Peterk1234
Well-Known Member
I have started to practice each night climbing with most of my equipment, basically the backpack and bag with steps. Not bringing the bow yet because that gets hauled up, so it really does not come into play. I am trying to get my system down. You know; what order to put stuff on, take it off, hang it, clip it, etc. I will try to eventually make a video, but I am not sure how I can film as I climb. Anyway.........
The ring of steps. Orginally, I was setting my final Step to climb at the usual chin height (knaider/swaider system to climb), then reach as high as I can to ratchet the ring of steps. A little clunky, but it worked. Although I had to work to get the right tension on the ratchet. Basically it would end up being about a foot above my last step. Today I tried something different. I stood on my last step and set the ring maybe a little above knee height. Prior to doing it, I put the tether around the tree, since I would need it anyway to hang. This gave me the fall protection I needed as I fiddled with the ring. Ratcheting was easy and I had way more leverage and control. Plus it got me up another twelve inches. I think I like it.
Leaned back on the lineman's belt and I easily got on to the ring of steps. Tether was already in place, just had to push it up a bit. Clipped in and was ready to hang my gear. Getting down was just as easy. Leaning against the belt really easily allows me to make a bigger move up or down. Once it cools a bit it will be time to try everything with full gear. I have got the climbing down cold. Now it is the small stuff once I am at height that needs to be worked out. I want to be able to do it blindfolded. I am close.
So, how are others setting their platforms?
Pete
The ring of steps. Orginally, I was setting my final Step to climb at the usual chin height (knaider/swaider system to climb), then reach as high as I can to ratchet the ring of steps. A little clunky, but it worked. Although I had to work to get the right tension on the ratchet. Basically it would end up being about a foot above my last step. Today I tried something different. I stood on my last step and set the ring maybe a little above knee height. Prior to doing it, I put the tether around the tree, since I would need it anyway to hang. This gave me the fall protection I needed as I fiddled with the ring. Ratcheting was easy and I had way more leverage and control. Plus it got me up another twelve inches. I think I like it.
Leaned back on the lineman's belt and I easily got on to the ring of steps. Tether was already in place, just had to push it up a bit. Clipped in and was ready to hang my gear. Getting down was just as easy. Leaning against the belt really easily allows me to make a bigger move up or down. Once it cools a bit it will be time to try everything with full gear. I have got the climbing down cold. Now it is the small stuff once I am at height that needs to be worked out. I want to be able to do it blindfolded. I am close.
So, how are others setting their platforms?
Pete
