One Stick Climbing: To Rappel or not Rappel

[Squirrels]

Thanks, that’s what I was thinking. I have my tether in an EWO fleece dump pouch that I’ll most likely replace with my rappel rope and have basically the same set up to wear. Wondering if I kept it in my pack on my back how much it would get in the way with the slack running over my shoulder. Then have a clear saddle for walking and all gear and weight on my back. Anyone run the rappel line in a pack or have tried this method?


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Well I prefer a clean saddle so I build all my pouches and on saddle accesories so that are attached with 1" side release buckles. That allows me to easily throw stuff in my pack and grab it out real quick and clip it on. Plus side I can swap out my setup without fuss throughout the season.

 

[SnakeEater]

I finished my diy one stick and finally got a break in the rain to try it out. I think it’s going to work great especially with the versa ball mod I did. It comes off easy when pulling out away from tree but holds great unless the daisy chain is being pulled out which is exactly what I was looking for, quick and easy on and off. Now I need to figure out how to make a 2 step aider with Amsteel or just go with one step aider. I got my new rappel rope in too but the ground is soaked so I didn’t get to climb that high and rappel.

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[enkriss]

I bought a 15” fixed step Shikar just for one sticking. I plan on putting a scout platform on it eventually.

 

[JBDaddy]

I have a shortened helium stick with a cam cleat added, 8 feet of 8mm accessory cord, and using an old versa lite as an aider.

Just ordered a scout platform made for the helium so I can ditch having to take a separate platform.

Can't wait to start testing. This work from home period is tempting me outside daily, if I could get the weather to warm up a little.

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[BuckTown]

I finished my diy one stick and finally got a break in the rain to try it out. I think it’s going to work great especially with the versa ball mod I did. It comes off easy when pulling out away from tree but holds great unless the daisy chain is being pulled out which is exactly what I was looking for, quick and easy on and off. Now I need to figure out how to make a 2 step aider with Amsteel or just go with one step aider. I got my new rappel rope in too but the ground is soaked so I didn’t get to climb that high and rappel.

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Very nice SnakeEater! Saw where you made this in the “What Did You Do Today” thread and became very interested. Glad to see you are liking the results so far. Keep us posted on how it’s working for you with more use.

 

[SnakeEater]

Very nice SnakeEater! Saw where you made this in the “What Did You Do Today” thread and became very interested. Glad to see you are liking the results so far. Keep us posted on how it’s working for you with more use.

Thank you. So far I’ve climbed with it in my yard I’m really happy with it and works great especially when reaching down to pull off the daisy chain. It comes off very easy but only when I pull away from the tree. When I set it, it doesn’t feel like it’s going anywhere. I’m going to keep testing with the ball I have on it now but I did find the same size in aluminum. I don’t think this will pop off or break though time will tell. I only weigh 150 buff lbs so take that for what it’s worth lol. I’ll attach some pics of the ball I used, found it online. I’ll post more about it when I get more time with it. Going to install a handle like @always89y short stick next.

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[boyne bowhunter]

My First Incident “One Sticking” 03/15/2020
Equipment:
Flex Saddle (adjustable web bridge),
8’ Linesman Belt used as tether (Oplux + KongDuck),
Rappelling gear (Kong quick link\ 40’ Oplux, Madrock Safeguard, miscellaneous carabiners.)
Beast Stick with Amsteel daisy chain & 22” amsteel aider fixed to bottom step

Incident:
I was practicing one stick climbing method like many of the videos show. I did not like the progression of advancing 22” each time I moved my tether up the tree. So, I decided to climb up to the top of the stick and move my tether up. In doing so I could not reach my stick by leaning down. I was using my 8’ linesman belt for the tether so I could not simply rappel down to reach it. I accidently kicked my stick and it fell out of reach. At the time of the incident I was approximately 18’ off the ground.

Action taken:
I did not panic although it was disturbing. I pull out my rappelling gear and hooked it up as high as I could reach. Now I needed to get the load off my Kong Duct ascender onto my Safeguard. I managed to do this by hip thrust similar to DRT method. I released my ascender, unhooked my tether and rappelled down and retrieved my stick then to the ground. This exercise was fairly simple for a 60-year-old man.

Lessons Learned:
1. Do not get in a hurry.
2. Why not use your rappelling gear on the climb up if you are going to carry it anyway.
3. Lastly as best stated by Clint Eastwood, “A man got to know his limitations “

I thought I would share this here since it has to do with all the climbing gear mention in this thread.

