This is the pulley system i was referring to:
http://www.amazon.com/Pine-Ridge-Arc...e+stand+pulley
But I think i'll follow the K.I.S.S philosophy and just get a paracord rope.
As far as the harnesses go, i was surprised to find that the stand actually came with decent harnesses. They don't have the vest part, but are actually quite comfy and easy to get on. Getting them off is another story, but that has more to do with me being clumsy, tall, and bigfooted. My stand is only 200 yards from my house, down a trail between our house and the pond, so i have the luxury of getting all doodied up before heading out. Maybe next year if i get more stands up at the back of the property or start using climbers, i'll get a better harness system, but the ones i have fill their role of mostly for insurance. Thanks.