[Stalag13]

Hey Guys, just looking for a little personal input.
I'm looking at getting a new climbing treestand. The original API that I have is just way to heavy for a new area I found that is a hike. Looking for a very light treestand to make my walk easier. Does anyone have any suggestions/personal use.
Thanks!

 

[irishiup]

I had (and still do) APIs for years, but purchased a Summit Viper before last season. Overall, I'd give Summit the edge for how it packs in/out, weight and relative quietness.

 

[dce]

Nothing beats a lone wolf for packability.

 

[Charlie K]

x2 on the Lone Wolf , very comfortable also .

 

[MaddiesDad]

I would highly recommend the API Marksman. I had a rigid API climber that was a bear to pack and I picked up the marksman locally on craigslist. It is light - about 17 lbs, and packs flat which is really convenient. My backpack loop goes over the pin and a bungee cord holds it tight when hiking - all for $150 on sportsman's guide. I love mine. and surprisingly, the mesh seat is very comfortable.

 

[Stalag13]

Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. I too was looking at the lone wolf.

 

[WexfordBowhunter]

I like my Viper, but I've never used a Lone Wolf, so I can't offer a comparison.

 

[mauser06]

I love my Viper for comfort...it packs and OK...


But 95% of the time I'm in a lone wolf alpha hang on with sticks...

Setup time might be slightly slower...but with some practice I was up a tree in maybe 10mins or so if I had to guess...

Where it shines IMO is the silence...i thought my technique with the viper was fairly quiet... compared to the lone wolf it's no comparison...

Also...i can climb nearly any tree...I've climbed trees that were far too small for a climber..I've climbed crooked trees...I've climbed trees with lots of branches...

Getting in the RIGHT tree (more so with a bow than a rifle) makes a huge difference...getting in a tree with some concealment is huge...i can stay lower which helps with shot angle too...


I've done dark to dark sits in the lone wolf..not as comfy...but do-able..


Weight is probably similar with the alpha and 4 sticks vs the viper...


I LOVE the front rail and comfort of the viper...but like I said...bow season I'm in the lone wolf pretty much exclusively now..

 

[JeffCoHunter]

I also use a Lone Wolf climbing stand and am extremely happy with it.

 

[BIGGAME]

Lone wolf Assault with 4 sticks. I chose it over climber for more stand options. Trees with branches or not straight your good. Definitely a learning curve in setup and take down though.

 

[jse5019]

I absolutely love my Lone Wolf Sit n Climb. I am still contemplating a Lone Wolf hang-on with sticks for more versatility in getting about trees that aren't straight or have lots of branches. As stated above, I'm sure it will be a little slower but would be worth it for greater access. There are some good videos on YouTube that cover how to set sticks and stand in one climb.

 

[Squirrel]

I have been using a Lone Wolf Handclimber since 2009 and love it.Last season I bought a Sit and Climb top for it for bad back days, but still ended up using the Handclimber top more.

I also have a Lone Wolf Assault (11.5lb model, I wish it was the older 8.5lb model) with 4 LW sticks I use in areas without good climber trees. Only hunting public land, they come out with me every hunt because I do not trust leaving them.

 

[Buck Whisperer]

Lone wolf and don't look back. Truthfully you won't want to look back after you've owned one.

 

[Born2Hunt]

Timber tall makes light tree stands. I use one when I am must make long or steep trips to get to prime locations.

 

[SRA-5C+]

Lone Wolf, no doubt.

 

[Turkeyman]

I had an API years ago but got tired of the weight and "cumbersomness" when carrying. I have some spots which are in quite a ways. Over ten years ago I bought a LW Alpha and haven't looked back. There may be a few which are lighter but for quietness and packability the LW can't be beat. The difference between steel or aluminum tubing and cast aluminum.

 

[fall gobbler]

I still like my API Grandslam. It could be a hair lighter but the comfort and stability make it worth it. It does not ever slip, creek, rock, moan or groan...absolutely rock solid and it's so comfortable I can sit from dawn 'til dusk and even take a nap in between.

 

[NiceRack!]

I still like my API Grandslam. It could be a hair lighter but the comfort and stability make it worth it. It does not ever slip, creek, rock, moan or groan...absolutely rock solid and it's so comfortable I can sit from dawn 'til dusk and even take a nap in between.

Plus 1

just as he said

 

[attackone]

Save some money and buy a xop instead of a lone wolf

 

[CurtGowdy]

Summit Viper. But, like others, I have never tried the Lone Wolf. I have sat all day in the Viper, though, and have been very comfortable.