RE: How Early to Climb?
Being quiet is a loaded question...
Ever have a heavy footed person walk into the room, kind of the same thing?
It really depends on how quiet "you" can be??? I like to add the felt camo tape, on areas that I could clank as it helps muffle the sounds.
Climbers are great, and the Summit is what I use, you won't be sorry.
Once at my tree I can be up 20' in less than 5 minutes.
However, for the same $200-250 you could buy 4 or 5 cheap hang on stands and not have to hassle with a climber?
Depends on how much land you have on this lease and how little disturbence you can create with a climber.
If you go with the climber, I would suggest trying it in your yard at least a dozen times.
Going through each step, each time, to help alleviate any hang-ups in the field.
It's way easier to do during daylight hours verses in the dark on opening morning!