I've got two thoughts for you: 1) I've moved to climbing sticks this year and, as opposed to screw in steps, they are about a thousand times easier to use when hanging up stands. You should still use a lineman's belt with the sticks, but, like I said, it's a hell of a lot easier. 2) A friend of mine actually uses a ladder stand with a hang on stand above it (all on the same tree.) Obviously, the ladder is really easy to climb, then he stands on the ladder seat and attaches a hang on. It's an interesting idea (though probably overkill-- 2 stands on the same tree) because you could point the hang on in a certain direction to account for changes in wind. If the wind's not right, you could sit on the ladder seat. Just an idea.