SRT Climbing - Anchors, Hitches, Configurations

[STL]

Yes, that’s called the alternate lanyard method, easiest is to climb the branches, if too big a gap than climb with the help of rope, either Moving Rope, or SRT.

For tree work I now use Yale’s 11mm Kernmaster for a climb line, because of its smooth cover for easy hitch operation, and Bluewater 9mm Canyon Line for a lanyard, used 10mm HTP before the Kern. For recreational climbing I used 9mm HTP for climb line but recently switched to the Swift Pro Protect, which doesn’t harden up like the HTP. Also use dynamic ropes, theres stretch but they’re not bungee cords, also twin 6mm to change it up. I really like the Elite for staying flexible unlike most statics. No Platinum for me, it’s not sliceable!

I don’t hunt so no platform, I have been thinking about using one or two of the aluminum steps for use when needing something to stand on to make a cut in tree work, can use a loop but not very stable.

That’s kinda cool that you’re on here talking climbing and such without being a hunter. I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts.

I’ve also been eyeing that edelrid 8.9 swift pro rope. When you say recreational use, what are you referring to? Things like rappelling and srt? Any experiences on how that dynamic rope performs compared to static for those applications?

 

[LoadedLimbs]

No Platinum for me, it’s not spliceable!

That's a great point, @Brocky - Teufelberger Platinum cannot be spliced, so if that's important to you, Platinum isn't the rope for you. I have had sewn eyes done with it, though, and they're pretty nice.

 

[gcr0003]

Yes, that’s called the alternate lanyard method, easiest is to climb the branches, if too big a gap than climb with the help of rope, either Moving Rope, or SRT.

For tree work I now use Yale’s 11mm Kernmaster for a climb line, because of its smooth cover for easy hitch operation, and Bluewater 9mm Canyon Line for a lanyard, used 10mm HTP before the Kern. For recreational climbing I used 9mm HTP for climb line but recently switched to the Swift Pro Protect, which doesn’t harden up like the HTP. Also use dynamic ropes, theres stretch but they’re not bungee cords, also twin 6mm to change it up. I really like the Elite for staying flexible unlike most statics. No Platinum for me, it’s not sliceable!

I don’t hunt so no platform, I have been thinking about using one or two of the aluminum steps for use when needing something to stand on to make a cut in tree work, can use a loop but not very stable.

No kidding! How’d you ever end up on saddlehunter.com then? Glad to have any kind of good rope climbing experience but it is interesting that your don’t hunt. Do you use and of the hunting saddle or all arborist saddles. I see you’re even a paying member so you must like the site a good bit! I think we all enjoy the different splices and hitches and tender options you are always coming up with. Thanks for always sharing.

So you alternate lanyards, uses branches and then when absolutely necessary climb the rope? Interesting. I haven’t done any splicing so that wouldnt really affect my choice at this point.

 

[gcr0003]

@gcr0003 - for SRT, I'm really liking the Teufelberger Platinum 10.5mm rope. It's design is superior to standard kernmantle ropes, in that the core and sheath are interwoven so that the core cannot "milk" up or down the sheath, and the rope stays round inside belay devices and ascenders, even if they clamp or bite hard. The color of the 10.5mm platinum is a great bonus - it's excellent for hunters. WesSpur.com sells it by the foot, and takes the NYSH discount code for 10% off, which makes it 30% cheaper than OpLux and Rescue Tech.

If interested, I can put up a picture showing it side by side with OpLux, RescueTech, C-IV Canyon, and Predator rope as well. (You'll just have to wait until after my work day is over. Let me know if interested in seeing that.)

I have no horse in this race, I'm just passing along that I'm really happy with the Teufelberger Platinum, and I have used all of the ropes I mentioned. It's now my go-to choice for SRT. Here are two really good informational videos:

Manufacturer's Link: Teufelberger Platinum Rope Info Video
Arborist Demo & Review Link: Teufelberger Platinum Rope Review

Yea side by side picture would be nice thanks!

 

[mtsrunner]

Yea side by side picture would be nice thanks!

Here is Left to Right: platinum 10.5 mm, C IV 9 mm and Rescue Tech 8 mm

 

[gcr0003]

Here is Left to Right: platinum 10.5 mm, C IV 9 mm and Rescue Tech 8 mm

What’s your thoughts on these ropes? That platinum sure is purty.

 

[FrankNess14]

I set a preset in my backyard yesterday and have probably climbed SRT 8-10 times in the last two days, a couple, maybe 3 of those were climb of shames….

I’m learning and really like the preset and SRT. I’ve learned that C-IV 9mmis nicer going up and coming down than Oplux 8mm. I prefer an ATC with Oplux and an 8 with C-IV.

Keep in mind I’m using hitches only, no mechanical devices. I typically use Swabish or, sometimes a Distel or Cornell. I use my 2TC foot tether with a bowline in the middle to make a loop and hook the loop and the end of the tether to a carabiner above or below my bridge carabiner. Below seems faster and more height in a move. Not sure either above or below is easier. Above is nice because you can take tension off your bridge if necessary.

