treestand solutions: what works "best"?

[Pat B]

If I were to buy just one stand, I'd get a climber. As far as I'm concerned they are the most versitile for my hunting situations. I own and use a clamp on type also and have thoughts of getting a simple ladder stand. Any and all have their place and all will work in most situations.
  If you don't like screw in steps one of the clamp-on, sectional ladders works very well, are easy to put up and are quite once in place. Pat

[LV2HUNT]

Given the choice between a pre-set stand (hangon or ladder) and a climber I would take the preset any day.

[Old Ways]

I noticed the word "liberating" being used alot at the start of this thread. Ever consider still-hunting as an option? Years ago I decided to get out of the trees and try ground level. I found it to be the most liberating of all. I rarely ever even think of getting in a stand now.

I primarily hunt public lands or small chunks of private. It is nice not to have to carry anything extra into the woods and I love the freedom to move around with the game. Nothing to carry out either 'cept for the critters.

[PeteTschantz]

Quick newbie question.
Where can I get more info on the 'Tree Suit'?

Next fall will be my first bowhunting, trying to get a handle on what I need to get.
I am leaning towards still hunting, but would like to have options

thanks in advance, Pete

[JasonV]

I still haven't found one stand to do it all.

I use lock-ons with climbing sticks if I can leave them safely - but I don't really like them for set-up and take-down for each hunt.
I have several ladders that also get left in place - most of them for the season - but this past year I bought a Loggy Brush ladder - 30# and quick, easy set-up - I've moved that one around a bit, and like it alot (and the price is great - at around $70 its no more expensive than the "cheap", heavy ladders)
If I'm planning to set a stand just for the one hunt (or for a night hunt and the following morning) I like a climber - though I'm looking for a new (lighter) one - I've almost convinced myself to order a Loggy Bayou Stalker XL - it looks like you could use it like a lock-on or as a climber - not too bad at 17# - and Cabelas is selling them with a free hand-climber (usually about $60 more)
If someone here could give me some feedback on them (good or bad) I could stop staring at that page in the Cabelas catalog and get on with it....      

[Double Creek]

I'm using the Mellenium lock on with my Lone Wolf sticks....  That makes for an extremely mobile, yet extremely comfortable setup.  The Lone Wolf stand is great for mobility, but it lacks any comfort what so ever.

The Mellenium system is the way to go.

[Steve Kendrot]

Old Ways- I have thought of ground hunting. In fact, got my first "on purpose" ground deer (sika) this year from a natural blind. It was exhilerating, particularly having a deer within four yards of me at their level. It takes a supreme level of confidence though and I haven't been able to give up my trees for good yet. Particularly for the keyed up whitetails I hunt on public land. I generally lack the patience to move slowly enough for still hunting to be productive. I did have another ground experience first this year. Stalked a bedded whitetail doe to within seven yards and blew the shot after a 40 minute wait when she stood up out of the goldenrod. I do look forward to the day when I give up my stands for good...