Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

Choosing a rivers edge hunting tree stand comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many hunters need to fit on the platform, how tall you need to sit to clear the shooting lanes, whether you bowhunt or rifle hunt, and how easily you can get the stand up and down without wrecking your back. This list covers seven models from the Rivers Edge line, ordered by how well each one fits those needs. Every pick was assessed on published specifications, brand reputation for build quality, and the feedback patterns owners commonly report about strapping systems, seat comfort and platform size. Nothing here reflects personal field testing.

Our top picks at a glance

  1. 1Rivers Edge Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder StandTOP CHOICEBest overallRivers Edge Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder StandView on Amazon
  2. 2Rivers Edge TwoPlex LS 2-Man Ladder StandTOP CHOICEBest for two huntersRivers Edge TwoPlex LS 2-Man Ladder StandView on Amazon
  3. 3Rivers Edge Lounger Lever-Action Hang-On TreestandTOP CHOICEBest budget pickRivers Edge Lounger Lever-Action Hang-On TreestandView on Amazon
  4. 4Rivers Edge Jumbo Jack LS 1-Man Ladder StandBest for tall treesRivers Edge Jumbo Jack LS 1-Man Ladder StandView on Amazon
  5. 5Rivers Edge Lockdown 21’ 360° 1-Man Ladder StandBest for 360-degree coverageRivers Edge Lockdown 21’ 360° 1-Man Ladder StandView on Amazon
  6. 6Rivers Edge Bowman LS 1-Man Ladder StandBest for archersRivers Edge Bowman LS 1-Man Ladder StandView on Amazon
  7. 7Rivers Edge Outlaw XL Lever-Action Hang-On TreestandBest lightweight hang-onRivers Edge Outlaw XL Lever-Action Hang-On TreestandView on Amazon

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product Best for Key feature
Rivers Edge Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder Stand Solo hunters wanting a balanced all-round stand Lockdown strapping system and 27” deep platform
Rivers Edge TwoPlex LS 2-Man Ladder Stand Hunting partners sharing one tree 40” wide platform with bench seat
Rivers Edge Lounger Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand Hunters who want a simple hang-on setup Easy hang, seat and platform leveling
Rivers Edge Jumbo Jack LS 1-Man Ladder Stand Hunters working in tall or open timber 19’ height and jumbo platform
Rivers Edge Lockdown 21’ 360° 1-Man Ladder Stand Hunters who need to track game in every direction 360-degree swivel seat
Rivers Edge Bowman LS 1-Man Ladder Stand Bowhunters needing close-range comfort Designed specifically for archers
Rivers Edge Outlaw XL Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand Hunters who carry gear into the woods Compact hang-on with 24” x 36” platform

Rivers Edge Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder Stand

Rivers Edge® Retreat™ LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, 17’11” Height, Lockdown™ Strapping System, Flip-Up TearTuff™ Mesh Seat, 27” Deep Platform, 2-Way Adjustable Shooting Rail, RE670

Rivers Edge® Retreat™ LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, 17’11” Height, Lockdown™ Strapping System, Flip-Up TearTuff™ Mesh Seat, 27” Deep Platform, 2-Way Adjustable Shooting Rail, RE670

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Best for: Best overall for solo hunters who want a stable, well-rounded ladder stand.

This stand suits a single hunter who hunts from a fixed stand location through the season and values a deep platform and secure strapping over portability alone. It is a reasonable first choice for someone building a rivers edge setup for the first time.

Key specs

  • Single-person ladder stand
  • 17’11” maximum height
  • Lockdown strapping system
  • Flip-up TearTuff mesh seat
  • 27” deep platform
  • 2-way adjustable shooting rail

Pros

  • Deep platform gives room to shift weight and turn without crowding the rail
  • Lockdown strapping is designed to keep the stand firmly against the trunk
  • Flip-up mesh seat folds out of the way for standing and shooting

Cons

  • Single-person width limits how much gear and movement a second hunter can handle
  • Heavier than hang-on models, so it is less practical to carry long distances

Bottom line: A strong default for a solo deer hunter who wants a dependable ladder stand for a fixed spot.

