There are other ways to get range without a rangefinder but I don't know of any other way to hunt from up in a tree other than a treestand.

Mt thoughts exactly!!!

climber for sure, you can mark off yards

Ditto on the stand. If you can, mark off your yardages as suggested. I stick twigs in the grounds and actually diagram on a piece of paper what they mean in case I don't get out to that stand for a blind or stand awhile and forget what they mean!

Depending on the area you hunt, in the woods - close shots get the stand, in the open - get the rangefinder

There probably isn't more of a lopsided comparison in my opinion. The climber outweighs the RF in importance so far that it doesn't even compare.

Bushnell yardage pro is only 150. Why would you need to spend 290 on a rangefinder. Also a cheaper stand mybe a ladder stand. I'm on a budget to no way could I afford 280 for a stand and 290 for a range finder. I think maybe you should consider shopping in your means. Not to sound rude, but I find myself in the same situation wanting more than I can afford and having to settle with something else. Sucks but it is what it is.

Oh to have all the toys I want!!!!!

I hunt on the ground, so for me the rangefinder...

It all depends on your personal hunting situation...which you didn't elaborate on. I don't have a range finder but I would like to get one. I do have a tree stand and love it. I can always step off the distance to the shooting spots and get a good idea on the range. I can't get up off th ground without the climber. I don't like hangon stands so I would never use one. You don't have to spend $300 for a climber. I bought one two years ago for only $100 and it is a wonderful large stand.

Reid