WHats up Butch I just don't think I like the pack master I used to work as a stand salesman and have heard the gripes about every stand. While carrying this stand throughthe woods it sticks up about 2 feet over your head that means its going to catch every limb and vine in your path. Mabye your ameristep just wasn't the climber for you. Ask your friends what they use try them then buy an ol man multi-vision.