Most of us spend a lot of hours in various types of tree stands.

Let's hear any methods you might use to make sure you'll be relatively comfortable while sitting for 2 or 3 hours?

I'll start with the most obvious, a foam padded seat. What else?

At any temperatures below 40degrees, I use ArcticShield boot covers. Early/warm days, I've been firing up a Thermacell to keep away mosquito/flying bugs. Wool socks, any temperature/weather.

A GOOD foam padded seat. (fixed it for you)

Dress properly for the weather

I just bought a millenium treestand and it has the most comfortable seat I've ever been in on a treestand. A little tough to get out of but comfy.

Piece of carpet zip tied to front of my stand. Helps to keep feet slightly warmer than standing directly on steel or metal platform. On really cold days slide a hand warmer in each pocket. They are cheap and last many hours. A lot of my sits are 5 or more hours. If deer are really moving it could be dark to dark sit. I agree with really good seats makes a big difference.

OK, I'll add another. Make sure the tree you lean against is flat, even a knot the size of a marble will feel like a knife after 2 hours.

stand up and stretch after a while.

The hammock-type seats are mighty uncomfortable. Bare metal is even better than those.

Actually a tree that bends just slightly backwards is great. I have come to prefer the self inflating cushions over the foam sheets, but they do have to be adjusted. The warmer you are in cold weather, the less you will wiggle and fidget. The right seat HEIGHT is often overlooked and is important to keep the stress of ALL of the joints from neck on down to ankles

I agree with above, especially about making sure no knots behind your back and, at all cost avoid a tree leaning into your back, and make sure your seat is correct height . I find a Buff that also covers your neck really helps reduce heat loss up there in the wind. I learned a series of muscle contraction > relaxation exercises for long plane flights that really help with blood pooling in the large muscles and you can do those without any actual motion that a deer can pick up on.

I picked up a hand muff to keep my hands warm during the colder months. Came in handy last year.

Another vote for millennium zero gravity style treestand seat

Large seat,API has one for 99.

Big seat good. Soft seat good. Big soft seat superb.

Expanded mesh platform is easier to stand on than welded cross-pieces or extrusions.

1/2" wool platform pad for cold, frosty weather.

Padded fleece back rest on the tree...I sew my own.

Goose down hand muff with a chemical warmer.

I'm looking into a set of giant goose down over-boots which can be stuffed small for carrying in cold weather.

Check out enlightened equipment. The guy makes down quilts and booties. I have a set of his booties that I am thinking about wearing this year when it gets colder. I think I can wear them in the stand inside of a pair of larger rubber boots.

Never ever ever have your seat slope to the front. You'll be stressed the entire time you sit in it.

Seat height needs to be high enough you can comfortably shoot while seated and can stand without undue effort and movement. Also need a lot of tree limbs or hooks to hang gear within easy reach.

Kevin - Where you getting your "1/2" wool platform pad for cold, frosty weather"?

Thanks in advance...

I also just use a seat pad.It's HS' Bun Saver self inflating.

If you want to fall a sleep in your stand get a summit, I nod off near every time. to comfortable

I'll second Ollie's post about checking seat height to make sure you can shoot while sitting.

Cost me a shot at a nice buck opening day. I just figured I'd be able to shoot to my left with my knees pointing forward.

The problem was I was high up about 25' and the buck was close about 12 steps or so from base of tree. I couldn't lower my bow low enough to get on him without the bottom limb 62" recurve hitting the stabilizer strap and brace on the bottom section of XOP Hand Climber..made just like a Lone Wolf Hand Climber.

Since then I've started adjusting my seat much higher..almost like some of the bass fishing seats. I don't usually get that high up either.

I'll tie a foam pad to the tree for a back rest also.

"The problem was I was high up about 25' and the buck was close about 12 steps"

Being a sky pilot does have its disadvantages.

A book, I just started tree standing for elk this year and the in-between times can be long and boring.

For me it's important to have the seat height set so that my knees are 90 degree's. Anything less, it cuts circulation to my lower legs. Anything more and I'm always pushing myself back on the seat.

If only 2-3 hours i bring a foam seat cushion. If 4-5 hrs i bring a camo folding stadium type seat and an extra foam cushion. In extreme cold i use a Heater Body suit.

"The problem was I was high up about 25' and the buck was close about 12 steps"

"Being a sky pilot does have its disadvantages."

I don't usually go more than about 16' or so..but it was a climbable tree problem at that scrape and ended up right over it..reason so high up.

Gary...

