Ok. First, thanks for taking the time to reply.
Second. I'm adopting the items and techniques of SRT/rappelers/one-stickers/etc. guys. But I'm not going to do any of that soon.
And. I'm close to 60yo. I'm still strong and spry enough, but I know this isn't going to last a whole lot longer for me. Maybe 10 years or so??
I'm about saving weight and keeping things simple while hunting public land w/o doing the higher risk ( perceived by this older guy ) climbing techniques.
I’m quite sure I’m not alone in my situation and thought process.
I'm currently using sticks and a platform to get up and down trees while using a saddle. All in - that's close to 14lbs.
THEN, I read how some of you are using the upper part of a Lone Wolf or Summit climber and I'm thinking I'll use the platform of my OpenShot. I'm very certain I can make that work for the majority of my hunts. My complete OpenShot climber with all the trimmings weighs close to 20lbs, so using only the platform means I'll carry closer to 12lbs of climbing equipment.
NOW, I'm reading here & watching posted videos of using two tethers! Not only does that look easy enough, ( my son and I are going to practice this technique in a few hours today ) it should save another 12lbs
If this works, I'll only be carrying 18lbs of gear + bow!
And since my current workout is to carry about 45lbs in a backpack, start the Tracker on my OnX app, walk 3 miles out on trails, then three miles back. ( I'm currently getting that 6-mile hike done in 1 hour and 43 minutes. I'm sweating pretty good, but not out of breath at all )
18lbs will be nothing! And I'm not worried about carrying 5 biners instead of one or two.
If any of you see more holes in my method and reasoning on keeping things simple and light, post up. I’ll gladly take it into consideration and decide for myself if it works for me or not.