Mz, I don' t know what your doing wrong but mine flips down in a split second and back up faster.

This is by far the most comfortable vest on the market IMO and nothing compares. I retired a expensive vest once I tried and purchased the Bucklick Creek.

Mr. Longbeard, no tree needed but if you want the cover of a tree, no problem, the vest will support you on it' s own and you can simply sit by the tree vs against giving you more options.