I fell once from an aider kicking out. I only fell about 10", but the WE step going into my ribs made it feel like I fell a mile, I thought I cracked a rib and ended up hunting from the ground the rest of the day. I was reminded of how important it is to make wise decisions while hunting. The tree I chose to climb was leaning pretty hard, but it was the "right tree" in my mind. Had I been 10' off the ground and fell to the low side of the tree, I'm not sure I could have made it back only my stick or platform. This also lead me to repelling. I love the thought of being able to repel down if needed. It just makes me feel safer.