Joe...I had the same problem...backpack overloaded the stand, fanny pack kept sliding down my butt....I resolved the problem by buying a Primos bow vest...I use it during bow and gun season, most of your stuff goes in front, so it balances better,it also works great during muzzleloader season, one pocket for quick loads, one for patches, oil and cleaning alcohol...I also added another small pouch to the stand for the things I wanted close at hand while on stand....After I realized that I could lock the API to the tree I could leave one locked up in the area I planned to hunt, and use my spare in case I decided to hunt a different area...