Bowhunters live by their accessory kit. A solid tree stand matters, but the straps, hangers, hoists, and foot rests are what quietly decide whether your season runs smooth or grinds you down. You’ve likely felt it: a missed shot from fumbling gear, or a long sit cut short by aching feet.
This list rounds up five accessories that solve the small but recurring problems every climber faces. Each pick earns its spot for a specific reason, whether that’s hauling your bow up safely or keeping your feet alive through a four-hour vigil.
The Leading Options At A Glance
Kalkal Heavy-Duty Tree Stand Harness Strap (3-Pack)
Sadnyy Bow Hangers for Tree Stand (23-Inch)
Summit Treestands Footrest Kit
Tomaki Retractable Bow Hoist (29.5FT)
Threlaco 2 Pcs Retractable Bow Hoist (29.5/39ft)
The Details Behind The Selections
Every climber relies on a strap they can trust, and the Kalkal 3-pack delivers redundancy at a fair count. Three straps means you can keep a spare in your pack or rotate between setups, which matters when you’re miles from the truck.
The quick-connect hardware shaves seconds off setup, and for hunters who move stands often, those seconds add up over a season. If you tend to second-guess your tie-offs, the extra strap also doubles as a backup you hope to never need.
The Good Stuff
- Three-ply reinforced webbing with double-stitched nylon seams holds up to repeated loading
- Quick-connect buckles cut setup time when you’re hanging a stand at last light
- Three straps per pack gives you a primary, a backup, and a replacement down the road
- Reinforced stitching tends to resist fraying even after muddy, wet-season abuse
Things To Consider
- Wide webbing can dig into thin branches, so you may need a bark-friendly wrap on softer trees
- Owners commonly recommend inspecting buckles before each season for hairline wear
Key Specs
Who It Suits Best
Hunters who prioritize redundant safety and rotate between multiple stand locations will find the three-pack format practical.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Climbers focused on gear hauling rather than platform security should look at the Tomaki Retractable Bow Hoist instead.
A bow left leaning against a tree is a bow you can’t grab quickly, which is exactly when a buck shows up. The Sadnyy hangers solve that by giving you a dedicated hook that holds your bow vertically and silent until the moment of truth.
At 23 inches unfolded and 13 inches folded, the design tucks into a pack pocket between setups. Bowhunters who shoot trad or compound rigs alike will appreciate the variety pack option, since the six-pack version covers multiple stand sites without buying twice.
The Helpful Details
- Multi-pack formats let you stage gear at different stands without swapping hangers
- Folding design compresses to 13 inches for easy transport in a pack or pocket
- Vertical hang position keeps your bow oriented for a fast, quiet draw
- Lightweight construction won’t weigh down a long hike into public land
Points To Keep In Mind
- The hook depth limits how wide a quiver you can hang, so stacked-arrow setups may not fit cleanly
- Metal points may scratch bark on softer species like poplar or birch
Made For
Run-and-gun hunters who bounce between stand locations will value the multi-pack format most.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Hunters needing comfort for multi-hour sits should consider the Summit Treestands Footrest Kit for leg and foot relief.
Long sits on an aluminum edge are a special kind of punishment, and the Summit footrest kit directly addresses that. By adding a flat platform section beneath your feet, it shifts weight off the narrow bar and onto a broader surface.
This is a Summit-branded accessory, so fitment is guaranteed on their aluminum stands, which is exactly the cohort that needs it most. Steel-platform owners will need to look elsewhere, since this kit is built specifically for aluminum channel systems.
Real Benefits
- Reduces foot fatigue by spreading pressure across a wider surface
- Two size options cover 4-, 5-, and 6-channel platforms for tailored fit
- Direct compatibility with Summit aluminum stands removes guesswork from installation
Trade Offs
- Does not fit steel-platform stands, limiting its value for non-Summit owners
- Adds a small amount of platform weight, which matters on long walks into remote spots
Quick Facts
Best Suited To
Summit stand owners logging all-day sits will see the most relief from this kit.
Skip It When
Steel-platform hunters should consider the Kalkal harness system for redundancy instead.
Climbing with a bow strapped to your back is a recipe for noise, snags, and twisted limbs. The Tomaki hoist solves this elegantly: clip your bow to the rope at ground level, climb up, and crank the gear up once you’re secured on the platform.
The retractable spool with crank handle means you don’t fight tangled line on retrieval, which is the small detail that separates a useful hoist from a frustrating one. At 29.5 feet, it covers most fixed-height stands with line to spare.
