I don't know how long your strap is as I made my own years ago. When I use the stand, I place my forearms on top of the seat and kind of grasp the side of the tree. I have some of my weight on my arms and some on the strap, kind of balanced out. I never measured the distance I gain with each climbing movement, but it has to be at least a foot or more. Don't depend on the strap for complete sitting as you climb. Try it like I described and see what happens. If you don't love your strap, you're doing something wrong, or the strap is too long.