its not always easy by yourself. you have to be careful because i have run into some models that the top platform section was knocked out of the rails and came falling down. many of the new ones have locking pins. i put self tapping screw in mine to make sure the sections dont come apart in mid air if i snag a branch or something trying to set it against the tree. what i do now is walk the ladder stand upright a bit at a time like a fireman would foot an extension ladder. i use the base of the tree and put the bottom rungs agains it so as i work the ladder upright it cant slide. its not fun but it can be done in steps that way.