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Climbing rope for tree access
- Thread starter BlinemanB
- Start date
boone0 said:
I have a tree prepped with paracord for an all day sit tomorrow using this method. Hopefully it goes smooth! Wish me luck!
This method sounds very interesting but is it really easier that pegs or steps and do you get sweaty trying to reach your hunting height? Also I can see the application of preset trees just like pegs or steps but an on the fly set up seems like it would require a lot of work, not that the other methods don't also require a lot of work, but I can't picture myself trying to throw a bag over a crotch in the tree in the wee hours of the morning. The other thing is what do you do with all that climbing equipment once you're in the tree and ready to hunt and since it's carabiners, ascenders, and such that are made out of metal are they noisy? Maybe it's because I know very little about these types of systems or how to use them but it seems like you might be trading one inconvenience for another even though it does work. It certainly looks pretty neat and maybe I'm dead wrong, wouldn't be the first time, just ask my wife! 
I just have a hard time figuring out what to do with all the stuff once you're in the tree do you leave the ropes and stuff connected while your hunting or do you put it in a bag or pack until you are ready to descend?
When I tried out RS's Aero Hunter I was really impressed with the efficiency and simplicity of the system especially with the shorter bridge that he is using. It was very quick to setup and looked pretty much bullet proof yet really functional and had the tree rope connected to the bridge via the carabiner and Ropeman 1 and the platform of Ameristeps on the strap with the over cam buckle. Years ago I tried the Anderson Tree Sling and hated it because the strap was always in the way no matter what I did and it was extremely uncomfortable, which is why I always wanted to try a TL saddle to see if that was any better, but no one I knew had one to try. When I saw and read the reviews on the Aero Hunter I was really excited but also skeptical because of the bad experience with the ATS but having watched John Eberhart's video I really wanted to at least try a saddle before discounted it and I'm really glad I did because it is a great alternative to a traditional tree stand.
Maybe if I was able to see a video of an actual set up and hunt from start to finish that might help me to understand but right now I have more questions and I'm still having a hard time wrapping my mind around the whole system. Thanks for the information and hopefully with more input I'll be able to get a better grip on how this works, I'm coming late to the whole saddle thing so I'm kin of taking baby steps right now.
Roger
I just have a hard time figuring out what to do with all the stuff once you're in the tree do you leave the ropes and stuff connected while your hunting or do you put it in a bag or pack until you are ready to descend? When I tried out RS's Aero Hunter I was really impressed with the efficiency and simplicity of the system especially with the shorter bridge that he is using. It was very quick to setup and looked pretty much bullet proof yet really functional and had the tree rope connected to the bridge via the carabiner and Ropeman 1 and the platform of Ameristeps on the strap with the over cam buckle. Years ago I tried the Anderson Tree Sling and hated it because the strap was always in the way no matter what I did and it was extremely uncomfortable, which is why I always wanted to try a TL saddle to see if that was any better, but no one I knew had one to try. When I saw and read the reviews on the Aero Hunter I was really excited but also skeptical because of the bad experience with the ATS but having watched John Eberhart's video I really wanted to at least try a saddle before discounted it and I'm really glad I did because it is a great alternative to a traditional tree stand.
Maybe if I was able to see a video of an actual set up and hunt from start to finish that might help me to understand but right now I have more questions and I'm still having a hard time wrapping my mind around the whole system. Thanks for the information and hopefully with more input I'll be able to get a better grip on how this works, I'm coming late to the whole saddle thing so I'm kin of taking baby steps right now.
Roger
Whispers Death
Well-Known Member
Stykbow1,
"All that climbing equipment" is just a hand ascender, foot loop, carabiner and a micro pulley...I put it in my pack. You don't remove the rig. It stays on the rope. You don't need a separate tree strap. You use the rope. You don't get anything back out....that stuff is just for ascending. You already have the descender attached. At any time, you can instantly descend from the tree in about 10 seconds. Just don't leave your ascenders up in the tree when you descend. As for the metal parts. I simply don't bang them together. My arrows, bow riser, gun barrel, climbing tree stand, ladder, sticks, and tree steps are all metal too.
