How many guys here have tried stepps and ended up going back to sticks?
20 years of using original LW sticks paired with a LW Assault.
Then a few years ago i started saddle hunting and trying to cut weight and bulk. I quickly cut those original LW sticks down to 17 inches, added Dan Os Double Steps, Amsteel Rope mod, and used a DIY Aider to gain the same height as full sticks and carried them in with a Hawk Sling as i dont often carry a pack and just wear my Saddle in. I was happy with the weight savings (think they came in around 7 lbs or so) but quickly became irritated with always having to lug them around as they caught in branches, banged against my bow occasionally, etc. They were light but still too bulky to me.
Moved on to 9 squirrel steps for climbing which gets me to like 20-22 ft or so based on tree and how much i want to stretch them out. They all fit in a dump pouch on my saddle and though ive never weighed them they have to be well under 5 pounds with the straps.
Take away for me: My modified sticks are pretty light, easy to use, and easier to climb but STILL a pain in the ass to get into the woods if youre going really light and trying to avoid using a pack and such. Squirrel Steps are lighter, less bulky so MUCH easier to get into the woods, but a little more time consuming to hang (not hard though), and a little more difficult to climb being you're alternating steps.
I dont see going back to the sticks just for the annoyance of hauling them around. Its awesome to just put my saddle on, grab my bow, and in I go.