Most climbing stands have a bar out front to sit on when climbing, and used for an aim rest, a must for that standing 5 minute frozen deer. Sometimes the maker of the stand does not offer a bar that is padded, thus we have to use the long tubes of foam water pipe insulation, then use camo duck tape wrapped on the outside for great protection.......On one stand, the metal foot rungs squeaked when the bottom of the boot was wet, thus non-slip sand paper strips work wonders. It also puts distance in between the bottom of your boot lugs and the cold metal rungs of the platform which helps to keep the sole of the boot warmer.