I never did many on the fly morning hunts with a climber or any other method. Can't really see the landscape or your view or shooting lanes or good trees. When I did attempt it, I always ended up with other tree envy and moved. If I go in before light, my tree is set up already.....most of the time anyway.
"All that climbing equipment" is just a hand ascender, foot loop, carabiner and a micro pulley...I put it in my pack. You don't remove the rig. It stays on the rope. You don't need a separate tree strap. You use the rope. You don't get anything back out....that stuff is just for ascending. You already have the descender attached. At any time, you can instantly descend from the tree in about 10 seconds. Just don't leave your ascenders up in the tree when you descend. As for the metal parts. I simply don't bang them together. My arrows, bow riser, gun barrel, climbing tree stand, ladder, sticks, and tree steps are all metal too.
I never did many on the fly morning hunts with a climber or any other method. Can't really see the landscape or your view or shooting lanes or good trees. When I did attempt it, I always ended up with other tree envy and moved. If I go in before light, my tree is set up already.....most of the time anyway.
Hi WD,
So do you hook up with the tree rope at all or just use the rope you used to ascend to the spot that the went over, branch or crotch of the tree and hang from that? I watched the Wildcountry video where he used the Ropeman 1 to ascend and descend is that similar to what you do to ascend into the tree? Don't get me wrong I think it's a pretty clever system but I find it harder for myself to deal with ropes especially when they are 30 foot long rather than tree steps or a ladder. The fact that other people are excited about this type of system means that you've helped others with a problem they've been looking to overcome and that's what this site is all about. For me at this time using the saddle with tree steps or tree pegs fits my needs but for some your rope technique is just what they were looking for to get into the tree a different way. I still don't understand exactly how it works but as long as it's working for you and others I'm all for it and would like to see a video of the system in action and who knows I might be the next guy ascending with a tree rope. As a matter of fact I have been dragging my feet on the Aero Hunter until Red Squirrel was kind enough to give me a first hand demo a couple of weeks ago and now I'm hooked and can't wait to start hunting from one.
Thanks, Roger
So do you hook up with the tree rope at all or just use the rope you used to ascend to the spot that the went over, branch or crotch of the tree and hang from that? I watched the Wildcountry video where he used the Ropeman 1 to ascend and descend is that similar to what you do to ascend into the tree? Don't get me wrong I think it's a pretty clever system but I find it harder for myself to deal with ropes especially when they are 30 foot long rather than tree steps or a ladder. The fact that other people are excited about this type of system means that you've helped others with a problem they've been looking to overcome and that's what this site is all about. For me at this time using the saddle with tree steps or tree pegs fits my needs but for some your rope technique is just what they were looking for to get into the tree a different way. I still don't understand exactly how it works but as long as it's working for you and others I'm all for it and would like to see a video of the system in action and who knows I might be the next guy ascending with a tree rope.
As a matter of fact I have been dragging my feet on the Aero Hunter until Red Squirrel was kind enough to give me a first hand demo a couple of weeks ago and now I'm hooked and can't wait to start hunting from one.Thanks, Roger
I received my order from Treestuff yesterday. I had ordered their RADS climbing kit and 35' of Bandit rope. I spent a little time with the gear yesterday piecing it together and understanding the principles of why/how things worked before putting any of my weight on it. I'm hoping to get out and try it out for real tonight (at low heights of course). I'm really excited about this as a method of getting into trees. I can see myself selling my stands (probably keep my LW sticks) and using the Evolution saddle and ropes exclusively moving forward.
I'll let you know how the next climbing session goes. I'm hoping to put it to use this weekend in a hunting situation. I already have a couple of trees set up with black paracord and a screw in steps as a platform.
For those of you who are using the RADS system to get into the tree, are you removing the ascender, pulley and foot loop once you're at hunting height, or do you leave it on until the hunt is over and remove it then? Thanks!
I'll let you know how the next climbing session goes. I'm hoping to put it to use this weekend in a hunting situation. I already have a couple of trees set up with black paracord and a screw in steps as a platform.
