One-Stick Efficiency.

[Joe Dirt]

Finally joined after many months of reading/watching/learning - putting together my first setup.

One stick method appealed to me immediately. I'm sure I'll eventually want to explore rappelling (and other climbing methods) but for now my goal is to minimize costs and gadgetry. I'm in my 30s and stay active. The original @Cain method (Thanks Chris!) video looks completely straightforward and makes perfect sense to me. I looked around, but could not find an older pre-recall muddy pro stick - so purchased a 20'' helium and harken 150 cam-cleat.

Strangely, after all this research I'm struggling with a final decision on all ropes.

With a goal of making strictly one-stick moves, I'm not convinced Oplux is the best option for me. I have some basic rappelling/climbing experience and I can appreciate the feel and maneuverability of a slightly larger rope. My brain is thinking standard sized pistol vs a small concealed carry weapon. Both have their place, but a 1911 that fills your hand is certainly easier to handle/maneuver. (Have no idea if this applies to climbing trees and making one-stick moves).

Current ideas for maximum efficiency. I'm not very concerned with rope weight/pack-ability, yet (lol).

Tether: 11m predator with sewn eye from @DanO with 28" 8mm RIT eye-to-eye 28" prusik cord. Do not see need for mechanical ascender up top.

Stick-Attachment: 9mm Sterling HTP. Like the idea of bulkier/heavier rope for one-stick moves. Unsure of feasibility for attachment to Helium but in spec for the cam-cleat.

Aider(s): Already have mil-spec 1" webbing.

Lineman's: This is where I can see clear advantage with Oplux.

Thanks for your thought and inputs. Want to get this right the first time, but I'm sure things will evolve over time. I've seen the no-stick method (OOAL solo scout climbing w/ @Red Beard) and some of the platform/stick hybrid options. Certainly lots of innovation here.

 

[bowhunthard88]

If you're considering 1-stick climbing, seriously consider rappelling down! Predator is a nice rope for the tether/rappelling, if weight is not your concern. I would recommend a more supple rope than HTP for your stick attachment, something along the lines of 9/10mm ECW camo accessory cord or similar. I would just stick with the Predator rope for your lineman's if that's what you're going to use for your tether, consider the fact that a heavier rope will flip up the tree easier! Good luck and be safe!

 

[Atizzle07]

Since rappelling is probably in your future you can consider using your rappel rope as your tether and just stow the extra length until you’re ready to slide down. That would eliminate a separate tether.

Also could add a delta link into your loop so you don’t have to thread 30’ of rope through your loop.


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[NikoTheBowHunter]

Since rappelling is probably in your future you can consider using your rappel rope as your tether and just stow the extra length until you’re ready to slide down. That would eliminate a separate tether.

Also could add a delta link into your loop so you don’t have to thread 30’ of rope through your loop.

One can do this but it has its draw backs depending on when and where you hunt. I tried doing this last year and worked great for early season but once the freezing temps hit, when it would rain my rope would freeze up and trying to get it through my figure 8 descender was a PITA. This year I'm running a short tether then will pull out my rappel rope once done for the day.

 

[Rookie45]

This will be my first season as well @Joe Dirt . Also using the 20" Hawk Hellium. I left the versa button on and attached the cam just below it but have not tested it yet as I still need the hitch rope. I am trying to duplicate Joe's setup. (see below) I just got a MadRock Safegaurd this week. Waiting on my rappel line. Used an old tether and stood on the ground to see how works. Just hang in your saddle with your feet under you and play with it!
@boyne bowhunter.

 

[Ontariofarmer]

I'd like to see this performed with winter hunting gear at 15 degrees in the dark, with light snow falling.. just sayin...

So in the cold is it easier to rappel and pack up one stick. Or multiple sticks.

So in the cold I put one stick on the tree and climb.
Or I unpack four pieces of metal and get cold hands and hook them on my saddle in the dark and climb.

Just sayin


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[Jay_Disarray]

i agree with the people here, if you are going to buy the stuff for one sticking, rappelling is most likely in your future. the advantage of the oplux in that situation is that you can pack a lot of it into a dump pouch or Red Beard likes the canteen pouch from EWO , and store it in there until needed.

I would still learn to 1stick down, as well as other methods of safe rappel as tools in case you ever need them someday. the plus side to carrying extra rope, even if you dont need it, is that you have multiple ways of getting down if you find yourself in a sticky situation. i like the peace of mind.

 

[Jay_Disarray]

i carry a 8ft oplux rope with a prusik and carabiner, and my main 30ft oplux rope. a safeguard with carabiner, and a spare section of prusik cord. my 8ft section also serves as a lineman

this give me the option to 1 stick down, rappel with my safeguard or prusiks, slink down the rope with either safeguard or prusiks by basically reverse srt climbing down. all with the least amount of gear i can think of. you can get rid of the safeguard and use prusik cords and just having an atc in its place.

this way i had a failure in almost any of my equipment, i would still have options to get out of the tree safely.

 

[Rainman]

Did you end up trying any of this out yet? I saw this post early on, but 2-3 extra lbs for the 2 extra sticks properly packed on a backpack wasnt noticeable and was completely worth it for the simplicity of it all.