I stopped at a flooring store to see what they had. They offered me a free chunk of 1/2" wool padding. This stuff even has a thin rubber backing on one side to make it slip resistant under rugs. I went there to buy a piece and the lady sent me out with a free piece big enough to make 4 pads. I just add cord ties so I can roll up the pad and tie it in a cylinder.

Comfort makes me sleepy, but cold makes me want to leave. Good ideas here on the cold feet issue

Remember that ultimately cold feet are not about how insulated your boots are, though that has to be taken care of up front. Body and head warmth are key to extremity comfort.

You can generally get free carpet samples at carpet stores if you ask them.

A bottle of water and a pair of binoculars. Amazing how much more comfortable you are when you are seeing game.

in cold weather, boot covers, fleece insulated bibs and jacket, wool gloves, and "hot hands". cant be still, or comfortable cold. A cell phone to text hunting buddies pases the time. My lone wolf sit and climb stand is very comfortable, my old summit was as well

I normally stand in a tree stand. I don't like some of the newer stands that are made for taking naps. If I do sit I want a seat that folds out. It's not too comfy but does the job and can be folded against the tree outa your way.

Memory foam is wonderful stuff. We have a memory foam mattress and love it..doesn't squeek either :-) Memory foam mattress toppers are readily available, cut it into pad sized pieces and cover them with whatever material you have; oldshirt etc; double it if you wish.Easily rolls up and compresses in your pack. Sandy

I use the foam matting they sell for kids play room or gym floors. Comes in four 24" x 24" sections and the pieces interlock together like a puzzle. They sell it in various bright kid type colors, but also in battle ship gray. It's about a 1/2" thick. I cut to size with a utility knife and use contact cement to attach to my lock-on's. It's light, durable, very quiet and comfortable to stand on for long periods.

As fer comfort on stand, no matter how comfortable the stand is I have to alternate between sitting and standing after about an hour. I tend to stand most of the time and only sit for brief spells to rest tho.

Biathlonman wrote: "I just bought a millenium treestand and it has the most comfortable seat I've ever been in on a treestand. A little tough to get out of but comfy."

I agree 100% and it takes a significant amount of movement to go from seated to standing.

I have a summit stand with a mesh seat (took off the stock seat) and it is more comfy that way.

also - no one said this one: I found on clearance a footrest made for the stand that folds out - first season but Really like it. talk to ergonomics expert and they'll tell you to keep your feet up that way when sitting at a desk.

good thread mg

A wrap around bar so I can sleep easily when I get sleepy. God Bless

A wrap around bar so I can sleep easily when I get sleepy. God Bless

Ditto on the Millenium tree stands. I'm 58 & these are the most comfortable I've sat in & still be able to shoot a bow. Of course the tree lounge is good for sleeping in a tree. Good cloths & hand warmers with heated thermacells in my boots & I'm good to go.

Thanks for the info Kevin....

Three years ago I replaced all my tree stands with ladder stands I customize each one by adding another foot of steel and mesh for standing,it gives me more room to shoot and stretch out my legs

For anyone who wants a no-compromise comfortable hang-on stand, I'd suggest a look at Family Traditions Treestands. You won't find them light in weight or at all trendy. Nothing to see except tubular steel, fine welds, large platforms, chains (no cables) and a seat big enough to curl up on for a nap. Once they are placed they do NOT move or make noise. I now own 5 of them and they are my favorite comfortable stand by a huge margin. The biggest down side to them is the weight, and I only use mine in settings where I know they will not need moved (ok, maybe once) in season. For those that prefer American-built gear, FTT builds everything in Michigan and ships from their location.

I am not a rep...not affiliated...no discounts...no favors...and am just another hunter who likes superb gear. I won't post the link here...you can do a search and find them if interested.

I got a wool blanket that I cut a hole in it to make a poncho and sewed strings on the side for tie downs. Used a G.I poncho for a pattern. I use it for every thing, set on it, wrap it over my feet, over my lap, I can even put it on and double it up over my shoulders and put a belt on to hold it down so my arms are free for shooting. It got so many uses, rain, snow, all night in the woods, and many more. It could save your life.

Went into one of my honey holes this last sunday (although the honey (acorns) was gone :( ) No stand in the tree and I couldn't reach the branches, so I leaned a dead limb up into the tree... shimmied up it and sat there pretty comfortably for about 4 hours. Got down and realized my hat was still up in the tree, so I got a field point tipped arrow out and shot it out of the tree.

Still a kid at 60 :)

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