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Rivers Edge TwoPlex LS 2-Man Ladder Stand

Rivers Edge TwoPlex LS 2-Man Ladder Stand, 17’1” Height, Lockdown Strapping System, Flip-Up TearTuff Mesh Bench Seat, 40” Wide Platform, 2-Way Adjustable Shooting Rail, RE669

Rivers Edge TwoPlex LS 2-Man Ladder Stand, 17’1” Height, Lockdown Strapping System, Flip-Up TearTuff Mesh Bench Seat, 40” Wide Platform, 2-Way Adjustable Shooting Rail, RE669

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Best for: Best for two hunters sharing one tree.

Partner hunts and parent-child trips benefit from the wider platform and bench-style seating. This is the model to consider when two people need to be in the same tree without bumping elbows or rifles.

Key specs

  • Two-person ladder stand
  • 17’1” maximum height
  • Lockdown strapping system
  • Flip-up TearTuff mesh bench seat
  • 40” wide platform
  • 2-way adjustable shooting rail

Pros

  • 40-inch platform gives two hunters separate shooting positions
  • Bench seat keeps both hunters off the rail when not shooting
  • Same strapping system used across the LS line

Cons

  • Requires a sturdy, straight trunk that can hold the wider footprint
  • Bulkier to carry and set up than single-person stands

Bottom line: The right choice for two-person hunts where space and comfort matter more than portability.

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Rivers Edge Lounger Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand

Rivers Edge® Lounger Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand, Easy to Hang, Seat and Platform Leveling, Flip-Up TearTuff Mesh Seat, 24” x 36” Platform, Vinyl Dipped Armrests, RE521

Rivers Edge® Lounger Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand, Easy to Hang, Seat and Platform Leveling, Flip-Up TearTuff Mesh Seat, 24” x 36” Platform, Vinyl Dipped Armrests, RE521

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Best for: Best budget pick for hunters who want a simple hang-on stand.

Hang-on stands are quicker to set and easier to move than ladder stands. This one suits hunters who scout often, hunt public land with changing setups, or want a lighter-weight option without giving up a full-size platform.

Key specs

  • Lever-action hang-on design
  • 24” x 36” platform
  • Flip-up TearTuff mesh seat
  • Vinyl-dipped armrests
  • Seat and platform leveling adjustments

Pros

  • Lever-action operation makes hanging and lowering the stand straightforward
  • Leveling adjustments help correct for uneven trunks
  • Vinyl-dipped armrests are easier to keep clean than bare metal

Cons

  • Requires a climbing or hanging method with a full-body harness, which adds setup steps
  • Less stable than a ladder stand for long sits in windy conditions

Bottom line: A practical budget option for hunters who prioritize mobility and quick setup.

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Rivers Edge Jumbo Jack LS 1-Man Ladder Stand

Rivers Edge® Jumbo Jack™ LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, 19’ Height, Lockdown™ Strapping System, Wide Flip-Up TearTuff™ Mesh Seat, Jumbo Platform, Flip-Out Footrest, 2-Way Adjustable Shooting Rail, RE676

Rivers Edge® Jumbo Jack™ LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, 19’ Height, Lockdown™ Strapping System, Wide Flip-Up TearTuff™ Mesh Seat, Jumbo Platform, Flip-Out Footrest, 2-Way Adjustable Shooting Rail, RE676

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Best for: Best for tall trees and open timber.

Hunters working in mature hardwoods or stands where the shooting lane requires extra elevation will find the 19-foot height useful. The jumbo platform and flip-out footrest add comfort on long sits.

Key specs

  • Single-person ladder stand
  • 19’ maximum height
  • Lockdown strapping system
  • Wide flip-up TearTuff mesh seat
  • Jumbo platform with flip-out footrest
  • 2-way adjustable shooting rail

Pros

  • 19-foot height helps clear brush and create steeper shooting angles
  • Flip-out footrest reduces leg fatigue on extended sits
  • Jumbo platform offers ample room for movement

Cons

  • Taller setup means more care is needed with the climb and fall-arrest equipment
  • Heavier than hang-on models, so transport takes more effort

Bottom line: Best suited to hunters who need height and extra platform room and are comfortable with a larger ladder setup.

