You’re a dedicated hunter who pays close attention to every aspect of your gear. So, when you’re looking for the lightest hang-on tree stand available, you want to be sure it will be up to your standards.
We’ll take a closer look at the Primal Raven, Big Game Captain, Millenium M100 Ultralite, Millenium M7 Microlight, Hawk Helium XL, Hawk Helium Pro, Hawk Helium Ultralite, XOP Air Raid Evolution, and the XOP Vanish Evolution to see which one comes out on top.
Millennium M7 Microlite
Specs
The Millennium M7 Microlite has a platform that measures 20.5″ x 26″. It can support up to 300lbs of weight and the stand itself weighs 8.5lbs.
The verdict
So, here it is. The lightest hang-on tree stand on our list. Weighing in at an unbelievable 8.5lbs, the M7 Microlite can’t really be beaten when it comes to ease of transport. As with most of Millennium’s tree stands, the M7 Microlite is really easy to assemble and is quick to take down.
However, unlike some of the other stands on our list, it does feel like Millennium has sacrificed some comfort and quietness to achieve the incredibly low weight.
The sling seat is practical and can be folded up to give you more room on the relatively small platform. But, when sitting for long periods, it doesn’t provide as much comfort as other Millennium models.
It can also be pretty loud during assembly as there are a lot of metal-on-metal contacts. This is clearly not ideal but once the stand has been fully set up it isn’t too noisy.
The SafeLink feature is a welcome addition that makes it very easy to ascend and descend once the stand is attached to the tree. This includes a carabiner, a Prusik knot, and a 35-foot rope. This means that it can rival the maneuverability of even the best climbing tree stand.
In summary
If mobility and agility while hunting are vital to you, then your safest bet is to go with the very lightest tree stand on the market. Imagine the ease of slinging an 8.5lb piece of kit over your shoulder as you head over to your next hunting spot.
Even a basic climbing tree stand won’t be much lighter than that.
However, if silence whilst hunting is your priority, then the M7 Microlite is definitely not the best option. It’s also not the ideal choice for hunters who really value comfort whilst out in the field.
As with many of the stands on our list, you’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons of the M7 Microlite and decide whether its ultra-low weight is worth a few sacrifices.
XOP Vanish Evolution
Specs
The XOP Vanish Evolution has a 27″ x 19″ platform and a dual-action seat cushion. It weighs around 10lbs and can support up to 350lbs of weight. For safety, it features a fall arrest system and a full-body harness and has backpack straps for easy transportation.
The verdict
If you’ve read a single hang-on tree stand review recently, you’ve almost certainly heard of the XOP Vanish Evolution.
The compression foam seat pad allows for incredible comfort while you hunt, and the seat levels itself to give you the stability you need when on the lookout. In terms of setting up, it has In Cast accessory hooks, which are quick and easy to connect. If you’re into run-and-gun hunting, this is one of the most mobile tree stands out there.
It also has XOP climbing sticks for speedy ascents and has a featherweight, advanced one-beam design.
The XOP Vanish Evolution has exceptional offset capabilities, meaning it can hang comfortably in most trees. This includes those nasty-looking trees that you’d usually avoid.
This is almost the lightest of all the hang-on tree stands on our list, but it’s also one of the best all-round. Hunters who prize mobility will love it, and those looking for stability while aiming will be equally impressed.
In summary
The XOP Vanish Evolution is ideal for hunters who are looking for an ultra-light tree stand that is quick to set up in both crooked and straight trees. This is one of the best hang-ons when it comes to mobility and agility, and it doesn’t compromise on safety and comfort.
Hawk Helium Ultralite
Specs
The Hawk Helium Ultralite has a 20″ x 24″ platform and an adjustable memory foam seat. It weighs 11lbs and has a maximum weight limit of 300lbs.
The verdict
It’s made with an aluminum frame which gives it strength, and durability, and also keeps it nice and light.
The safety provisions include a full-body harness, a lineman’s climbing strap, a ratchet strap, and a pull-tight harness. This stand also features backpack straps for easy transportation.
