Last Updated on January 19, 2025 by Jason Tome
This review provides an in-depth evaluation of the Lone Wolf Custom Gear .75 Hang-On Stand (LWCG .75 or .75), based on over 30 days of field testing across an entire hunting season, including approximately 10 all-day hunts. Through testing, I’ve found that the attention to detail of this stand is remarkable. You can tell LWCG has worked hard to find every little nuisance concerning a hang-on treestand and has attempted to solve the problem.
Some of the highlights of this stand include modern modularity features like climbing stick integration, integrative bow holders, backpack-compatible shelf, and built-in attachment points. Not to mention the added comfort from the custom parts you can order combined with the adjustable platform and seat angles. Hanging is also quick and easy due to its lightweight design and the versa button/cam buckle strap combo.
While minor issues such as occasional instability with the cam-over feature and some initial aluminum noise exist, the stand’s overall performance makes it a top contender for mobile hunters prioritizing a balance of comfort, mobility, and versatility. This review also shares valuable tips for setup and highlights the importance of customizing the stand for a perfect fit.
This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Of course, you are not obligated to use my links, but it does help fund these posts in hopes of bringing more value to you!
Page Contents
Customizing Your Stand With Custom Parts
As the name suggests, Lone Wolf Custom Gear offers one of the most valuable features for treestand hunters: customization. You can tailor your stand to fit your body type and hunting style, ensuring maximum comfort during long hours in the field. Comfort is essential when treestand hunting for whitetails, making it critical to select the right customizations for your needs.
When I first purchased my stand, I was uncertain about what custom options to choose. However, after extensive research – reading reviews and watching countless YouTube videos – I determined the best configuration for my body type and preferences.
As someone who is 6’3″, weighs 155 lbs, and wears size 11 boots, I prioritized keeping my stand as low-profile and mobile as possible without sacrificing comfort. After consideration, I chose the Standard Option for both the seat style and post height. The .75 setup struck the perfect balance between minimalism and usability. After extensive use, I’m very satisfied with my decision—it’s lightweight, functional, and comfortable.
Important Note: If you customize your stand beyond the standard setup, be aware that Lone Wolf Custom Gear climbing sticks may not integrate properly with the treestand. Personally, I don’t carry my climbing sticks integrated with the stand, but I appreciate having that option since I opted for the standard setup. If this feature is important to you, make sure to carefully review compatibility before purchasing.
LWCG .75 vs the 1.0 and .5 Stand Comparisons
Lone Wolf Custom Gear offers several variations of their hang-on treestands, the main ones I looked into for being the most mobile were the .5, .75, and 1.0 models. The 1.0 Stand is essentially a .75 with a slightly wider platform, providing more footroom while maintaining the same length. On the other hand, the .5 Stand features a shorter platform but retains the same width as the .75.
After weighing my options, I chose the .75 Stand because it struck the perfect balance for my needs. The additional footroom compared to the .5 made it significantly more comfortable for longer hunts. At the same time, the .75 retains a slim profile, making it easier to carry without snagging on branches or sticks—something I imagine could be more of an issue with the wider 1.0.
I’m happy with my decision to go with the .75, as I don’t think I could have gone any smaller. Even with the .75, my toes hang slightly off the end of the platform. The .5 would likely have been too cramped for my preferences and hunting style.
Field-Tested Pros of The LWCG .75
Pro #1: Lightweight
The .75 is by far the easiest stand I’ve ever hung in a tree. It’s so lightweight that you can easily use one hand to hold up the treestand while your other hand wraps the strap around the tree. The aluminum, spiderweb-like construction keeps it strong yet feather-light, far outperforming heavy, traditional steel treestands. Based on LWCG website specs, the base stand weighs 7.5 lbs and has 1.13 lbs of accessories, for a total of 8.6 lbs. In reality, it is closer to 8.2 lbs. With my 8.8 lbs backpack, the total weight os 17 lbs.
LWCG Website Treestand and Accessory Weights:
- Base Stand weight – 7.5 lbs
- Stand cam Strap (included)- 5 ounces
- Stand cushion (included) – 4 ounces
- Lower Cam strap (optional) – 5 ounces
- Backpack straps (included) – 7 ounces
- Waist support (optional) – 6 ounces
Pro #2: Adjustability and Comfort
In my opinion, one of the best features of the whole LWCG hang-on treestand line is that they can move the platform up/down so that your stand is 90º to the ground so you’re always standing on a flat platform no matter the type of three that you’re in. Additionally, once the stand is hung you can adjust the seat up/down so that you’re sitting at the angle that is most comfortable to you depending on what angle your platform is at.
