your rig. I've spent lots of time in the rig on a good sized schooner with ratlines and found them to be just fine. However the higher you go the closer the shrouds and the less stable your position. Double lowers would be a requirement (I would think) to have ratlines. My boat has mast steps and I really like them. I find them reliable and easy to stabilize on. Whether you use steps or ratlines you should always balance your grip so that you are prepared if something lets go IMHO.