I have used a climber type tree stand since the days of the "Baker" ... that that goes back a few decades now ! Compared to the climbers currently on the market, that Baker was a Widow-Maker ! The advantages of a climber are obvious .... with portability being the chief. The draw backs are the additional pack-in/out weight, a some what limited range of tree diameter, and almost impractical to use on trees with lots of limbes below 15" or so. The danger is the fall risk. Be sure to buy and use a quality fall restraint system. All climbers will come with a system, but some of these are rather cumbersome and tricky to strap on ... and all are "one size fits most". The climbers that I am most familiar with are Summit and Ol' Man brands. These manufacturers have been at it a good while and offer high quality, strong, quiet t use, sturdy products. I have friends that use API brand climbers and like them a lot.

As for a ground blind .... I use a "pop-up" type ground blind that I set up, then brush in. I have two smaller ones and a larger one. THe large one is a Double Buill brand. It is excellent, but large heavy and expensive..