I dont use ladders, so I cant speak on that.....but on state land, as stated I will use locks or cables to keep the portable stand folded, plus dont leave climbing stick up.....on private I use the Sky hook steps for the lower 5/6 steps and remove those, leaving the lag bolts and then use screw ins for the remainder of steps....if I hunt JP this year, I'll either use my climber, which limits the trees and locations I can access or I'll pack in a portable and use either sticks or rope on steps....