Like the Helium XL, it also has Teflon washers to prevent metal-on-metal contact. This makes for silent setups and will prevent you from spooking game while you move around the platform.
The adjustable foot platform is a nice addition and measures 10″ x 16″. This means that you can also adjust the seat to your preferred height without having to worry about your feet dangling down.
In summary
The Hawk Helium Ultralite may be fairly minimalistic in some ways, but it doesn’t compromise on comfort and excellent safety provisions. If you want to remain silent in the field and have the maneuverability associated with climbing tree stands, then this is a great option for you.
XOP Air Raid Evolution
Specs
The XOP Air Raid Evolution has a 21″ x 31.5″ platform and an 11″ x 14″ seat. It weighs 11.8lbs and can hold a maximum weight of 350lbs.
The verdict
The Air Raid Evolution is the quietest offering in XOP’s range of tree stands. This is largely due to the addition of the dual-action seat cushion which provides a silent place for you to lean whilst standing, and amazing comfort when sitting.
One difference from previous XOP models is that the Air Raid Evolution doesn’t have a bow holder. Although this might be less convenient, it does mean that this tree stand is lighter and easier to transport than many of the other XOP models.
The Air Raid Evolution can also be integrated with XOP climbing sticks for easy ascents on both crooked and straight trees. In this way, the Air Raid Evolution is pretty much as quick and easy to use as a climbing tree stand.
The main downside to the Air Raid Evolution is that it’s not entirely collapsible. Unlike many of the other hang-on stands in the XOP range, it remains partially open during transport. However, as one of the lightest tree stands on our list, it’s still easy to carry around.
In summary
The Air Raid Evolution is one of the quietest tree stands available. Although it’s not quite the lightest tree stand that you can find, it still provides great mobility and agility out in the field.
If you’ve used noisy tree stands in the past that creak and click as you move around then you’ll know how important silence is when hunting game. So, if you’re looking for a noiseless tree stand that’s easy to transport, then look no further than the Air Raid Evolution.
Hawk Helium Pro
Specs
The Hawk Helium Pro has a 24″ x 30″ adjustable platform and a 16″ x 10″ memory foam seat. The actual tree stand weight is 12lbs, and the maximum weight limit is 300lbs.
The verdict
Although it’s a lightweight hang-on stand, its aluminum structure gives it supreme strength and durability.
It features Hawk’s trademark memory foam seat for the ultimate comfort when hunting game and a similar platform size to the Helium XL. Its attachment hooks are silent-use, so you can remain discreet while setting up and moving around.
It ties with the Hawk Helium XL for the lightest stand on our list so far and is perfect for convenient transport and easy assembly.
One of the things that makes this product stand out from the rest is its adjustable platform. Many tree stands only have one set-up option, but the Helium Pro has four different adjustment levels, so you can easily hang it in straight and crooked trees. It’s a unique feature that gives you total control over your tree stand’s level.
In summary
This is a good tree stand for you if you need a lightweight hang-on tree stand that doesn’t compromise strength and security. It may not be the lightest tree stand on our list, but it’s easy to maneuver, and the adjustable platform can meet most hunters’ needs.
Hawk Helium XL
Specs
The Hawk Helium XL has a 30″ x 24″ platform and a memory foam seat. It weighs just under 12lbs and has a weight limit of 300lbs. It has a full-body safety harness and tree-digging teeth. For transport, it has adjustable backpack straps.
The verdict
This lightweight hang-on tree stand may seem suitable for the more agile hunters, but don’t be fooled by its lightness. The platform is a really good size and will comfortably accommodate a standing shot.
As far as hang-on stands go, when it comes to comfort, you’d struggle to find another product that offers more support when sitting. The memory foam seat is plush and provides all the comfort of home while sitting in your tree stand.
The tree digger teeth are superb and offer fantastic stability when standing. Whether you’re using a rifle or a bow, the teeth keep the stand steady and minimize any sway while aiming.
If quietness is one of your top priorities, you’ll love the Hawk Helium XL. It features Teflon washers, so there’s no metal-on-metal contact when you’re setting up or moving around.
In terms of safety, all Hawk’s tree stands are tested to TMA standards, and the heavy-duty cables for the platform will keep you secure all day long.