For those of you who are using the RADS system to get into the tree, are you removing the ascender, pulley and foot loop once you're at hunting height, or do you leave it on until the hunt is over and remove it then? Thanks!
Whispers Death
Well-Known Member
I climb up, take the ascender and pulley off and put it in my bag, I then put my lanyard around the tree hooked to my side D loops so I can adjust my bridge and take slack out of the rope and adjust my hang angle. The rig does all of that. When I get it right, I lock the handle on the rig. I climb, hunt, and descend from the same system hence the Rapid Ascend Descend System (RADS). I am going to have to do a video.
Whispers Death said:
A video would be awesome! I am getting the hang of this pretty well. Every time I do it I am getting better. I have hunted out of it a few times and climbed in the backyard a bunch too. I demo'd this for my father today and was up in a fresh tree in the backyard in under 10 minutes. You should have seen the look on his face watching me. He was in awe and loved it!
Ok... in doing some research on this I see that most people using SRT are using a longer line which goes up to the limb/crotch then back down to the trunk, where it is anchored (IE a basal anchor). Is anyone here doing this?
Most people seem to be arborists using SRT to access the tree, and they need to be able to be lowered by someone else in case of an emergency, which is understandable.
Also, is there anything wrong with the Advanced RADS kit by Petzl which is sold for around 280-300, for our purposes? Like this: http://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?item=441
Just wondering. I think I will be doing something like this in the off season.
Most people seem to be arborists using SRT to access the tree, and they need to be able to be lowered by someone else in case of an emergency, which is understandable.
Also, is there anything wrong with the Advanced RADS kit by Petzl which is sold for around 280-300, for our purposes? Like this: http://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?item=441
Just wondering. I think I will be doing something like this in the off season.
Whispers Death
Well-Known Member
That is a great kit.
I suppose if I was climbing in a park with people around and got in trouble in a tree, then anchoring at the base of the tree would be a good idea; however, out in the middle of the woods I don't see help coming anytime soon. I also cannot imagine a scenario where I can't get out of the tree with a lanyard and a carabiner. Even if your descender malfunctions, you can get down. If it is a medical emergency, It would be a long time before I get any help. I would be in the same predicament with a climber though. I'm not carrying the extra rope.
I suppose if I was climbing in a park with people around and got in trouble in a tree, then anchoring at the base of the tree would be a good idea; however, out in the middle of the woods I don't see help coming anytime soon. I also cannot imagine a scenario where I can't get out of the tree with a lanyard and a carabiner. Even if your descender malfunctions, you can get down. If it is a medical emergency, It would be a long time before I get any help. I would be in the same predicament with a climber though. I'm not carrying the extra rope.
Whispers Death said:
Hi WD,
So if I'm understanding you correctly once you get to hunting height you put away the hardware that you used to climb and then connect to the tree with a tree rope like anyone else would and get setup with a platform etc... So the rope hangs there for your descent but is it in the way or do you tie it off out of the way while hunting? I'm having a hard time visualizing how this all works because I've never seen it in action, other than rescue personal and rock climbers, but they always seemed to have lots of rope with them. Yes I have to agree a video would clear up a lot of questions for me but it does sound very cool!
Thanks, Roger
Stykbow1 said:
I'm pretty sure that Whispers Death hunts right off the rope he uses to climb. That is what I intend to do. His reference to the lanyard (linesman's belt) is to ensure that he remains attached to the tree, and allows him to un-weight, while adjusting/changing to a longer bridge on the saddle for hunting. The 4' bridge on the New Tribe Evolution saddle must be shortened so you can reach the climbing gear during ascent/descent. So once the hunting height is reached, you take off the ascender/foot loop, and the pulley, lock the Petzl Rig. The Petzl Rig remains attached to your, now longer, bridge on your saddle and that how you hunt. When ready to descend, you hook up the linesman's belt again so you can un-weight and shorten the bridge up for the rappel down the tree.
I purchased the exact kit you posted the link to and have put it to use in the back yard yesterday. I found that setup, climbing and descent to be super easy.
