RE: What type of ascent device?
Well tree step would be the cheapest and easiest to transport, but a pain for obvious reasons and may not be legal depending where you hunt. I have had and used climbing sticks, Rivers Edge for the past two years and like them. They are sturdy and easy to assemble. I did add some vecro pieces on each step for better traction in wet conditions though. I recall that I got them for $36 for the 14' set.