ORIGINAL: early in

The seat (top) portion of the stand has to have pressure/weight on it for it to grab properly and stay secure to the tree. Here's what I do to avoid that top section from slipping down to the platformwhen you stand, or take pressure off of it.
When I get to my desired hunting height, I take a treehook and screw it in right below the traction belt (back of the tree)so the seat portion can't slip down. As far as that bar goes, it's only really for sitting on while climbing up. It should be tucked up under your seat when you get set up. Don't use it as a guard rail!If you take that stand back, you're a nut. That's the best climber ever made.