Big guy and tree stands

[ACBASSTEAM]

Hey guys,

Had a family member give me a couple different sets of climbing sticks so I'm looking to pick up a new hang on tree stand here in the near future. The thing is that I'm hovering right around 300 pounds and I know most stands have the capacity of 300 which raises the issue how safe it'll actually be with me in it. I mean I've sat in hang on stands before and never had an issue and I always have my safety harness on. But still hanging 15 foot up a tree isn't something to mess around with. Does anyone know of any stand that has a higher weight capacity? Or should I be okay in your guy's opinion with most any stand as long as I use heavy duty straps and double check all the bolts and everything when I go up there since I'm hovering right around 300 exactly? Any recommendations on stands would be appreciated. Trying not to spend an arm and a leg though.

Thanks in advance!

[BP in ME]

Are you a nimble 300? I'm slender so I can't relate too well but getting from climbing stick to stand takes my full concentration. Not sure i'd want to do it with an extra 100 pounds and I barely trust hang-on stands at my weight so you're right to be concerned IMO. Can't answer your Q directly but in your position I might consider 2-person ladder stands instead if that's an option.

[ACBASSTEAM]

Are you a nimble 300? I'm slender so I can't relate too well but getting from climbing stick to stand takes my full concentration. Not sure i'd want to do it with an extra 100 pounds and I barely trust hang-on stands at my weight so you're right to be concerned IMO. Can't answer your Q directly but in your position I might consider 2-person ladder stands instead if that's an option.

Yeah im not to worried about that. I’ve been an athlete all my life and never had an issue getting into a stand from sticks. My problem isn’t my gut for the most part just my calf’s and thighs are so fricken big they make up a lot of my weight😂

[AdamB]

Years ago I had an Ol' Man Grand vision that I really liked. I'm 275 and like ladder stands better now. Not that I don't have the strength to use it, just much easier and quicker to get into them. Good luck and be safe!

[riverc]

I don't use hangons so no experience there.If you could swap the ratchet straps with Heavy Duty straps it would make me feel safer at your weight.Be careful man.

[dwmgg17]

There are a few out there that i have seen rated for 350 pounds. Personally, never climb with one without your harness on and hooked up. Also, i like a stand with my back to the tree when bowhunting and one facing the tree when gun hunting. Positioning the stand where you can use the tree for a prop when making those long range shots is a big plus. You can also use screw in steps/hangers to hang you pouch, binocs, etc on them where they suit you. Porta-climb makes a cadilac stand that i have used for ever and even have some home made ones. Have slept a few hours in them over the many, many years. It is all in what you feel comfortable in. Getting a really good harness strap in case you fall out is very important and having it adjusted length wise is also important. Good luck and be safe!!!