Thanks to all who've offered input so far... and, yes -- that does make sense, lifesadrag. I picked up a good little tip from Matt/PA whom I invited in to hunt with me this year... Like you, I had always put my fanny pack on and spun it around to my front and hoisted my stand on my back. I watched Matt put his around his stand and cinch it up tight, then throw it on... It was one of those simultaneous "aha" and "duh"moments. [8D]