What It Does Well
- Crank-driven spool keeps the rope organized and tangle-free on the way down
- 29.5-foot length covers typical ladder and climber setups with margin
- Keeps hands free for safe climbing instead of juggling a bow
Honest Caveats
- Crank mechanism adds slight bulk compared to a simple pulley hoist
- Mechanical spool parts may need occasional cleaning after muddy use
Who Will Love This
Solo bowhunters who climb into fixed positions will find the crank system saves real frustration each trip.
Look Elsewhere When
Hunters needing redundant safety straps will benefit more from the Kalkal harness strap set.
Where the Tomaki focuses on a single length with crank refinement, the Threlaco offers a two-pack with mixed length options. The 39-foot variant opens up taller stands and saddle setups where shorter lines run out before you reach the platform.
Compared to the Tomaki, this pack trims bulk slightly and trades the crank for a simpler retraction, which suits hunters who want minimal parts in the field. Two hoists per pack means you can leave one staged at a fixed stand and carry the other.
Good Reasons To Consider
- Dual length options (29.5ft and 39ft) cover both fixed and elevated setups
- Two-pack format lets you stage hoists at multiple stands
- Compact profile slips into a pocket when climbing with minimal gear
- Simple retraction design reduces mechanical points that could fail
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Without a crank handle, rewinding can be slower after a long pull
- 39-foot length can be overkill for ladder stands under 15 feet
Feature Snapshot
Perfect Match For
Hunters running tall stands or two permanent setups will appreciate the dual-length and dual-pack format.
Swap It Out When
Climbers wanting crank-driven speed should consider the Tomaki hoist instead.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Climbing Stands For Bow Hunting
Platform And Harness Compatibility
Before anything else, match the accessory to your actual stand. Summit’s footrest kit only fits their aluminum platforms, and steel-platform owners should skip it entirely. The harness strap set works across brands because webbing adapts to any tree, but footrests and platform-specific gear require brand-aware shopping.
For most bowhunters starting from scratch, the harness strap should come first. Safety gear trumps comfort gear, always. Once you’re strapped in reliably, then address foot fatigue and gear hauling.
Length And Reach Considerations
Hoist length determines whether the accessory works for your hunting style. A 29.5-foot hoist covers most ladder stands but falls short on tall climbing setups or saddle hunts where the platform sits well overhead. Measure your typical hang height before settling on a length.
Bow hangers are simpler. The 23-inch unfolded length is enough to clear most bow limbs, but stacked quivers may need a longer hook. For most hunters, the standard reach is plenty.
Multi-Pack Versus Single Buy
Multi-pack formats cost less per unit but only pay off when you actually use them. A three-strap harness kit makes sense for hunters who rotate between three stand sites or want spares in the truck. A single hoist works fine if you hunt the same tree all season.
The honest read is that spares matter more in safety gear than convenience gear. A backup strap could save your season; a backup bow hanger just sits in a drawer.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Shopping Slip Ups
Many shoppers grab the cheapest accessory without checking compatibility. A footrest kit is worthless if it doesn’t fit your platform, and a hoist that’s too short strands your bow at the base of the tree. Always verify platform brand and hang height before clicking through.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Premium picks tend to add mechanical refinements, like the Tomaki’s crank handle, or extended reach, like the Threlaco’s 39-foot option. The trade-off shows up in price and occasionally in added weight. For most hunters, mid-tier options cover the basics well, but if you hunt tall stands or run multiple sites, the upgrade tends to earn its keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a separate hoist if my bow already has a sling?
A bow sling is for carrying, not for vertical hanging during a hunt. A hoist keeps your bow off the ground and oriented for a quiet draw, which makes a real difference when a buck steps into range unexpectedly.
Will these accessories fit any tree stand brand?
It depends on the accessory. Webbing straps and bow hangers work on any stand since they attach to the tree, not the platform. Footrests and platform-specific gear are brand-dependent, so check fitment before buying.
How long should my hoist rope be?
Measure from the ground to a foot above your platform, then add a few feet for knot tying. Most hunters land between 25 and 35 feet, but tall saddle hunters may need closer to 40.
Are multi-pack accessories actually cheaper per piece?
Usually yes, especially on harness straps and bow hangers. The savings show up when you genuinely need multiple units. Buying a six-pack when you’ll only use one is just storage clutter.
When should I replace my tree stand straps?
Inspect stitching and buckles each season. If you see fraying, glazing on the webbing, or bent buckle hardware, swap them out. Straps are cheap insurance compared to the alternative.