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Climbing Aider

I have been messing with a climbing method that sounds similar to this. I basically use two tethers, the top tether is connected to my RCH, the bottom tether is connected to foot stirrups. I use a Ropeman 1 for each tether. Having both feet in the stirrup allows you to put both feet against the tree and makes it very stable. I sit in the RCH, pull on the tag end of my foot tether, stand up with both feet against the tree and pull on the tag end of my RCH tether. You can get two moves with the Ropeman's before having to move the tether ups. The first time I did it I went 20' in about 5 min. I also added another prussic and biner to the foot tether that stays at waist height. This allows you to stand in the stirrup and clip into the RCH harness so that you can stand up and be hands free to set a platform or move around limbs. You can basically go as high as you want with just two ropes.

I am going to mess with it some more if it ever warms up.

I have also been working on a similar technique. Two improvements.

1) If you use a long enough tether, a couple of lightweight trekking poles can be used to push the top tether farther up the tree while you are standing on the bottom tether. This makes the process a bit faster, and trekking poles can come in less than a pound/pair.
2) Tie the stirrups together with about 2-3 feet of webbing to eliminate any kickout.

What stirrups are you using? I'm using the Metolius EZ-aiders which fit snug on the boots, but they are overkill for this application.
 
I'll try to show my setup next week. A little busy right now.
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Awesome, where ya at?


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Ok I like the idea but if you still need a platform why not just use the XOP platform. If you want to go around limbs take your aider out of your backpack. I think I can climb faster and easier with the platform. Still use long tether for rappel.


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Ok I like the idea but if you still need a platform why not just use the XOP platform. If you want to go around limbs take your aider out of your backpack. I think I can climb faster and easier with the platform. Still use long tether for rappel.


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The LW or XOP is definitely faster.
 
What stirrups are you using? I'm using the Metolius EZ-aiders which fit snug on the boots, but they are overkill for this application.

For my initial test, I just used a short cam buckle strap. I wrapped it around the biner that went through the Ropeman which left two stirrups. I wanted something that kept my feet close together (heels almost touching) so that I could turn my feet sideways to kind of straddle the tree. This keeps the ropeman down by your feet which allows you to make longer moves before you have to move the tether up. The problem with the ropeman being at your feet is that you cant reach it, so I made the foot tether a little longer and brought the tag end back up and hooked it into the biner connected to my RCH. This way I can just pull on the tag end at waist level.

I don't feel that I explained that very well, hope it makes sense.
 
Does anyone prefer the ladder style over the alternating steps. Might stay more center and move left to right a little less


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keep hearing the term rappel- i know what it means in normal climbing but as far as hunting how do you get your rope down if its anchored at the top. or these preset trees only(leave rope for next climb) - someone put a video of it please - also seen the term STR i believe (what the heck is that)
 
keep hearing the term rappel- i know what it means in normal climbing but as far as hunting how do you get your rope down if its anchored at the top. or these preset trees only(leave rope for next climb) - someone put a video of it please - also seen the term STR i believe (what the heck is that)

SRT is single rope technique. Youtube videos are the best for explaining that.

Use your bow pull up rope to pull your rappel rope out of the tree.
 
SRT is single rope technique. Youtube videos are the best for explaining that.

Use your bow pull up rope to pull your rappel rope out of the tree.

Do you use something like a petzl stop?


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I've been using a Mad Rock Lifeguard. It works well but you need to be aware of releasing your weight from it because it will not automatically re-engage the rope. I'm going to try a Mad Rock Safeguard. It is identical to the Lifeguard minus the internal spring. It should keep the rope engaged with just the slightest pressure. If it works like I think it will, it might replace my Ropeman 2 on my main tether. That way I can use it during the hunt and it's already in place when it's time to rappel down. I just need some extra $$ to get one to try.
 
I've been using a Mad Rock Lifeguard. It works well but you need to be aware of releasing your weight from it because it will not automatically re-engage the rope. I'm going to try a Mad Rock Safeguard. It is identical to the Lifeguard minus the internal spring. It should keep the rope engaged with just the slightest pressure. If it works like I think it will, it might replace my Ropeman 2 on my main tether. That way I can use it during the hunt and it's already in place when it's time to rappel down. I just need some extra $$ to get one to try.

I’ll trade you one for a custom saddle! Lol

In all seriousness that is a great idea.
 
how do you get your rope down if its anchored at the top.
I attach a pull down piece of cord as shown. I originally attached it directly to the link but had a couple of instances last year where my largess had cinched the rope to tight and there was too much friction to pull slack around the tree. I had to climb back up to retrieve my rope. By attaching it as shown I only need to overcome the friction of the rope through the link to get it loose.
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Can’t wait to try climb with no sticks and try this descent method! Some good info on this thread thanks guys!!!


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I used the aider only for a while. It’s not the easiest way to climb but it’s not super strenuous either. It was much faster for me than stirrups on a separate tether with a ropeman and the lone wolf seat. I also tried a two step aider on a ropeman on a separate tether with the lower foot locked in and it was a little faster than just the stirrups. Now I usually one stick with the aider because it’s much faster and easier with the aider set away from the tree. A comfortable rock harness makes a world of difference for this method, I can’t speak to the kestrel. Lots of options for you to explore. If I have a real far walk and a lot of time I’ll still use the aider only method. I have black diamond 5 steps and I really like them except the top step is smaller and tough to get into, I might search out another option there myself. I prefer dynamic rope for this, you really don’t want to fall a few feet on static. At least have a ropeman on your tether to keep pulling up the slack because sooner or later you’ll have a kick out, probably when your just getting started. Hope this helps, good luck!
 
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