Do not remove any of the folds in the harness it will ruin it what i do is usually put the harness strap as high in the tree as possible so that when you sit down the tether strap is taught this will let you draw in almost any position. One guy that i hunt with sets his tether at his waist level when standing and that works best for him. I say just mess around with placement on the tree until you find something that works for you but if you cut the tether folds you might as well throw the vest in the trash it will not do you any good if you were to fall.