I found silent strips are really good for what they are meant to do. My Muddy pro sticks are whisper quiet now, my range finder has it now, and my platform will have it when it come in. I leave my pack and bow on the ground and hoist it up. The loudest part to me is my homemade rachet strap and bollman silent approach steps. The steps sound like rattling antlers if they hit each other, and the rachet strap sounds like a rachet strap.
I've did three sits in the saddle and I've about got my system figured out. First sit was a sweaty mess, second sit was equipment arrangment, and the third was just movement from me trying to get comfortable. If I get the movement, comfort, bollman ring of steps, and rachet strap figured out then the deer have A LOT to worry about. My confindence continues to grow with every sit. I had a doe munching acorns under me last night while I practiced drawing and moving into position.