For me....

8 different sets. 5 or 6of them are pre-rut sets that I alternate between through out the season.

2 of these are rut stands (last two weeks of season) I'll sit in those buggers every day.

By seasons end....1 missed buck in archery, one dead doe and one dead buck in rifle season. All from my rut stand.

I agree that spooking deer while going to and from a stand is very bad. I'll also agree that stinking the joint up isn't all that great. However, I still feel way too much emphasis is being put on scent while going to and from a stand.

Case in point. Last week, during rifle season, I was sitting in my "rut" stand and watched a 6 point walk directly under my stand, by me, and then proceeded to sniff every footprint in the snow where I walked in. Never bolted, looked alarmed or anything. I do not wear knee highs. I just drown my boots in scent killer before leaving the truck.

Keep your scent down as much as you possibly can. Get in plenty early and stay late. You'll be fine.