I use a 16 pack of stepps. I place my stepps about 14 to 16" apart. i've had my hipp and both knees replaced. Going up and down in dark it's just safer for me. about 20 to 25 minutes and im tetherd in in. I use 14 up and 1 on each side for platform. I am a setter not a leaner, to hard on my knees to lean. Early season i might 18" apart. When it gets cold and moor clothes on i set stepps closer. I carry my steeps and kestrel in a Tenzing 4000 backpack. I put kestrel and steeps in meat compartment. I put kestrel in 1st then steeps on top.I leave ropes out of bag cause 1st thing when i get to a tree is take bag out, put 4 stepps on tree, put on saddle, tie my rope on on backpack and longbow, put the stepps bag over my shoulder and away i go.