I have an over sized brass spring clip( looks like the thing at the end of a dogs leash) that is fastened to my backpack handle which I clip onto both wire cables of my climber, then the strap (which clips on the seat and platfom to prevent loosing the platform while hunting) hollds the pack in place. Also I clip one of my foot stirrups to my water bottle for the heck of it since it's there. Works like a charm and no extra straps to carry or keep track of. Hope you can understand this. Oh an once in the tree the spring clip gets fastened to a hook, branch or step. OH and If I'm only going for 2-3 hours then a fanny pack will do but the backpack is still so much easier and carry's everything I can possibly need and more.