The teeth on both the platform and the post work exceptionally well. When setting the stand on crooked trees, applying force locks the stand securely at a 90º angle to gravity, even if some of the teeth aren’t fully in contact with the tree. Despite this, the design ensures a stable and reliable hold, allowing you to hunt confidently in awkward or uneven setups. I’ve used this stand in small, crooked swamp trees and have been impressed with how it keeps the platform parallel to the ground, even when the tree isn’t. This feature provides both comfort and stability, which are essential for long hunts.
Pro #3: Hanging The LWCG .75
The versa buttons that the straps attach to make it easy to get the stand attached with minimal movement and noise. You just attach the loop of the strap to the versa button, then swing it around the tree and attach the other loop to the versa button. Then pull the strap slack through the cam buckle as snug as you can reasonably get it and you’re almost done.
Next you need to cam the stand over to really tighen it to the tree. I always first use my hand to fold the platform up, then push the treestand down as hard as I can, and then cam the platform back over. Sometimes this is good enough and you’re all set. Other times I would have to get onto the stand and cam it down the rest of the way by using my bodyweight. I do this by lifting the platform with my foot, using my knee on the back of the seat to push the post down with my bodyweight, and then camming the platform back down to create a tight, secure lock against the tree. The pros of this is that it’s fast and easy. The cons of this method is that it’s loud and sketchy. I talk more about the cons of this in the cons section of this post below.
Pro #4: Packability and Portability
This stand doubles as a backpack, thanks to its integrated straps and modular design. The seat folds to a 90º angle and locks in place, creating a sturdy shelf for your backpack during transport. I paired mine with the Badlands Rise backpack, which fits perfectly on the shelf. It’s also lightweight enough for morning and evening hunts, but just big enough so that it holds all my essentials for all-day hunts, including my Lone Wolf climbing sticks.
Stick Integration
The .75 includes slots for integrating LWCG climbing sticks, but I prefer to carry mine in my backpack. For those who like to integrate their sticks, this feature could be a great convenience.
Attachment Points
The stand has multiple attachment points for securing gear. I use the included strap to fasten my backpack to the stand for transport using the attachment points. This way I never forget my treestand strap. I’ve also experimented with paracord and a Nite Ize CamJam, but the strap remains my go-to option.
Pro #5: It Can Also Be Used As A Hybrid Saddle Platform
The .75’s lightweight and compact design makes it a versatile choice for hybrid hunters. You can use it as a traditional hang-on stand or pair it with a saddle for added flexibility.
In my experience, after using the LWCG .75 Stand a few times with my saddle gear, I was surprised to find myself phasing out the saddle equipment entirely. Having used saddle gear exclusively for 10 years, this shift was unexpected, but the .75 won me over. For morning and evening hunts, setting up the saddle gear felt like unnecessary extra effort, time, and noise. Eventually, I even stopped bringing it on all-day hunts.
Pro#6: Bow Holder Attachment
The optional bow holder attachment allows you to keep your bow upright and within arm’s reach, making it easy to grab when a deer appears unexpectedly. I hunted most of the season without this attachment but felt paranoid about missing opportunities, so I ordered one. Unfortunately, it arrived after bow season ended, but I’m confident it will be a great addition next season.
Pro #7 Changing/Adding Clothes
One benefit I rediscovered using the hang-on style treestand is how easy it is to layer clothing, change socks, or add toe-warmers compared to in a saddle. The ropes and straps of a saddle setup make these tasks cumbersome, but the open platform of a hang-on stand makes it simple.
Pro #8: Aluminum Noise
Compared to a saddle, which is primarily fabric, the LWCG .75 does produce more noise. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how minimal it was. The only noticeable instances of noise occurred when I accidentally banged a buckle against the stand, which was more user error than a design flaw.
Despite initially thinking silencing materials would be essential, I didn’t feel the immediate need to add any during the season. That said, I plan to apply some silencing materials in specific areas next year to further reduce potential noise.
One reason noise wasn’t a significant issue is the slim profile of the .75. The stand is narrower than my body profile, allowing me to block most twigs and branches while walking. Additionally, carrying a backpack on the opposite side of the stand further helped shield it from brush, minimizing and deadening unwanted sounds.
Pro #9: Excellent Platform Grip
The grip on the platform of the .75 is great. It has ridges/grooves in the frame so that your boots have good traction so you don’t slip. This is important in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions. Many other stands on the market don’t have this important feature.
Field-Tested Cons of The LWCG .75
Con #1: Cam-Over Feature
One aspect of the LWCG .75 that I didn’t fully love is the cam-over feature. This involves lifting the platform up with your foot, using your knee to push the post down with your weight, and then camming the platform back down to create a tight, secure lock against the tree. While this method provides a solid hold, it can be loud and feels a bit sketchy, especially on trees that aren’t perfectly straight. I’ve even had the .75 almost slide off the tree during the cam-over process on certain angled trunks.
