I put the ladder stick together and tighten that to the tree as I climb making sure that is secure.
I then will hoist up my lock on.
Note. I make sure that when I climb I step into the stand confortable. The ladder stick is high enough that I have a good hand hold stepping on and getting off.
Ladder sticks do go up easily and at times I take mine down but leave the stand if I am worried it will get stolen.
As I get older - and am old now - I take out an extra very light aluminum ladder to which two of us can secure the stand.
For the ladder stick I do put one or two extra rachet tie downs to really secure the top if I am going to leave the ladder stick.
JW