RE: which treestand
A portable treestand is something you should be willing to pay more for in order to get a good one. Think about it, you're going to be in that stand for countless hours. The extra money is pennies for lighter stands to carry, and most of all, better comfort.
I've tried API and Summit, and like the Summit best. However, I haven't followed new models closely in a while, and hear Loggy Bayou has some good ones.