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Saddle Newbie and SRT

mlawrence125

Active Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2017
Messages
101
I just ordered a kestrel over the weekend and am anxious to get it in. That said I have no way to climb the tree presently, I used a climbing tree stand this season. I have been looking at sticks and stepp ladders, but keep seeing stuff for SRT. I was curious if there were any videos or articles on what would be needed to build an SRT set up. It seems like it could be one of the most versatile ways to get into your set, but I don't have the slightest clue on where one would look for info, much less on how to start climbing this way. I am going to dedicate this off-season to getting a system put together for the fall. I most likely will get some sticks but would like the SRT option as well to cover bases. Thanks!
 
So there are lots of different SRT systems, and depending on what type of device (ascender/descender /or device that does both) you end up getting will dictate which SRT systems you can use and how you ascend or descend.

SRT can be relatively simple, needing only a rope and 2 prusiks (which alpinists typically keep as emergency back ups) or complicated; rope, 1 to 3 ascenders, a descender, maybe a pulley and some bungee to self tend an ascender.

So it kinda comes down to the simpler systems are (typically) less efficient than the more gear intensive systems...but we're hunters so being quiet is a concern, the compactness of all of it, and weight are also concerns. Its a spectrum, everyone has their own opinion on how much gear is too much gear before climbing efficiency reduces the overall efficiency of the hunt.

I would recommend starting with DbRT, if you just learning the ropes (pun intended) it is less efficient as far as the ascent of the tree but it makes you learn some of the basic tree climbing knots (all of which you'll use for other diy project and saddle tweaks), you only need a rope to start learning so its cheap. Most importantly it gives you a knowledge base to work off of and fall back on if you get yourself into a bind in a tree (which is unlikely when just climbing to hunt, but if your gonna be in the middle of the woods by yourself you can only count on yourself and your know how) When I teach friends to climb I start them on double rope and then introduce one new device or variation at a time, and then once I've introduced them to enough gear to SRT then move into that.

Once you learn the basics you'll have also learned what you like/dislike, what your personal strengths are/what type of climber you are.

I have a buddy that footlocks with prusik for fall protection get to height, if I could footlock worth anything I would too.

If money wasn't an issue, a rope wrench and acsender with a foot loop would be my most gear intensive SRT choice for hunting, but i might just skip the acsender too and go with a large foot loop prusik to reduce metal parts.

...It actually doesn't matter which route you go you'll end up with at least one of everything...hope that helps.
 
So there are lots of different SRT systems, and depending on what type of device (ascender/descender /or device that does both) you end up getting will dictate which SRT systems you can use and how you ascend or descend.

SRT can be relatively simple, needing only a rope and 2 prusiks (which alpinists typically keep as emergency back ups) or complicated; rope, 1 to 3 ascenders, a descender, maybe a pulley and some bungee to self tend an ascender.

So it kinda comes down to the simpler systems are (typically) less efficient than the more gear intensive systems...but we're hunters so being quiet is a concern, the compactness of all of it, and weight are also concerns. Its a spectrum, everyone has their own opinion on how much gear is too much gear before climbing efficiency reduces the overall efficiency of the hunt.

I would recommend starting with DbRT, if you just learning the ropes (pun intended) it is less efficient as far as the ascent of the tree but it makes you learn some of the basic tree climbing knots (all of which you'll use for other diy project and saddle tweaks), you only need a rope to start learning so its cheap. Most importantly it gives you a knowledge base to work off of and fall back on if you get yourself into a bind in a tree (which is unlikely when just climbing to hunt, but if your gonna be in the middle of the woods by yourself you can only count on yourself and your know how) When I teach friends to climb I start them on double rope and then introduce one new device or variation at a time.

Once you learn the basics you'll have also learned what you like/dislike, what your personal strengths are/what type of climber you are.

I have a buddy that footlocks with prusik for fall protection get to height, if I could footlock worth anything I would too.

If money wasn't an issue, a rope wrench and acsender with a foot loop would be my most gear intensive SRT choice for hunting, but i might just skip the acsender too and go with a large foot loop prusik to reduce metal parts.

...It actually doesn't matter which route you go you'll end up with at least one of everything...hope that helps.
Thank you! So DbRT is double rope I assume. It is easier than single? Do you know any resources to check out for getting started? I don't know of any climbing places around me, I'm currently in NJ and it's flat. Sorry for all the questions

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Thank you! So DbRT is double rope I assume. It is easier than single? Do you know any resources to check out for getting started? I don't know of any climbing places around me, I'm currently in NJ and it's flat. Sorry for all the questions

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
yeah DbRT is double rope. Its not necessary easier or harder than SRT its preference. SRT is 1:1 DbRT is 2:1 so each pull/step you do on double rope is easier but you only go half as far, which is why you can use less gear. Since SRT is 1:1 however far you get up per pull is how high you rise but each pull is harder until you add gear to help you hold a grip on the ropes. I'll add some resources in a bit.
 
Thank you! So DbRT is double rope I assume. It is easier than single? Do you know any resources to check out for getting started? I don't know of any climbing places around me, I'm currently in NJ and it's flat. Sorry for all the questions

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Practice on the ground first!

- Better descriptions, Safety Guideline, Tree Climbing Ethics, Choosing a Tree, Tree Selection, Tree Inspection


- Sherrilltree learning pages


Youtube Channels on Tree Climbing (more technic than hunting)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfWX6OtYFHTfCDxZGsz2Qcg

https://www.youtube.com/user/TreeStuffdotcom

https://www.youtube.com/user/ClimbingArborist1

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCroL14vN79ErKamK_dcopmQ
 
Thank you! So DbRT is double rope I assume. It is easier than single? Do you know any resources to check out for getting started? I don't know of any climbing places around me, I'm currently in NJ and it's flat. Sorry for all the questions

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
DdRT is the bread and butter of tree climbing.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
DdRT is the bread and butter of tree climbing.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
I use my spurs to get up, but drt with a figure 8 to get down. It allows me to bring a much smaller diameter rope (I think it's 5mm) and is easier to control on the way back down.

Not to mention, I'm an old tree trimmer and its what I'm used to.



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I use my spurs to get up, but drt with a figure 8 to get down. It allows me to bring a much smaller diameter rope (I think it's 5mm) and is easier to control on the way back down.

Not to mention, I'm an old tree trimmer and its what I'm used to.



Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Do you have the link to where you originally posted that or can you post how you are doing it again?
 
I use my spurs to get up, but drt with a figure 8 to get down. It allows me to bring a much smaller diameter rope (I think it's 5mm) and is easier to control on the way back down.

Not to mention, I'm an old tree trimmer and its what I'm used to.



Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Ernie this is a excellent way to use ddrt on the way down with minimal rope friction!
 
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