I always got tree steps in my gear bag. They are the " Deer Me" tree steps and cost about $2.25 ea. (U.S.) When I tote my portable in the bush I will pack 10 of these to get up the tree and I space them by putting my first one up as high as I can reach and then I put them opposite my knee heigth on each side of the tree. When you get to the very top, you should be able to look down on each side of the tree and they should be in line with each other. I also like one right at my stand heigth so that I can get in and out easily. I' ve always wondered what would happen if I fell and hooked myself on one of those, so be careful !!!! Bobby