Whispers Death
Well-Known Member
Srud very clearly explains exactly how I do it except my hunting bridge is short enough to rappel without re-adjusting. about 18" on each side.
Just to mention in case it is not clear to other folks...
You CAN climb a rope with just/only an AeroHunter/saddle connected to a friction hitch onto the rope and nothing else if you do a foot wrap. It is not ridiculously easy but it is not difficult either. As mentioned by justsomedude, you can add a friction knot + footloop to perform a "Texas kick". When hanging by the saddle alone, you CAN take your time and wrap the rope around one foot using your hands and do not have to wrap with just your boots. You are hanging in comfort after all.
You CAN also descend with only the AeroHunter connected to a friction hitch onto the rope also. You may burn your friction knot if you use it alone but you can use the same techniques to go down the same way you went up.
The RADS and all the other toys make it easier and, arguably, safer but let's not get stuck on "hardware" when one can use "software".
[youtube]http://youtu.be/4_1MTxvR3TQ[/youtube]
Just sayin'... :mrgreen:
You CAN climb a rope with just/only an AeroHunter/saddle connected to a friction hitch onto the rope and nothing else if you do a foot wrap. It is not ridiculously easy but it is not difficult either. As mentioned by justsomedude, you can add a friction knot + footloop to perform a "Texas kick". When hanging by the saddle alone, you CAN take your time and wrap the rope around one foot using your hands and do not have to wrap with just your boots. You are hanging in comfort after all.
You CAN also descend with only the AeroHunter connected to a friction hitch onto the rope also. You may burn your friction knot if you use it alone but you can use the same techniques to go down the same way you went up.
The RADS and all the other toys make it easier and, arguably, safer but let's not get stuck on "hardware" when one can use "software".
[youtube]http://youtu.be/4_1MTxvR3TQ[/youtube]
Just sayin'... :mrgreen:
Srud and WD did sorry if I seem dense but I've never seen this system used before and all of the videos I've seen on using the saddle is based on climbing into the tree while using sticks, tree step, or pegs and then attaching the platform and then anchoring themselves with the tree rope. The use of a rope to climb is not something I'm familiar with or have any practical experience with, the closet I come is the lifeline I use by Muddy. I'm getting a clearer picture now and the only thing I'm wondering is if you don't use a platform either and sort of just sit there kind of dangling almost like a spider from it's thread or you place your feet against the tree trunk itself. One of the things I really like about the saddle is the ability to move around the tree at will are still able to do that with this method of climbing.
Roger
Roger
Stykbow1 said:
Roger - No problem at all. I started exploring using ropes over a year and a half ago and bought a climbing rope and saddle to climb using a doubled rope technique (using a blakes friction hitch). So I have some experience getting off the ground with just a rope which gives me a level of comfort. What ever you decide to do, it's good that you proceed cautiously and learn at low heights (preferably over grass) to start.
As alukban stated in his post, you do not need ascenders, petzl rigs and pulleys to climb a tree and descend. In fact you don't even need a carabiner. Just a quality climbing rope and a knowledge of the proper knots will get you up the tree with the ability to get back down safely. The hardware, in most cases, makes things easier or more convenient/efficient. Using a doubled rope with a blakes hitch and a prussic loop for your foot is almost as easy as climbing with the gear for the RADS system.
I do indeed use a platform. For me, it's 5 screw in steps around the tree. I am anxiously waiting for someone to come up with a good strap on solution for a platform. I've seen a couple of posts recently that have me really excited. Screwing steps in while hanging is a challenge.
Whispers Death said:
Ok, just wondering if it offered any other safety advantage other than being able to lower someone.
I guess if I was using sticks or a climber there would be no way for someone to lower me in an emergency, so not using a basal anchor doesn't seem to be any more dangerous.
Thanks Srud it now is making more sense to me and I have a better idea what you are doing with the ropes. One question I do have does the rope interfere with moving around the tree and how are you attached to the bridge a carabiner or something else if I had a picture it might help me.
Thanks, Roger
Thanks, Roger