To mitigate any risks, I always ensure both my lineman’s belt and tree strap are securely attached before attempting the cam-over. That said, I’ve found that in some cases, the entire body cam-over feature isn’t entirely necessary. I can achieve a secure enough bite into the tree simply by camming the platform into place by hand, rather than using my full body weight. This approach feels safer and still provides a reliable setup.
There are also other methods of getting a secure fit, for example, you could use two cam buckle straps instead of just one. Or you could even use a ratchet strap.
Con #2: Seat Cushion Placement
Although I like the seat cushion material, the placement of the cushion isn’t perfect. When you fold the treestand into its shelf position the tree bracket teeth fold into the seat cushion. Over time I expect that the teeth will bite into and start tearing the seat cushion. You can mitigate this a little by installing the seat cushion so it’s further away from the teeth, but then the cushion hangs over the seat, which has worked well for me.
I am surprised how well the seat cushion held up though after using it all season with the teeth folded into it. There is no damage to it so it seems like the cushion will last longer than I was initially anticipating.
LWCG .75 Tips and Tricks
Tip/Trick #1: Seat Cushion Position
Make sure you put the seat cushion on so that the brown part is facing up, so you’re sitting on it. The black part with the logo should be faced into the treestand. If you don’t do this the seat will be very squeaky against certain fabrics.
Tip/Trick #2: Wasit Belt
For this first season, I toughed it out without using a waist belt because the stand does not come with one. However, I highly recommend it because my shoulders were burning for my longer hikes into my spots, especially during all-day hunts when I have the extra weight of water and food. But I still think it would be worth it for morning and evening hunts.
I haven’t bought mine yet but I’ve been doing some research, the LWCG waist belt is only 50$ which is a good deal compared to some of the other options I’ve found, so I might go with LWCG. However, I also found some more expensive but more comfortable options. I’ll list those (non-affiliated) options below:
All-Day Hunts In The LWCG .75
Comfort
Out of the approximately 30 hunts in this stand, around 10 or so were all-day hunts during the rut. As a historically hardcore saddle hunter, I was so impressed with how comfortable this hang-on stand was. I was able to sit in this stand all day with no problems. Periodically, I would stand up to give my butt a break from sitting so long and let the blood flow come back to my limbs but that was about it. I felt like I was able to be more still in this hang-on than in my saddle since I was more comfortable and I’ve tried and owned the most comfortable saddles on the market.
Cushion Thickness
The seat cushion is the perfect thickness for me so I could go a long time without my butt getting fatigued but if you’re bigger than me you might want to double up on the seat cushions. But I would recommend buying another LWCG seat if you do this because they work so well. It’s some kind of memory foam that is also very water-resistant which is great for comfort and being in poor weather conditions. It also has pre-cut holes in the right spot so you can stack the two cushions easily.
Platform Size
The .75 stand was a little small for all-day hunts. It would have been nicer to have the 1.0 stand for a little more width because I feel like I don’t have a lot of footroom, especially during cold conditions when I wear bigger insulated winter boots. However, it was just big enough for me. I don’t see myself upgrading to the 1.0 though because I like the slimmer profile for carrying the stand in quietly since it fits within my body frame. The trade-off is that I have less footroom but I’m okay with that for the extra mobility.
Lone Wolf Custom Gear Customer Service
I’ve had to contact LWCG Customer Support a few times while using their equipment. While their response times aren’t the fastest, I’ve found them to be helpful and reasonably quick to get back to you. That said, since hunting season is their busiest time of year, response times may slow down during this period.
As a small business, LWCG likely has to carefully plan production to avoid overstocking, which means some items may sell out during hunting season. Additionally, many of their staff may be out hunting themselves, which could further impact availability and response times.
One great feature LWCG offers is their 14-day free return policy, allowing you to ensure the gear fits your needs and expectations before fully committing.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering purchasing LWCG gear, plan ahead and buy well before hunting season begins. It can take them 7-10 business days to ship items, which means it can be 2 to 3 weeks before your gear arrives at your door. This gives you time to get any questions answered by customer support, test the stand, make returns if necessary, and ensure that the equipment you want is in stock.
Final Thoughts – Do I Recommend The LWCG .75?
As a decade-long saddle hunter, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed the Lone Wolf Custom Gear .75 Stand. Its modern lightweight build, modular design, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for mobile hunters seeking versatility without sacrificing comfort. The stand’s slim profile and thoughtful features, like the optional bow holder and excellent platform grip, enhance its practicality for both short and all-day hunts. While minor drawbacks like the cam-over feature and limited platform size may require some adjustment, these issues are easily outweighed by the stand’s overall performance and adaptability.
Ultimately, the LWCG .75 strikes a near-perfect balance between portability and functionality, making it a standout option for hunters who value mobility and comfort. If you’re willing to invest the time to customize it to your needs and plan your purchase ahead of hunting season, I highly recommend giving it a try—it’s a game-changer for both saddle and hang-on hunters alike.
