I used a climber exclusively last season, but this year I wanted a couple of stands that I could set up and leave for the season (no need to get a stand in place on a cold, dark morning).

One concern when leaving a stand is that it will be stolen. Another concern is safety while getting into the stand. I considered getting some hang-on stands with the "steps" that consist of separate sections. This would allow me to remove the bottom section and carry it away with me to make it more difficult to get at the rest of the steps and the stand.

In the end I purchased two of the $60 ladder stands at Dicks. I used a lock on each so that they would not be easy to steal and put them in locations that are less likely to be noticed. Hopefully, even if they are spotted they are not worth the trouble to steal.

Not only are they less expensive than a hang-on stand with separate climbing sticks, I am not afraid to climb the ladder stand without a safety rope: I connect my harness when I reach the top. With a hang-on, I would only feel safe if I had some way to connect my harness during the climb.

I may eventually get some hang-on stands with climbing steps for other situations (anyone could use my ladder stands without me knowing it unless I happen to show up), but I am looking forward to trying out the ladder stands this season.