I have 5 muddy sticks. I attach the first one to the tree and then attach the ropes to the other four sticks and carry them "rifle sling" style up the tree. Like you, I use a linemans belt to secure the other sticks. I also have 550 cord attached to both my stand and my bow so i make one trip up the tree. If you want a little more height i use a 5 foot piece of climbing rope on the first three sticks. Tie the 5 foot rope into (2.5 ft) and hang on the steps. I'm 5ft 11in and the 2.5 rope step will add another 5 to 7 feet up a tree. Hope this helps.