I think I have read somewhere on here that someone puts a step on their platform strap. I ordered a Predator platform and was wondering if anyone has tried this, if it is helpful/effective, if it is difficult to step up/down on/off the platform and how you pack the platform, step and strap.
It's what I do, but I use a Treehopper step. I tried a Squirrel step for this application but I didn't like the fact that it was metal...there is some risk of metal on metal when unpacking it.
I just use one step on the strap, and put it on my strong side. On my weak side is my top step of my climbing method. Having the step located at the height of the strap is where you want extra steps. You DON'T want them level with, or below the platform.
I find these steps to be very helpful in several ways. They aid in body control for ultra slow movement, they help with shooting 360, and they allow me to position myself half way off the platform for long periods of time. I might want to get in the shade of the trunk for an extended period and that step makes doing so much more comfortable. Same with hiding from deer. If deer bed down in my lap, I may want to position part way around the tree in order to stay hidden and that scenario could be an hour or more. That step makes it more comfortable.
And is just feels good to have another spot to occasionally rest a foot for a while. An 11 hour hang can get uncomfortable even on a platform. An extra step is a nice place to change it up for a few minutes.
For packing it, I leave it on the strap and I just wrap the strap, and step around the platform. And I ALWAYS have a loop of shock cord on the tag end of my strap which allows me to secure the strap end. I wrap the bungee around the step. It holds the step from rattling and it also controls the strap. It's a nice, organized, quiet, secure way of packing and I can pack/unpack in less than a minute or so.