so if you purchase one and take the time to transport it to your desired location, set it up and climb up it with all your heavy gear, you deserve a comfortable seat to relax in.
It’s all good and well choosing a deer stand for the height advantage, but this isn’t going to get you very far if you can’t sit still in your seat for the duration of your hunt.
Make sure to take some time to read customer reviews for the deer stands you’re looking at before committing to purchasing one, as the comfortability of the seat can really make or break your hunting trip.
Also make sure the size of your seat is going to accommodate your body correctly.
Height
The height of your deer stand will depend on what you’re planning to use it for. All of the models we have looked at above are all around the 12 or 13 foot mark, however The Liberty Tripod deer stand boasts a height of 16 foot. Decide whether you’re looking for an average sized stand or a taller model before beginning your search.
Weapon rest
Firearms and bows can be heavy, so it makes sense to choose a model with a gun or bow rest. If you’re sitting waiting for your target to walk along in front of you, you may be waiting for hours at a time.
To add to that, if you’re sitting holding a heavy weapon in your arms for the whole time, you may find that your aim is compromised by the time you spot your prey.
These rests are often helpful as they also offer another layer of protection to prevent you losing your balance while over 10 feet off the ground.
However, if your model doesn’t offer a gun rest, not all hope is lost as you may be able to fashion one out of the steps.
Portability
As we said earlier, the main reason hunters choose to use free-standing deer stands is the freedom that they offer in where you can use them.
Having said that, if your deer stand is too heavy to move this freedom is quickly diminished and you’ll find yourself with a lot more limitations than a lighter model.
A lightweight stand is much more valuable for hunters who tend to move around a lot during their hunting trips, so your individual style will affect how important this is to you.
Weight limit
All free-standing tripod deer stands on the market have differing weight limits, so make sure to check the maximum capacity before buying your chosen model.
Bear in mind that your gear is going to have to fit on the stand as well, so don’t forget to combine your bodyweight with your gear weight when considering which capacity to go for.
There are numerous models on the market with varying maximum capacities, so there is sure to be a high quality tripod stand for people of all builds.
Price
Your budget is going to play a large factor in your decision making for which tripod deer stand you ultimately choose. Free standing tripod deer stands are quite expensive pieces of equipment on their own, so your budget may only allow for an inexpensive model on the market.
The more features the model offers, the higher the price is likely to be so you should make sure you know which features you’re more likely to need rather than want. Make sure to choose a model that aids your hunting style the most without going over your budget.
Getting in and out of the stand
Getting in and out of the stand easily is an important safety feature that needs to be met by your stand. Some tripod stands are easier to climb up than others, as some come with wide ladders to climb up while other models only have small ridges to climb up one of the legs.
Make sure the model you choose is going to be safe and easy to climb up and down to ensure you don’t find yourself involved in any nasty accidents, especially if you’re hunting alone.
Moreover, make sure that the tripod stand isn’t going to tip over as you’re climbing into the seat.
Bow hunting ability
A popular way of hunting deer is with a bow, and if this is your method of choice you’re going to have to ensure that there is enough room to extend your arms fully and gives you enough room to move as much as you need.
Bow hunting with restricted room is an easy way to ensure you get inaccurate shots, so this is an important feature. Models with rails can often limit your arm room, however they’re often helpful for resting your weapon on.
It is also helpful to have a bow holder to give your arms a rest while you’re not hunting. However, as long as your tripod deer stand has enough arm space, all of these additional features can be worked around if needed.
Why Choose a Free-standing Deer Stand?
There are many benefits that come from choosing to use one of our free-standing models that we reviewed above.
The first main advantage is that you can set up the tripod anywhere you want, which is very beneficial as you can position your stand in those optimal locations that you so desperately wanted there to be a tree.
Depending on the particular model you’ve chosen, free-standing models allow you to set it up and take it down quickly and easily so you don’t waste too much time on moving your gear around.
This will allow you to blend in among the trees and keep you out of sight of your targets.
Another benefit of free-standing deer stands is that they’re a simple and effective way to instantly get an advantage over your prey.
If you position yourself higher than your target’s eyeline, you’re much less likely to be seen than if you were hunting on the ground.
Some models can even go as high as traditional deer stands, just without the big tree trunk restricting your space.
Hunters who like to use bows will know the struggle of setting up a deer stand and having to struggle to get an accurate shot with the very limited space, so a free-standing deer stand is an excellent way to get around this – just make sure the model you choose doesn’t have a surrounding rail that could be counterproductive.
Moreover, as we said earlier there are no tree trunks in the way that you have to scoot around awkwardly, so you can actually get a 360 degree view of the environment you’re hunting in.
What’s more is that there are some models that come with built in swivel chairs so you don’t have to compromise your positioning to get a perfect shot of a target that was once behind you.
This is quick, silent and effective for hunters, especially when their targets are fast game animals.
Final Say
Hopefully you now have a clearer image in your head of your ideal free-standing tripod deer stand. If we had to choose our favorite, it would have to be the Millennium Treestands T-100 10’ Tripod due to all its great benefits.
However, the price is slightly higher than the market average so you may prefer to choose one of the other options we’ve included in our list.
All of the stands we discussed are great options and all have their own individual advantages, so as long as you bear in mind the factors talked about in our buyers guide when choosing your deer stand, we have no doubt that your next purchase will be your best hunting gear yet!