The best thing is you move them around hence the meaning portable get one that is light wieght but the lighter it is the less wieght it will hold i also like the fact that it does not damage the trees landowners get awful mad at people using screw in steps and nails plus in P.A. that is illegal with out the landowners permission. The downfall I know is becareful what kind of tree you set it on if you try to climb a popular tree or other slippery bark tree you might find yourself on the ground real fast. cold weather is dangerous also got to watch the ice on a tree . Also some real good hunting spots might not have any trees or no good trees to set up on. overall i love portable tree stands. Get out and hunt and take a youngster with you