heres the answers.. when your hanging a portable stand its easy. leave the stand folded closed so its basically flat against the tree..strap on the top ratchet first just about as tight as you can... then open the stand and basically slam the platform down hard so it digs into tree. then put a second strap towards the bottom of the stand and tighten. doing it that way (instead of hanging it with it open ) makes the stand as level and tight to the tree as possible...as far as leaving it out you can 100% leave it out all year long. just take seat pad with you at end of season or each time u get out whatever you decide just to avoid the critters and the weather.