Most climbing stands have a bar out front to sit on when climbing, and used for an aim rest, a must for that standing 5 minute frozen deer. Sometimes the maker of the stand does not offer a bar that is padded, thus we have to use the long tubes of foam water pipe insulation, then use camo duck tape wrapped on the outside for great protection.......On one stand, the metal foot rungs squeaked when the bottom of the boot was wet, thus non-slip sand paper strips work wonders. It also puts distance in between the bottom of your boot lugs and the cold metal rungs of the platform which helps to keep the sole of the boot warmer.

Carts or Wheels needed? Summit use to make wheels for their tree stands (viper for example) turning them into a cart. I did not see it listed on their website, must be discontinued. Tree Lounger makes blocks/wheels for the Tree Lounge(r), works great but I have to hide the blocks/wheels before climbing. Deer carts are almost a must with a deer down deep in the wilderness, but one will cuss like your mother-in-law if in thick brush in the dark, gets hung up. I saw one hunter use his wheel barrel with the bucks legs cut off at the knees, it worked for him. A rope and a stick dragging a deer out in halves; head, neck, shoulders, and ribs together for the front half, then keeping the both hips in tack for the rear half. That is easier than dragging the deer out whole........I use a cart and cut the deer into halves if needed, depending on the weight of the deer, if there is a truck trail available, level or vertical ground, and my limited physical condition at that time (pain).

Another ideal..... While in the tree this fall (I've only hunted 6 times so far due to limited physical health), a small rack buck walked up down wind of me and froze. I did walk in, just feet where he stood. But I'm not sure if the scent from the leather boots or the wind gave up my scent that made him freeze. But in time, he relaxed and turn sideways and walked away, nose to the ground.......Having used scent killer spray that had a earth/dirt smell in the past, I would spray the boots every time but I was out...... So now, I normally would rake back the leaves with my boots, scrape up a pile of earthly stinking dirt, stand in it and cover the leather boots for a minute or two. but his time, I did not take time to do that before reaching the tree......So the question is, if you covered your boot in earthly smelling dirt, would that cover up your boot scent to the point a smart deer would not detect the smell after a hour or two on a dry day?

Only wear your hunting boots in and out. Never wear them to drive. This has always worked for me.

This is what I do. Never wear them in my vehicle or anywhere that’s not the woods. and they never touch concrete. Only wear into the woods and back off and into a plastic bag when done hunting.

I found a used ground blind that’s very light weight and has backpack like straps on the bag it came in. If that gives out the next option is to just use the top half of an old climber stand. Back pack it in and sit with butt off the ground and feet on the ground. Camo burlap works good as a screen if you are tucked in the trees and can hang it from limbs or a rope.
I wonder if only having the top half of the climber requires a person to wear the harness still on public land?

The wheel kits are made by Sherpa Hunting.
https://www.sherpahunting.com/treestand-wheel-kits.html

I use one of the wheel kits for my Summit Viper climbing tree stand. My back is giving me a lot of trouble so I put the wheels on so I can get my stand where I want it to be. It's a hunt saver for me. No way can I pack in a tree stand anymore plus I can also use the cart to carry my gear and a deer if I kill one. My cart is light enough I have no problems taking it anywhere I want to go. Handles rough and muddy fields good to.

Found that the Summit Viper Sherpa cart can also be used to carry your sled into the hunt area. I am hunting in a very swampy area, so I need the sled to get the deer to the cart. Works very well and is the best of both worlds. Been using the cart for several years in all kinds of terrain and it is holding up well.

Bill

I don't use a bag when carrying my climber. I just strap what I need for the day to the base.
I have a 2 mile max on carrying my climber. When going deeper, I prefer to find a stump or blow-down with some cover.
I like to go off trail, so wheels are a no-go for me.
I plan on getting a saddle one day, but I need more experience climbing trees before I feel comfortable hanging from a strap.

If I still used a climber I'd have to have one of those. That is awesome.

Dang it man , you have got to be strong and coordinated to bear hug and climb a tree!! Kudos to you brother.