In summary
If you’re looking for the absolute lightest tree stand available, then the Hawk Helium XL’s 12lb weight rating might not make it the best choice for you. However, it’s still highly mobile and easily carried around.
Many other tree stands compromise on size to shed some weight. But, this is one of the best tree stands for platform size while remaining reasonably lightweight.
This makes it easy to carry your climbing sticks, bow, rifle, and other gear while transporting it. The Hawk Helium XL will give you some of the maneuverability you’d have with a climbing tree stand but with all the benefits of a hang-on stand.
Millennium M100 Ultralite
Specs
The Millennium M100 Ultralite has a 22″ x 16″ platform and a 22″ x 16″ seat, which sits 17″ above the platform. It has a full-body harness for safety and a maximum weight limit of 300lbs. The total weight of the hang-on tree stand is 13.5lbs.
The verdict
This lightweight hang-on tree stand is easy to transport. It folds down flat and has backpack straps to make it simple to carry around.
When it comes to safety, this hang-on stand features the innovative SafeLink. This is a 35-foot rope with a carabiner and Prusik knot, which makes ascending and descending easy and secure.
You can keep your focus on using your climbing sticks while ascending as the SafeLink rope will fully support you: particularly useful when climbing slightly crooked trees.
There’s plenty of room on the platform for your bow holder as the comfortable seat folds neatly away. If you’re a hunter suffering back problems, this tree stand is a good option as the seat offers plenty of lumbar support.
The Millennium M100 Ultralite is also one of the quieter tree stands on the market and is designed for silent set-ups.
In summary
If you want a tree stand that will aid your agility when you’re out in the field, then you could definitely do worse than the Millennium M100 Ultralite. Once folded down, it’s very compact, allowing you to move freely on the way to your hunting spot.
The SafeLink is a unique feature for this tree stand and should relieve some pressure when ascending to your spot. With the Prusik knot and carabiner, your hands will be free to use your climbing sticks effectively on straight and crooked trees.
Primal Raven
Specs
The Primal Raven tree stand has a 26″ x 20″ platform and a 13″ x 8″ flip-up seat with backpack straps for easy transportation and a full-body safety harness. It weighs 15.5lbs and has a weight limit of 300lbs.
The verdict
The Primal Raven may not be the lightest hang-on tree stand on the market, but it’s still a solid choice for hunters. One of its most significant advantages is its affordability – as one of the least expensive hang-on tree stands at $59.99, it won’t break the bank.
With plenty of room to stand, you won’t need to worry about getting that standing shot off. You’ll be able to move around freely and feel perfectly secure thanks to the safety harness.
If you’re worried about carrying the 15.5lbs weight of this tree stand around with you, the backpack straps should put you at ease. They allow for easy transport, and once you arrive at your climbing tree, you can quickly secure the tree stand using the double-crimped platform cables.
The flip-up seat is made from durable 600D fabric, which should keep you comfortable while you wait.
In summary
This well-designed tree stand is a good option for those with a limited budget or looking for a bargain. It’s certainly not the lightest hang-on tree stand around, but at 15.5lbs, it’s still a reasonably lightweight option.
If you’re looking for a tree stand that’s easy to carry and durable enough to last for a long time, then the Primal Raven is a good choice. You’ll have enough standing room for stand-up shots and a practical seat where you can comfortably sit.
Big Game Captain
Specs
The Big Game Captain has a 24″ x 30″ platform and a 14″ x 12″ flip-up, Flex-Tek seat. It weighs 17lbs and has a weight capacity of 300lbs. For security, there’s a 4-point full-body harness.
The verdict
Like the Primal Raven, this isn’t the lightest hang-on tree stand you’ll find, and in fact, it’s 1.5lbs heavier. However, most of that extra weight is due to the steel frame that makes this hang-on tree stand super durable.
The platform is a good size, and when standing, you can flip the seat back to maximize the room. The flip-up footrest will be a welcome addition if you’re looking for maximum comfort during those long days in your tree stand.
