Best Hunting Hammock Seats
Field-tested reviews of hunting seats that keep you comfortable and silent during long sits. From premium tree stands to portable ground chairs.
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Ben Hammockin
Hunting Expert
20+ years hunting experience. Field-tested every seat in this guide during actual hunts.
Only an avid hunter knows how important their seat is. You only REALLY know how important when you have a bad one. The last thing you want to focus on during a hunt is pain from sitting in an uncomfortable chair all day.
Hunter's Reality Check
Comfort matters, but stealth matters more. The best hunting seat is one you don't have to think about because it's so comfortable and quiet. Some popular hunting chairs are actually terrible - we'd rather sit on a stump.
Quick Comparison
| Seat Type | Price | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Tree Stand | $429.99 | 21 lbs | Serious hunters who prioritize comfort and don't mind the weight |
| Portable Ground Seat | $34.99 | 6.6 lbs | Hunters who prefer ground-level setups or hunt in areas without suitable trees |
| Swinging Hammock Chair | $69.99 | 4.2 lbs | Adventurous hunters willing to adapt their shooting technique |
| Full Hunting Hammock | $169.95 | 2 lbs 12 oz | Mobile hunters who want the ultimate in versatility and weight savings |
The Summit Goliath SD is the gold standard for climbing treestands. Built for serious hunters who demand comfort and reliability during long sits. This isn't just a seat - it's a complete hunting platform.
Hunting Scenario
Perfect for deer and elk hunting where you need to stay put for hours
Field Advantages
- •Comfort-engineered for larger hunters
- •350 lb weight capacity
- •5-year limited warranty
- •Same design as popular Viper SD
Considerations
- •Heavy at 21 lbs
- •Expensive investment
- •Requires practice to master
The Hitorhike creates a hammock-style seating surface without needing trees. Durable, comfortable, and versatile enough for hunting, camping, or sporting events.
Hunting Scenario
Ideal for field hunting, blind setups, or base camp relaxation
Field Advantages
- •Fast-drying fabric
- •Water-resistant design
- •Multiple storage pockets
- •Available in camo
Considerations
- •Heavy for backpacking
- •No tree attachment
- •Limited mobility once set
The Oncloud Sky Chair offers a unique suspended hunting experience. While challenging for shooting, it can be stabilized and provides access to positions impossible with traditional stands.
Hunting Scenario
Best for scouting, camp use, or hunters who want maximum positioning flexibility
Field Advantages
- •Lightweight and portable
- •Unique suspended position
- •Great for camp relaxation
- •Easy to pack
Considerations
- •Swinging makes shooting difficult
- •Requires stabilization for hunting
- •Not ideal for serious hunting
The Hennessy Expedition ZIP transforms hunting mobility. Use it as a seat during the day, shelter at night. Popular with military and elk hunters who need to move fast and sleep anywhere.
Hunting Scenario
Perfect for multi-day hunts, elk hunting, or any situation requiring maximum mobility
Field Advantages
- •Complete shelter system
- •Incredibly lightweight
- •Military-proven design
- •40 years of refinement
Considerations
- •Learning curve for setup
- •Requires two trees
- •Not traditional hunting seat
Field Setup Guide
Pre-Season Practice
Set up your seat 20 times in your backyard before opening day. You need muscle memory to do it silently in complete darkness. That 4AM setup can make or break your hunt.
- • Practice in darkness with headlamp off
- • Time your setup - aim for under 3 minutes
- • Learn every strap and buckle by feel
Tree Selection
Look for straight, healthy trees 8-12 inches in diameter. Avoid dead trees or anything with loose bark that'll make noise when you shift position.
- • Check for widow makers overhead
- • Test bark stability before climbing
- • Consider wind direction and game trails
Optimal Height
12-15 feet is the sweet spot. High enough to avoid ground scent, low enough for accurate shots. Any higher and you're just making things harder on yourself.
- • Consider your effective shooting range
- • Account for arrow/bullet trajectory
- • Balance concealment with shot opportunities
Scent Management
Your seat setup is part of scent control. Use scent-free gear, consider wind patterns, and plan your approach route to minimize contamination.
- • Wash gear in scent-free detergent
- • Store in sealed containers with earth scent
- • Plan approach from downwind
Complete Your Hunting Setup
A great hunting seat is just one part of your mobile hunting system. Check out our other guides to build the perfect lightweight hunting kit.
Safety & Legal Requirements
Safety First - Always
Always use a safety harness. I don't care how comfortable you are - one slip and your hunting season (or worse) is over. No deer is worth that risk.
- • Full-body harness, not just a belt
- • Inspect all gear before each use
- • Practice emergency procedures
- • Tell someone your hunting location
Legal Considerations
Check your local hunting regulations. Some areas have restrictions on portable tree seats or require hunter orange. Know the rules before you head out.
- • Portable stand regulations vary by state
- • Some areas require hunter orange
- • Check public land specific rules
- • Verify hunting season dates and bag limits