I don't use one climbing up to my hang-on stands, but it is on as soon as I hit the platform I put it on. On my old climber it has an open front and I put it on once I'm in postion and use it on the way down. I just bought a close front climber and will probably do the same thing. I did take my new stand out this winter just to try it and with the closed front I feel real secure, but I'll probably wear it anyways. I may try the prussic knot for climbing to my portables, it sounds like a good idea.