I haven' t used a climber for a few year, probably because I don' t have one of the newer models out there. Mine is very heavy and takes a while to put in the tree. But to answer your question, yes, ablsolutely, I have left it in the woods overnight. But only as you have mentioned. Leaving the stand after dark and returing before light. I you are concerned about the human scent thing, I would suggest spraying it down with scent away or something like that before you leave. My seat is removable, and I used to take it with me. I believe that probably carried the most scent anyway.