I use climbing sticks for all my stands. All of them have been gnawed on by squirrels. From the bottom step to the top one they're pretty marked up.
Finally bought a set of heated under layer top and bottom. Used them this year. They are nice.
Mine are all up in Ohio and Indiana. When it's single digits and the wind blowing. It's kinda nice when the sun finally gets high enough to hit you.I have one stand that the straps are covered in lichens but the straps are still strong. Sunlight is what’ll kill em.
Finally bought a set of heated under layer top and bottom. Used them this year. They are nice.