Glad it worked out for you. The key when things go wrong is to not panic and take the time to work out a solution. I try to think about the things that can go wrong and how I'd deal with them while I'm sitting waiting for deer to come by. I bet I have 3 solutions in mind for everything that could go wrong at this point .

I carry a single squirrel step on an OCB strap for just such situations. It's very light and takes very little space in a pocket of my pack.

I climb on a short tether but always have my rappel rig in the pouch on my back. If the stick falls I attach my rappel line just as you did but I also can add the one squirrel step to the tree to allow me to unweight my tether and transfer to the rappel line. Saves me from having to do the hip thrust.

 

[Kenbama]

Glad it worked out for you. The key when things go wrong is to not panic and take the time to work out a solution. I try to think about the things that can go wrong and how I'd deal with them while I'm sitting waiting for deer to come by. I bet I have 3 solutions in mind for everything that could go wrong at this point .

I carry a single squirrel step on an OCB strap for just such situations. It's very light and takes very little space in a pocket of my pack.

I climb on a short tether but always have my rappel rig in the pouch on my back. If the stick falls I attach my rappel line just as you did but I also can add the one squirrel step to the tree to allow me to unweight my tether and transfer to the rappel line. Saves me from having to do the hip thrust.

I have squirrel steps, this is great advice. I want leave home without at least one in my pack. Additionally Thanks for your videos they are great help to all who watch.

 

[mtsrunner]

I have squirrel steps, this is great advice. I want leave home without at least one in my pack. Additionally Thanks for your videos they are great help to all who watch.

I also carry one squirrel step in a dump pouch plus two 48” Dyneema climbing slings. I can self rescue with these items even if I somehow dropped my rappel rope. Total added weight is around 8 oz and not very much bulk added.

 

[dalton916]

Bought that other triangle thingy that @DanO offers and it’s pushed me over a pound for my git down rope.....

May have to investigate the oval link options now.......

 

[mtsrunner]

Bought that other triangle thingy that @DanO offers and it’s pushed me over a pound for my git down rope.....

May have to investigate the oval link options now.......

I’m using the Petzl oval link now and like it. I also did your tubular webbing sleeve/friction saver and really love it. It definitely helps keep the tether from sliding down the tree as I’m climbing.

 

[TJutte]

Just made a video on my single stick but the back half got cut off. I use a munter hitch to rappel


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[Bigfoot522]

Beast stik with cam cleat, tubular aider
8mm accessory cord (yellow)
SMC aluminum locking beamer on
25 feet kermantle

Aider is just long enough to loop over top step.
Then I wind up the cord, instead of a little stretch cord to keep it tight I made an eye and clip my rappel tether on to it and continue winding.
Currently using a decender but may use one of my 8s or a ring.

 

[loujo61]

If I'm single stick climbing a smooth bark Maple I can't keep my tether from sliding while climbing with a biner hooked on the girth, what are Yous doing to keep the tether from sliding?

 

[cedar paul]

Ascent,tree tether and rappell line are the same. I use a hybrid srt device and it serves multiple purposes also. Can bail going up and can rap out after dark and not have find any footholds on the way down.

 

[loujo61]

Ascent,tree tether and rappell line are the same. I use a hybrid srt device and it serves multiple purposes also. Can bail going up and can rap out after dark and not have find any footholds on the way down.

Oh so the friction savers and rope protectors and line is all dual purpose, and the weight of the longer rope helps hold it in place, awesome thanks. Didn't realize that ... I'm new to this one stickin.
Does the hybrid SRT devise hold you in place while hunting too?

 

[bj139]

Just made a video on my single stick but the back half got cut off. I use a munter hitch to rappel


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No one has mentioned cross loading of carabiners on the tree, so I better. Just be aware of the dangers.

 

[sojourner]

@bj139 good reminder on cross loading.

@TJutte thanks for video. What camera and mount are you using?

 

[cedar paul]

Yes it is Roperunner but expensive and I would suggest training for use. I use my climbing rope in a cinched configuration using an oval screw link eliminating cross loading issues.

 

[iamcorey]

Beast stik with cam cleat, tubular aider
8mm accessory cord (yellow)
SMC aluminum locking beamer on
25 feet kermantle

Aider is just long enough to loop over top step.
Then I wind up the cord, instead of a little stretch cord to keep it tight I made an eye and clip my rappel tether on to it and continue winding.
Currently using a decender but may use one of my 8s or a ring.View attachment 26580View attachment 26581

you have to do any drilling for the cam cleat? Nice set up btw.