if the stand fails and is useless ,completely falls to the ground, or you can't get back in . it is helpful to have a rope or strap with you tomake a loop for your foot and then around the tree . That way you can take the pressure off the harness strap to slid it down a little then the rope for your foot . Just keep repeating till you are down safe . I hope this makes sense . I don't want to ride the tree or cut my strap on the harness. Having a cell with you is a good idea but you will be hanging there a while . It is better to be self sufficient to get down