Late to the party, but I've been a mobile lone wolfer for several years now, and here's a couple tips I've learned that I've been reminded of after reading through this thread. Sorry I don't have any pics on my phone- I can maybe add some later if needed.
-get some hockey tape (can order rolls off eBay or something similar - even camo!) and wrap your sticks in it. Makes the sticks much nicer to handle, quieter, don't get cold, etc.
-get a white paint pen and paint some little white dots in the grooves of your steps.. makes finding your steps in the dark waaay easier in the dark
-I stack my 4 sticks together, then lay them sideways on my stand and just use two rubber tarp straps to secure them. Easier than messing around with the stand straps, and more secure.
I'm not a huge fan of the quick hang things.. I find that the stand will go in more trees and level better with the batwing bracket, and then I only use the top strap. (That tip came directly from the guy that made those stands). Put the top strap around the tree, step onto the stand (careful to step straight down onto the platform and not kick it out sideways), turn around and face the tree, kneel with one knee on seat and hug the tree. Take your other foot and reach back and hook the front of the platform with your toes, and lift the platform up slightly. The stand will slide down the tree and inch or two and the batwing bracket will bite tightly into the bark and the stand will be 100% solid.
Andy- awesome paint job on that stand!!
