RE: Sun in your face while in stand
I try to always set up my stands facing the north for two reasons. #1. The angle of the earth in the northern hemisphere during the short winter days never hits the north side of the tree,...thus no sun in the eyes. #2. Because of #1,....I'm always in the "shadow" side of the tree for better camouflage.
A hat with a rim does wonders if you can't face the north.