I put it all together then lean it on the tree. Strap the second or third strap first, just to hold it in place...Secure the very bottom, loosly, step on the bottom step to settle the rig in place...Then tighten the bottom, second, third, then use body harness with safety linemans belt. Wrap it around the tree and climb slowly allowing any more settling of the ladder..Continue on up...
I put up one stick then place the stand at the bottom of the tree and let somebody else put it up. Men werent suppose to fly or climb trees. We design stuff that brings the tree to us, chainsaw!