LWHC was my primary method last season. I’m probably going to do more 2TC and SRT this year, but I still like the LWHC.
Most of my tips have already been covered above, but I will repeat what has worked/not worked for me:
I use the [mention]Bwhana [/mention] rope mod to change the arm angle. It helps a lot.
I rappel down. It’s worth the extra rope
I don’t strap it down at hunting height because:
I like being able to quickly reposition it for deer approaching, for slight changes in comfort and for wind shifts.
I tried Aider and a couple of strap on steps to start off higher and it’s more trouble and extra weight than it’s worth. It’s easy to just straddle the tree, reach down, take in the belt a couple of notches and start climbing again. I usually make two adjustments per climb.
Gloves are helpful for morning hunts pushing off the wet tree
Loops of some type are good to help advance the tether up the tree. I have used cable ties, tether handles and plastic S-biners. They all work. Tether handles (arboreal gear) are the nicest I’ve tried so far. I have ordered some tether assist hooks from Genesis 3D printing. I’m sure they will be great, too.
I’ve tried other ways to help advance the platform up the tree (loops on my tether, etc) and nothing is as effective or simple as just locking your arms straight and putting your palms flat on the tree while lifting your feet.
I keep the platform attached to my saddle with a lightweight cord that runs from my footstrap (Amsteel) to a molle loop on the back of my saddle. I run the cord between my legs and to the back of the saddle so that it never gets in the way of anything once I’m at hunting height. I slip my feet out of the strap while I’m hinting, but can use the cord to lift the strap and slide my feet back in if I need to reposition the platform. I got that tip from [mention]MaxJac [/mention]