Well as I've mentioned before, I recently quit the club I'd been in for the last few years, and it looks like all my family/friend connections have dried up, so I'm pretty much down to public land has my only hunting option, which means I probably need to start considering a climber.

I've been opposed to using one in the past b/c, well, I just don't trust them, but it looks like I'll have to get over that. I hear a lot of people talking about the Lone Wolf stands, but they look to be $400-500 and I just can't pay that. Are there any options that are a little more affordable, and still safe/sturdy?

Also, I have no atv so I'm hoofing it wherever I go...the lighter the better - but I know that will probably mean more $$$.

What are my best options?

A used summit most likely. Upgrade to the Molle straps off amazon and you won't have a problem carrying it.

Find Demp17's post about the knock off lone wolf for $200...that would be a great option.

Man if your worried about safety just get a new summit. I think I paid 300$ for mine and I wouldn't want to be 20' up a tree on a knock off something or other. Safety is worth it IMHO.

I was lucky enough to have been gifted an older summit, but I love it. I don't LOVE being up high, but I always feel safe in this stand. Its heavy, but I just deal with it. Its comfortable and strong.

I live a Summit Viper SD. It's really light and super comfortable. Some people on here hate Summits, but I can't figure out why. I absolutely love both of mine.

Aluminum summit best all around strand on eBay for about $260

I have a cougar claw that is really comfortable and light weight 350.00 I think .. I'm not sure how safe it is , I seek a video on you tube of a hefty guy break one , I've had the summits and there nice but nothing has been as comfotable as this cougar ckaw ..hopefully it don't kill me though.

I'm not a big fan of summits.. I have 3 ol man's and will never own a different one..

Dicks has a summit look a like now on sale for 99.00. If your on a budget it might be worth a look. Or just buy a used summit off craigslist.

Norton is correct

I like api myself. I think it has better adjustments for any tree. The chain is the way to go.

It's not a knock off. The same guy that invented lone wolf is now working with this company. XOP Enforcer is the name of the stand we were discussing. I ordered one and it got here 3 days later from Field Supply. It is not as comfortable as a Summit but will work extremely well for early season hunts. Its light and super quiet also. If your a bigger guy, get the wide version. I'm 6-3 260 and it is just almost to small for me.

I haven't used a ton of stands but I can't tell you that I feel very safe and comfortable in my summit titan SD.

I have used Ol Man, Buckshot, Lone Wolf, API, Cougar Claw and Summit. If I was buying another one, hands down it would be another Summit Viper SD.

This. I have sat in a lot of climbers and feel the most comfortable and safe in a summit. It is the millennium m100u of the tree climbers.

I have sat in a lot of climbers, but Summit beats them all to me. They are quite, go together well, and are lite. I have also used a treewalker and they are great too, but they suck if you are hunting a pine. They dig in. Most all the ones mentioned are pretty solid stands.

I'm pretty sure my next one will be a Summit Cobra.

SUMMIT VIPER ALUMINUM VERSION

If you really want a Lone Wolf they usually have a sale for Black Friday. I forget how much they discount it but they also charge flat rate $5.95 shipping. Might still be pricey even with sale but just FYI so you keep an eye out for it.