If you are not looking for a portable ladder, I'd recommend a Little Giant or the Werner knock-off. They are a bit heavy but are much more sturdy that a common step ladder. A few years ago I was climbing down on a cheap 6' A-frame and it shifted and I fell from about 3 feet, landing on a window well. My tibia and fibula snapped and my foot was literally facing backwards. The Werner "multi purpose" ladders can be configured as a step or extension ladder and have a 300 lbs weight capacity. I will never use a traditional step ladder again.