ORIGINAL: davidmil
Don't take it wrong, but there's no way if you set a stand up right that it should twist around the tree. If the system on the stand won't prevent it you should add a rachet strap or something to keep it from shifting. Your bad, not the weather. Don't rely on a manufactuers system alone. Sometimes you got to add an anchor. You get it tied down right you should beable to saw a leg off and still climb down. But yes, check your stands everytime in. First thing I look for is cut ropes, straps, unscrewed steps or whatever. Too many vandles out there screwing with other peoples stuff. Before I step off a stick to a stand I grab it and shake the heck out of it to see if it's secure. I strap my vest on the tree and then climb on. I don't unsnap the vest until I'm safely on the stick again.
I also kinda agree with this. I've had bottom of the stand sink in the ground to the point where it fell off, but the top part you could still climb up on b/c it was strapped to the tree like it was "supposed" to be.
Not trying to put you down or anything, but I really don't see how this could have happened if the stand was "hung" properly. On those little flimsy metal ladders that you can buy from wal-mart and such, I put a ratchet strap on the seat and put it tight enough that theres no way it is going to move. Then I put another ratchet strap about 1/2 down the ladder where the "support" rod ancors to the tree. Then I go back to the seat and put a rope or chain around it.
I'm just glad to hear that she is ok.