It's hard tobeat the convenience of a climber in my opinion. I've thought about switching on to a hang-on stand for years, but bought an API Extreme Bowhunter two years ago and love it. I can't imagine fumbling with steps while suspended to a tree unless you hang all your stands pre-hunt..something you definitely wouldn't want to do on public land. Climbing sticks are an option, but are just one more thing to lug around.