Kifaru or EXO straps and waist belt? Or maybe a full on frame lol? All kidding aside, hearing you got one of these, and like it, makes me think I really missed the boat and should get on the train. I really like the specs on it - exactly what I would design if I had the skills, but haven't bought it for personal reasons that don't really make sense anymore...
Can't wait to hear how it does for you this season.
All options are open, paying that much for a stand I am going to do what I can. I'm not much for sewing but I know a local shop that ultimately I'll probably engage to polish whatever I land on.
This season will be a lot of testing before I settle on a solution. I've done a lot of beer brainstorming already but I realize the limitations of any design that hasn't seen the field in all conditions.
I know these things:
Any additional frame is duplicitous. No thanks. Not happening.
It needs padding. Ok for light loads but right around the 20 pound mark is when I start to feel like I am carrying a cheese grater. Easy problem to solve.
I really just want solid attachment points which leads to the structural integrity of the suspension system. The Molle solution is fine but falls far short of peak performance mostly due to this limitation. I've hauled enough jerry rigged treestands to know there is a better way. This is where the most customization comes into play.
Once I master those basics really want to incorporate more load lashing options. I'd like to get to the point where I can pack a whole deer out like my western style packs have.