ones we use are permanent wooden. 10-12' up, got prolly a 3ft long by 2ft wide deck with 2x4s for steps (built in ladder) and we use a 5 gallon bucket for a seat. Works very well and we've had them up for as long as i have been hunting. we just tie them to a tree so they are portable if need be.

a few years ago, we went to out hunting location during bow. I was hunting my fav. stand. get in there after a heavy snow and icing and i realize my stand is down, ropes broke so she fell durin the night. well i sat there anyway and 50 yards down streem from me, my buddy shot a 137" 9 point....lol has no relevance to the stands, other than he was hunting from one as well....I love them.