With a stick properly applied it will not slip, even with side pressure. I stomp them bad boys into place and hold my arms around the tree when I do. Now a strap breaking on the other hand could happen, but I inspect my gear and it is highly unlikely. If i lived life around what ifs than I wouldn't be living at all. I could die tomorrow, odds are it won't be from a stick. I'm not upset at the fact you guys are pointing it out or concerned for my safety, but trust me I've gotten plenty of flack for it, it's just my style! Some guys free climb cliffs their entire lives, I'll be okay. I can speak on behalf of falls also, my grandfather had to get medivac'd via chopper from the middle of the woods for a ladder stand kicking out on him. Never thought that would happen, but its an odds game and I'm a betting man.