If I can ever figure out how the thing backpacks I'm good to go [:-][8D]

That's the part I was talking about on my first post. I watched the video over and over again. But ..once you get it ...you'll love it. On my Bullet Backpacker the seat platform fits perfectly and snuggly in the standing platform. The tricky part on mine ..and i still have to think is to run the back of the seat cushion through the stand to act as a back cushion when back packing. The little seat bunggie actually would easily hold the sections together but I always finish up by tightly wrapping my rifle pull up string around the stand to make it tight and rattle free.

After a few practices you'll get her .

I had struggled on a few hunts on how to get all my stuff up with me. I was wearing my pack while climbing, but that was just a pain and added weight which meant added sweat. BUY THE SIDE/FRONT BAGS!! These are hte best invention since the advent of the climber. Now EVERYTHING I need is right in there, no need for a pack. The bags make my hunting much easier

I too use the side bags and they are great. I think I'll also get the front bag.

One thing I do is tie a rope with a square knot around the two section on the front,and then use the strap for the rear section,the stand is then quiet then while going into the woods.Also a thing to try is still using the prusic idea,but have a fall line choked around the tree,with the prusic underneath the choke,slide the rope up witth you as you go,and at the other end of the fall line have your bow and or fanny pack tied to it.The reason I do this is because if I cut out from my stand,the choked fall line and prusic will stop you then you could repel down from the tree.If you just use the prusic and a rope to slide up the tree you could still be stranded.Also when a prusic or any choke knot has a bite on it,it locks up and is hard to slide down the tree.Even though thebow may be tied to the fall line you can still pull up the fall line and create a basket to put your foot in and step into,then free up the prusic and repel down.Better yet tie the bow and fannypack to another line to pull up,This may sound confusing,but I'll try to post a pic or something soon.

For those with stands that don't have plastic toe loops yoou may want to try a couple of feet of 12-2 Romex. This wire is strong, cheap and it keeps its shape so it is easy to get your boots into. I took the straps off of my stand and put this wire on, laced it through the platform to create 2 boot loops and twisted it tight. Works great.

I got worn out from reading.

DON'T BUY THE SUMMIT!

Buy the Loggy Legend one piece.

Bring an extra step or two just in case you have a low obstical you need to get around.

Put your safety strap on at hunting height before you secure your stand to the tree.

Climb away on crooked trees!

How would you carry a backpack and the treestand ? I wanted to do this but couldn't figure out how to put both on my back over my shoulders. I use a bungle cord and run it longways to hold the stand together and quite, it's easier to remove and put on in the dark imo. I alsodon't use the plastic boot retainers as I think they are too flimsy. I pop rivitedstiff lawn chair strapingsin a loop for each bootacross the platform close to the treeend of the standto make a foot hold for climbing, keeps your feet in front instead of splawed apart and imo makes it easier to climb and control. I still keep the plastic things on the stand in case a strap should break or come un pop rivited. I will post a picture of this later today.

My wife has the VIper and I the Goliath, but mine has the rapid-climb stirrups, which are the plastic foot holders. I like these much better than the straps because I feel like you have more control of the platform with these and can maneuver it over knots in the tree. Either way, Summit is the way to go!

BOY, that makes ME feel A lot SAFER. I OWN a viper and thought i loved it, NOW I WONDER IF ITS SAFE, AFTER THE horror story about HALF KILLING yourself over some CLIP WEARING OUT.

WOW what a climber! The viper was beyond easy and safe to use. I used it last night for the first time. I couldn't believe how much better it is than the old thing I was trying to use [:-]. To say it bites into a tree is an understatement.

I timed myself just out of curiousity. It took me 16 minutes by the time I arrived at the base of the tree. Unpack it, hook it up, climb 15 feet, pull up bow, put release/facemask/gloves etc... on. So 16 minutes from unpacking to having an arrow knocked ready to hunt. I'm assuming my time would only lessen the more I get used to it and develop a system. How long does it take you guys to shimmy up and settle in?

Thethree things I've noticed so far are......
*Walking in with it on my back the V seems to smack the back of my leg every now and then.

*I wish the platform was maybe a foot longer. Sitting down in a normal position my feet hang half way over the edge of the foot platform. Not a huge deal, just something I noticed.

* It is entirely too comfortable. I was a touch under the weather last night. I may have dozed off in it for a half hour or so?[:-] I had a big fat doe @ 20 yards right at last light. It was low light and I was 70/30 on the shot as far as light goes so I watched her stroll away.

Anyway... awesome stand guys. Thanks for all the tips and advice. Can't wait to post a picture of my first deer kill out of it