well, I have hunted like most of us from stands from for years. yes, I did not use a harness, just got in the way and was tangled mess, yada-yada. Back when a well known company started making strap on steps, I had a few slip and some close calls, right then I decided No animal is worth me loosing my life or my families well being, and I didn't go through alot of things in the Marine Corps to die from a fall. I bought a lineman's belt and used it to set up everything. then I tried a few harness's and didn't like them, then I found the Hunter safety system, WOW, I don't even know I have it on, comfy, secure and no bulk or tangled mess. The last week after working a 16 hour day, and hunting hard, forced myself (foolishly) to go out, cause of weather, well, fell asleep in stand and woke up staring at the ground, if it wasn't for the harness would of been dead or badly hurt. hunting out of a tree is more expensive, and time consuming and a great view. If you are leaving the ground, harness up! you family would rather you spend 100 something on a harness then a stand. You may shoot 100 deer from a stand, but a harness saving your ass once is worth it's weight in gold!!!!