RE: easiest harness
I'll second the hunter safety system, but I substitute the Summit teather rope with the prusic knot. Those ropes come free with a new Summit stand if you know someone who bought one recently, or you can buy just the rope from the Summit website, Bass Pro, Cabelas, etc. I've used the Summit seat-o-the-pants for a number of years and it's easy and safe, but the hunter safety system vest blows it away.