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Rivers Edge Lockdown 21’ 360° 1-Man Ladder Stand

Rivers Edge® Lockdown™ 21’ 360° 1-Man Ladder Stand, Towering 21’ Height, 360-Degree Swivel TearTuff™ Mesh Seat, Adjustable Shooting Rail, Patent-Pending Ground-Level Ratcheting Technology™, LD204

Rivers Edge® Lockdown™ 21’ 360° 1-Man Ladder Stand, Towering 21’ Height, 360-Degree Swivel TearTuff™ Mesh Seat, Adjustable Shooting Rail, Patent-Pending Ground-Level Ratcheting Technology™, LD204

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Best for: Best for 360-degree coverage and tall stand locations.

The swivel seat lets a hunter track movement in any direction without repositioning the whole stand, which is useful on funnels and crossing trails where deer may approach from several angles.

Key specs

  • Single-person ladder stand
  • 21’ maximum height
  • 360-degree swivel TearTuff mesh seat
  • Adjustable shooting rail
  • Ground-level ratcheting technology

Pros

  • Full 360-degree swivel seat covers multiple approach routes
  • 21-foot height suits elevated sightlines in tall timber
  • Ground-level ratcheting is designed to simplify raising the stand

Cons

  • Very tall setups demand careful installation and strict adherence to manufacturer safety guidance
  • Swivel mechanism adds parts that need periodic checking for wear

Bottom line: A strong pick for hunters who need to cover multiple approaches from a high vantage point.

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Rivers Edge Bowman LS 1-Man Ladder Stand

Rivers Edge® Bowman™ LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, 19’5” Height, Lockdown™ Strapping System, Designed for Archers, Flip-Up TearTuff™ Mesh Seat, 27” Deep Platform, RE675

Rivers Edge® Bowman™ LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, 19’5” Height, Lockdown™ Strapping System, Designed for Archers, Flip-Up TearTuff™ Mesh Seat, 27” Deep Platform, RE675

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Best for: Best for archers who need close-range comfort and clearance.

Bowhunters need room to draw without hitting the stand and a platform that keeps them quiet and balanced at close range. The Bowman is designed with those needs in mind.

Key specs

  • Single-person ladder stand designed for archers
  • 19’5” maximum height
  • Lockdown strapping system
  • Flip-up TearTuff mesh seat
  • 27” deep platform

Pros

  • Layout is designed around archery draw and shot clearance
  • 27-inch platform gives room to turn and draw
  • Lockdown system keeps the stand steady when drawing

Cons

  • Not designed for rifle-first setups, so rail-based shooting options may be limited
  • Taller height may require a shot-angle plan at close distances

Bottom line: The best match for bowhunters who want a ladder stand built around the draw cycle.

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Rivers Edge Outlaw XL Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand

Rivers Edge® Outlaw XL Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand, Easy to Hang, Seat and Platform Leveling, Flip-Up TearTuff™ Seat, 24” x 36” Platform, RE520

Rivers Edge® Outlaw XL Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand, Easy to Hang, Seat and Platform Leveling, Flip-Up TearTuff™ Seat, 24” x 36” Platform, RE520

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Best for: Best lightweight hang-on for hunters who carry gear into the woods.

Hunters covering ground on foot will appreciate a hang-on stand that is quicker to move than a ladder. This model pairs a 24” x 36” platform with the same easy-hang lever action as its sibling models.

Key specs

  • Lever-action hang-on design
  • 24” x 36” platform
  • Flip-up TearTuff seat
  • Easy hang, seat and platform leveling

Pros

  • Easier to carry and hang than ladder stands
  • Leveling adjustments help the platform sit flat on uneven trunks
  • Flip-up seat keeps the platform clear when standing

Cons

  • Requires a full-body harness and disciplined climbing practice
  • Platform size is smaller than the jumbo and two-man models

Bottom line: A good fit for mobile hunters who want a compact hang-on for scouting-driven setups.

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Buying Guide

Stand Style: Ladder vs. Hang-On

Ladder stands are fixed, stable and generally better for long sits in one location. Hang-on stands are lighter and faster to relocate, but they require a harness and more deliberate climbing habits. Decide how often you plan to move before choosing.

