The Tree Stand Skirt Made a Bold First Impression
The Hunter’s Specialties Easy Fit Tree Stand Skirt promises enhanced concealment and convenience for the dedicated hunter. Made to fit most one- and two-person stands with shooting rails, this Realtree Timber camo skirt boasts a black backing, tie straps for simple installation, and an interior gear pocket, all packed into a portable carrying bag. Is this Tree Stand Skirt a game-changer, or just another piece of gear adding weight to my pack?
What led me to this product was a need for better concealment, particularly late in the season when foliage thins out. I’ve hunted from tree stands for years, and while natural cover is ideal, it’s not always available or sufficient, leading to wary deer spotting me too easily. My old setup, a haphazard arrangement of burlap and zip ties, was both cumbersome and ineffective. Unboxing the Tree Stand Skirt, my initial thoughts were positive. The Realtree Timber camo pattern looked realistic, and the material felt durable enough to withstand a season or two of use.
Compared to other options, like full blind enclosures that add significant weight and bulk, the Tree Stand Skirt seemed like a practical compromise. I considered building my own skirt from camouflage fabric, but the cost of materials and the time required made the Hunter’s Specialties option attractive at its affordable price of $19.49. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to see if this Tree Stand Skirt would live up to its promise of easy installation and enhanced concealment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tree Stand Skirt to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Tree Stand Skirt on a mid-October hunt in central Pennsylvania. The area features a mix of hardwoods and conifers, with rolling hills and scattered agricultural fields, a typical whitetail deer habitat. Conditions were cool and dry, with a slight breeze.
Installation was indeed simple. The tie straps allowed me to quickly secure the skirt to the shooting rail of my two-person ladder stand. The center hook and loop attachment made adjusting the panels a breeze. There were no significant issues during the initial setup, although I did find the interior gear pocket a bit small for larger items like binoculars.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full hunting season of use, the Tree Stand Skirt has held up remarkably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear. The Realtree Timber camo pattern has remained vibrant, and the stitching appears to be durable.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove mud or debris. I also store the skirt in its carrying bag when not in use to protect it from the elements. Compared to my previous DIY setup, the Tree Stand Skirt is a significant improvement in terms of both concealment and convenience. It outperforms my expectations for a product in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Tree Stand Skirt
Specifications
- Material: Durable fabric with Realtree Timber camo and black backing. This combination provides visual concealment and reduces shadows, making it harder for deer to spot you.
- Dimensions: Two panels, each measuring 32″ high x 50″ long. This size is designed to fit most one- and two-person tree stands with shooting rails.
- Attachment System: Tie straps and a center hook and loop attachment. These features ensure a secure and adjustable fit.
- Features: Interior gear pocket and carrying bag. The gear pocket offers convenient storage for essential hunting accessories, while the carrying bag makes transportation easy.
- Compatibility: Designed for tree stands equipped with a shooting rail. Its simple attachment system makes it widely compatible.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the effectiveness and ease of use of the Tree Stand Skirt. The camo pattern and black backing enhance concealment. The tie straps and hook and loop attachment ensure a secure and adjustable fit.
Performance & Functionality
The Tree Stand Skirt performs its primary function – concealment – admirably. The Realtree Timber camo blends well with a variety of woodland environments. The black backing further enhances concealment by reducing shadows and preventing deer from seeing movement behind the skirt.
The skirt’s usability is excellent. Installation is quick and easy. Adjustments are straightforward. The internal pocket provides a convenient place to store small items. Its only weakness is the pocket could be larger.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tree Stand Skirt features a practical and well-thought-out design. The materials used are durable and lightweight. The Realtree Timber camo pattern is effective.
The skirt’s design is inherently user-friendly. There is no real learning curve, because the tie straps and hook and loop closure are intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tree Stand Skirt appears to be quite durable. After a full season of use, there are no significant signs of wear and tear. The stitching is holding up well, and the camo pattern has not faded.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. I expect this skirt to last for several seasons with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tree Stand Skirt comes with a carrying bag for easy transportation and storage. There are no other included accessories. Customization options are limited, but users could potentially add additional camouflage netting or foliage to further enhance concealment.
The Tree Stand Skirt should be compatible with most tree stand accessories, such as gun rests and bow holders. These can be easily attached to the stand’s shooting rail.
Pros and Cons of Tree Stand Skirt
Pros
- Effective Concealment: The Realtree Timber camo and black backing provide excellent concealment. This helps hunters stay hidden from wary game animals.
- Easy Installation: The tie straps and hook and loop attachment make installation quick and simple. This means less time spent setting up in the field.
- Lightweight & Portable: The skirt is lightweight and comes with a carrying bag. This makes it easy to transport to and from hunting locations.
- Durable Construction: The materials used are durable enough to withstand a season or two of use. This adds to the overall value of the product.
- Affordable Price: At around $20, the Tree Stand Skirt offers excellent value for the money. This makes it a budget-friendly option for hunters seeking better concealment.
Cons
- Small Gear Pocket: The interior gear pocket is a bit small for larger items. This limits its usefulness for carrying essential hunting accessories.
- Limited Customization: Customization options are limited. Some hunters might want to add additional camouflage or foliage.
Who Should Buy Tree Stand Skirt?
The Tree Stand Skirt is perfect for hunters who use tree stands and want to improve their concealment. This is especially true for those hunting in areas with sparse foliage or late in the season when leaves have fallen. It’s also a great option for hunters on a budget who want an affordable and effective concealment solution.
Hunters who need maximum concealment in extremely challenging environments might want to consider a full blind enclosure instead. Also, those who prefer to customize their gear extensively may find the Tree Stand Skirt too basic. A must-have modification would be adding additional tie straps for even more secure attachment to the stand.
Conclusion on Tree Stand Skirt
The Hunter’s Specialties Easy Fit Tree Stand Skirt is a well-designed and effective concealment solution for tree stand hunters. Its ease of installation, lightweight design, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any hunter’s gear. The Realtree Timber camo and black backing provide excellent concealment, while the affordable price makes it a budget-friendly option.
The value proposition is excellent. For around $20, you get a significant improvement in concealment compared to hunting from an exposed tree stand. I would definitely recommend this Tree Stand Skirt to any hunter looking for an easy and affordable way to improve their chances of success. Don’t let wary deer bust you again – give the Hunter’s Specialties Easy Fit Tree Stand Skirt a try and experience the difference!