Laddersrstands are typically heavier than climbing stands. Climbers are more portable but if you have your own land to hunt or a way to haul it into the woods it is not so bad. On our land we have 2 setup. It is nice to be able to just climb up and strap on. I also have summit viper climbing stands that we use when we hunt different areas. I saw a new ladder stand that the ladder is on hinges and it folds out and you put it up on the tree and you are all set. If I can find the name of it I will post it here for you.