Good thread. My buddy and I have been trying to come up with a device for years that acts like a seatbelt - attach it to you at ground level and just climb - the strap recoils with you on the way up and follows you on the way down, no hands to fool with a knot. If you fall, the ratchet mechanism (like that of a seat belt), locks and stops your fall. I always use a climbing restraint system while installing steps and my hang on stands so it would be easy and safe to attach this system the same time you hang the stand on. Haven't developed this yet, just in the drawing stages, so if anyone wants to help me out, (or steal this idea), PM me.

What got me thinking about this system is one day when I slipped off an icy screw-in tree stand step. I was able to catch myself and avoid a rather uncomfortable reuniting with the ground, but it scared me. I never use a strap while climbing or descending, but always while in the stand.