I'm 56 years old and have no problem. Had it for several years before they included those straps, so I have never used them. Are you overweight and/or out of shape? When you get a stand that is 14 lbs, you sacrafice something for the lightweight and compactness. I also have a Summit Viper, but depending on the situation or distance i'm packing, If I could only have one stand, I'd keep my LW hand climber.