I tried DRT like you and could not get up the tree. I am 62 years old and not in great shape, although not overweight. I tried SRT / RADS and use that now. With SRT, if you can push up with one foot or even two feet with a loop for each foot, you can climb. It is super easy.I hate sticks and steps both. I hate lugging around sticks and I hate steps because they require more work. Of the 2 I hate stick way more. I have bought and sold I don’t know how many sets of Muddy and Lone Wolf sticks over the years. I have a set that’s been hanging in the garage that will probably never be used. Last year I tried DRT and liked it except it’s kind of hard for an ol guy to climb. It wore me out. Going to give SRT a shot this year. I just acquired a set of WE steps for just in case.
The easiest way to get up a tree is on a Summit Viper. Not Saddle friendly tho