Good picks for this: Rivers Edge Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, Rivers Edge Lounger Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand

Number of Hunters

Check the platform width and seat layout. A 40-inch platform like the TwoPlex gives two hunters separate positions, while single-person stands work best when one hunter needs the full rail and shooting space.

Good picks for this: Rivers Edge TwoPlex LS 2-Man Ladder Stand, Rivers Edge Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder Stand

Height and Shooting Angle

Height affects both visibility and shot angle. Steeper shots from elevated stands can change where you aim on a deer, so practice from your planned height before the season. Taller stands can see over brush but demand more caution during setup.

Good picks for this: Rivers Edge Jumbo Jack LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, Rivers Edge Lockdown 21’ 360° 1-Man Ladder Stand

Platform and Seat Comfort

A deeper platform lets you shift weight, turn and stand without crowding the rail. Flip-up mesh seats are useful because they clear the platform for standing and shooting. Look for seats that fold away quietly.

Good picks for this: Rivers Edge Jumbo Jack LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, Rivers Edge Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder Stand

Strapping and Attachment System

The strapping system is what keeps the stand against the tree. Many owners prioritize systems that stay tight under load and are straightforward to inspect each season. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for trunk diameter and attachment points.

Good picks for this: Rivers Edge Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, Rivers Edge Bowman LS 1-Man Ladder Stand

Shooting Style: Rifle vs. Bow

Rifle hunters often want adjustable shooting rails and room to brace. Bowhunters need draw clearance and a platform that keeps movement quiet. Match the stand to how you shoot rather than buying on height alone.

Good picks for this: Rivers Edge Bowman LS 1-Man Ladder Stand, Rivers Edge Lockdown 21’ 360° 1-Man Ladder Stand

Portability and Setup Time

If you hunt public land or cover long distances on foot, weight and setup time matter. Hang-on stands are lighter, while ladder stands take longer to position but stay put once secured. Plan your carry and set-up routine before you buy.

Good picks for this: Rivers Edge Outlaw XL Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand, Rivers Edge Lounger Lever-Action Hang-On Treestand

FAQ

Is a rivers edge hunting tree stand safe for a first-time user?

Any tree stand carries fall risk. Read the manufacturer’s instructions in full, use a full-body harness every time you climb, and inspect straps and seats before each sit. If you are unsure about installation, consult an experienced hunter or a professional before going up.

Which model is best for a solo deer hunter?

The Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder Stand is the most balanced choice for a single hunter who wants a stable platform and a fixed setup. Hang-on models are better if you prefer to move stands between locations.

Can two hunters share a single stand?

Yes, the TwoPlex LS 2-Man Ladder Stand is built for two people with a 40-inch platform and bench seating. Confirm that the tree can support the combined weight and that both hunters have clear shooting lanes.

Are hang-on stands suitable for bowhunting?

They can be, but bowhunters should confirm draw clearance and platform size. The Bowman LS is designed specifically for archers if you want a ladder option built around the draw cycle.

How tall should my stand be?

Many hunters sit between 15 and 20 feet, but the right height depends on terrain, cover and your shot plan. Check the cover around the tree and practice shots from your intended height before the season opens.

How should I maintain my stand between seasons?

Inspect welds, straps, fasteners and seats at the end of each season. Clean mesh seats, lubricate moving parts as the manufacturer recommends, and store the stand out of direct sun and moisture to slow wear.

Do I need a shooting rail?

A shooting rail helps rifle hunters brace and stabilize the gun, and many ladder models include an adjustable rail. Bowhunters often prefer a clear platform, so decide based on your primary weapon.

Conclusion

For most solo hunters, the Retreat LS 1-Man Ladder Stand offers a balanced mix of platform depth, secure strapping and a practical seat. Two-person hunts point to the TwoPlex LS. If you need height in tall timber, the Jumbo Jack LS or the 21-foot Lockdown 360° covers more ground from above. Bowhunters should look at the Bowman LS, while hunters who relocate often will find the Lounger and Outlaw XL more practical. Match the stand to your hunt style, check your tree and practice your setup before opening day.

Sources

Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our hunting guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.