This is also a good tree stand for low noise levels when you’re out in the field. Keeping quiet is essential when hunting game and the manufacturers of this hang-on stand have clearly taken that into account.
It has solid welds and nylon washers to dampen the noise from the moving parts. This is a hang-on tree stand built with silence in mind.
In summary
If you’re looking for a hang-on tree stand that’s solid, durable, and very comfortable, then the Big Came Captain may be the tree stand for you. It’s not one of the lightest tree stands on this list, but its practicality and functionality somewhat make up for this.
If you’ve not tried hang-on tree stands before and are maybe more used to climbing tree stands, then this could be a good option for your first time. It’s very affordable, so you could buy one, just to try hang-on stands out, before fully committing to them.
How to Choose the Lightest Hang On Tree Stand
Balancing Weight & Size
Many of the lightest hang-on tree stands compromise on size to keep their weight down. While this makes them much easier to carry around, it means your movements will be restricted when you’re up in your hunting spot.
Remember, it won’t just be you sitting and standing on the platform that’ll take up space. You’ll also have all of your hunting gear with you, which could be an issue if the platform is too small. Struggling with your rifle or bow not only takes up valuable time but can also create enough commotion to warn every animal in the vicinity there’s a hunter about.
On the flip side, you also don’t want a stand with a big, bulky platform that will weigh you down on hikes. This is particularly important if you have to hike for long distances to reach your hunting spot.
The Hawk Helium XL may not be the lightest hang-on stand, but its platform and seat are fairly roomy. At 12lbs, it’s still easy to carry around, and it’s an excellent example of a compromise between weight and size.
Balancing Weight & Comfort
In the same way that you’d want your X-stand ground seat to be as comfortable as possible, you also want the seat in your tree stand to give you the right kind of support. After all, having a seat is one of the reasons hunters use this type of stand rather than a climbing tree stand.
Several of the stands in this list feature memory foam seats for maximum comfort while hunting. For example, the Hawk Helium XL and the Hawk Helium Pro. However, these seats are less compact than regular seats and may lead to reduced mobility.
For hunters who are taller or shorter than average, it’s also wise to consider choosing an adjustable tree stand. This will give you control over the level of the platform, which means you can have your feet in a more comfortable position.
As you know, being a dedicated hunter can lead to long days out in the field, and it goes without saying that comfort is near the top of your priorities. Still, you may have to sacrifice a small amount of comfort if you want to be as mobile as possible.
There may be times when a climbing tree stand is more suitable – when trees in your chosen spot have fewer branches, for example. But hang-on tree stands are the best bet if you want your hunting trip to be more comfortable.
Balancing Weight & Ease Of Setup
When considering which of the many tree stands is suitable for you, it’s important to find a good balance between the weight and the ease of set-up.
You may have the lightest stand on earth, but if it takes a long time to set up, you’ll lose valuable hunting time and may even miss your shot at the game you’re looking for. The Millennium M100 Ultralite is an excellent example of a tree stand that’s lightweight but also easy to set up.
If a tree stand is difficult to disassemble, you might find yourself ending your hunt early – which can be frustrating. You may even have to carry the stand to a different location to take it apart, which is far from ideal.
Although this isn’t one of the first things you’ll think of, it can become a burden. Especially if the light is fading after a long day in the field and you still have to spend a lot of time taking your stand apart.
Final Thoughts
The clear winner has to be the XOP Vanish Evolution. In close second is the Hawk Helium XL, and third place goes to the Millennium M100 Ultralite.
The XOP Vanish Evolution comes out on top for several reasons. Its 10lb weight means it’s almost the lightest tree stand out of them all. However, comfort, safety, mobility, size, and silence aren’t sacrificed to achieve this low weight.
It’s straightforward to transport but also gives you plenty of space for sitting and standing. Plus, its offset capabilities mean you can hang it from almost any tree.
Although something like the Primal Raven may be more budget-friendly, you can’t beat the XOP Vanish Evolution on versatility and bang for your buck. Really, there could only ever be one winner.
Sources
8 Lightest Hang On Tree Stands in 2022
The Lightest Hang on Tree Stand Reviewed! (Just 10lbs)