i usually take a safety belt and hang it around the so i can just swing around and set my stuff up. i have some non-typical rapid rails for when i change trees in the middle of season. most of my stands i drill holes and then pound eight inch nails in with a sledge and use those as steps. its easier when i got the safety belt than trying to grab around the tree to hold myself. i really cant think of a safer way except using a ladder.
which i have done