Fairly self explanatory question there. I have a plain jane backpack (like one for schoolbooks) that I strap into my climber when entering the woods. What are you guys using? Simpler alternative would be to leave my stand in the woods, but I do not have the ability to do that.

That's what I do too. I can't think of much else!

the chef

Yup me too. Another alternative is to buy and use a 4 wheeler.

Again, rifle + backpack + tree stand = pain in the .... I, too, strap on my regular pack (like yours, a "book bag" type) and all the movement of it and the stand drive me crazy as they move from side to side...I need to put better straps on the stand, and do a much better job of bungie strapping the pack on...not the weight of all this, just the movement and off-balance that comes with it...yes a 4-wheeler is nice, but you still need to pack it some distance even then...Thanks for reminding me to get to work for next year!!! Arthur Olds

A good friend of mine uses one of the Badlands? packs, a large fanny pack,(like the Cabelas Guide fanny pack) with neoprene shoulders harness. He turns it around so it is in front and then puts the stand on his back. Works very well, evening out the load and keeping it close to the body, which is what bothered him about putting the pack on the back of the stand.

Now that IS a great idea...had not thought of it...and I do need another backpack, too. I'll check them out...still need better straps on the stand, though...Arthur

I am gonna have to try that too. I wear my rifle across my chest instead of the standard on the shoulder deal, so a fanny pack of sorts would work. I mean, to be honest with you, I dont take much. Flashlight, treesaw, knife, rope. You get the idea.

I took an old ALICE frame and used zip ties to attached it to the bottom of the platform (where the cheesy factory straps WERE) of my Summit Viper.

I nest the top half of the stand to the platform, secure with a couple of straps and put the whole thing on. I also attach a daypack to the mess as well.

Heavy, but it beats the factory torture straps.