RE: climber+backpack?
 

I carry the back pack on my chest, then put the stand on my back. that way the load is ballanced on my shouders and I dont lean forward so much and it takes allot of weight off my lower back.

Another trick I have done more of is wear my turkey vest and pack all of my crap in all the pockets. Then I just have the tree stand only on my back. The pillow of the turkey vest keeps the stand from digging into my back too.