I usually don;t worry much about noise until I get near (within 100 yards) to my stand spot, then I try to be quiet. I worry most about the loud, unnatural sounds, like metal-on-metal. I do try pretty hard to keep the clanking to a minimum when I 'm putting up my climbing sticks and stand and getting situated.
I'm surprised no one has come up with a composite material tree stand and climbing sticks. It would be light and much quieter!