RE: Safety Vest / Strap
I will second the comment about finding one that is easy to use and put on. One came with my stand that is strong and ok for most use. One thing that I did to make life much easier in the morning is to label the various ends and buckles so that I know which hole the right and left arm go through, which buckle is the belt buckle, etc. Otherwise I would get discomboobulated some mornings and have to take it off and start again.
Another way to make it work better: I wear mine under my jacket / blaze. I put it on at the car, then just tuck the tree straps down inside a pocket until I get where I am going. Then, pull out the tree straps, hook to the tree and start climbing. You would be amazed at how much easier it is when you are at the car with plenty of light and no more gear to manage.
Chubber