Used thin strong rope provided by a sporting goods store and tied to a small plastic wrap holder. Great little package for pack or pocket.
Tie bow or rifle on ground; proceed up tree with stand; then pull up secured bow or rifle after reaching top location.
For the knot I use an old fishing knot. I wrap the rope around the rifle or bow, twice, and tie an improved clinch knot. ( Sites on internet showing how to tie knot)

It always held the bow or rifle. And the knot has held five pound trout on four pound test line.