ORIGINAL: Jeff K in IL
Each side of the platform has a strap that connects to the top to keep the bottom from falling in case of emergency as well!
Jeff, not only do those straps keep the platform within reach if you drop it with your feet, but when you tighten them down when you get to where you want to be on the tree, they lock that stand down like nothing you've ever seen. That stand will feel like it is bolted to the tree.