It’s cool to be able to climb and descend without setting a platform or stick to prove to yourself you can self rescue should you need to.

[mention]phatkaw [/mention] double soft lock works very well. [mention]Brocky [/mention] method of using an ATC below your bridge hitch to tend your hitch works well too and makes switching from ascending to descending very easy.

Biggest take away, it’s a heck of fun way to get exercise and prep for the upcoming season! If I hadn’t come across this forum last year, I would have never even known this was a possibility or somewhat normal (my wife doesn’t agree) thing to do, so a big thank you to all y’all and I look forward to learning much more!


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[gcr0003]

I set a preset in my backyard yesterday and have probably climbed SRT 8-10 times in the last two days, a couple, maybe 3 of those were climb of shames….

I’m learning and really like the preset and SRT. I’ve learned that C-IV 9mmis nicer going up and coming down than Oplux 8mm. I prefer an ATC with Oplux and an 8 with C-IV.

Keep in mind I’m using hitches only, no mechanical devices. I typically use Swabish or, sometimes a Distel or Cornell. I use my 2TC foot tether with a bowline in the middle to make a loop and hook the loop and the end of the tether to a carabiner above or below my bridge carabiner. Below seems faster and more height in a move. Not sure either above or below is easier. Above is nice because you can take tension off your bridge if necessary.

It’s cool to be able to climb and descend without setting a platform or stick to prove to yourself you can self rescue should you need to.

[mention]phatkaw [/mention] double soft lock works very well. [mention]Brocky [/mention] method of using an ATC below your bridge hitch to tend your hitch works well too and makes switching from ascending to descending very easy.

Biggest take away, it’s a heck of fun way to get exercise and prep for the upcoming season! If I hadn’t come across this forum last year, I would have never even known this was a possibility or somewhat normal (my wife doesn’t agree) thing to do, so a big thank you to all y’all and I look forward to learning much more!


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So you are using a second hitch for a foot loop or are you saying you are using a second tether as your method of standing?
So you are you using your spare tether to take the weight off your SRT hitch and transfer to the ATC for rappel?

 

[LoadedLimbs]

@gcr0003 @STL - Looks like while I was laying out my ropes for their photo op, @mtsrunner beat me to it! Since I went to the trouble, I'll post the pics anyway. FWIW, my personal preference for SRT climbing is currently the Teufelberger Platinum 10.5mm. I like that it's a smidge larger than the Sterling C-IV Canyon 9mm, and I really like that it stays round and won't let the core milk up or down the jacket under repeated climbing and rappelling.

Here are the pics I took to help you visualize the size and packability differences. I included 20 fl.oz. Gatorade bottles for another size reference. I no longer have 40' lengths of Sterling OpLux or Teufelberger Rescue Tech, so I can't include those in the bundled rope photo, but they're almost the same size as the bundle of C-IV Canyon rope - they just compress a bit more because the rope isn't as stiff as C-IV Canyon. Hope you find this helpful.

 

[MNFarmHunter]

@gcr0003, @FrankNess14 is, for the sake of visualization, climbing 2TC only replacing the tree trunk with the rope.

This is exactly how I was trained a LLOONNGG time ago. Once your climbing rope is set, take an accessory rope and make your hitch (we used prusik hitches) and connect that to your bridge. Take a second, longer accessory cord and tie your hitch below the first. This is your foot loop. Then, it's simply a matter of stepping up in the foot loop, advancing the bridge hitch, sitting down, advancing the foot loop hitch and repeating. Doing that, you inch worm and inch worm down.

 

[gcr0003]

@gcr0003 @STL - Looks like while I was laying out my ropes for their photo op, @mtsrunner beat me to it! Since I went to the trouble, I'll post the pics anyway. FWIW, my personal preference for SRT climbing is currently the Teufelberger Platinum 10.5mm. I like that it's a smidge larger than the Sterling C-IV Canyon 9mm, and I really like that it stays round and won't let the core milk up or down the jacket under repeated climbing and rappelling.

Here are the pics I took to help you visualize the size and packability differences. I included 20 fl.oz. Gatorade bottles for another size reference. I no longer have 40' lengths of Sterling OpLux or Teufelberger Rescue Tech, so I can't include those in the bundled rope photo, but they're almost the same size as the bundle of C-IV Canyon rope - they just compress a bit more because the rope isn't as stiff as C-IV Canyon. Hope you find this helpful.

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Very nice photos, thanks for taking the time to share. What hitch cord/rope / Mechanical ascender are you using on the Platinum?

 

[LoadedLimbs]

I'm using a Madrock Safeguard for progress capture, and a CT Quick Roll hand ascender. Both work nicely with the Platinum 10.5mm rope.

 

[gcr0003]

@gcr0003, @FrankNess14 is, for the sake of visualization, climbing 2TC only replacing the tree trunk with the rope.

This is exactly how I was trained a LLOONNGG time ago. Once your climbing rope is set, take an accessory rope and make your hitch (we used prusik hitches) and connect that to your bridge. Take a second, longer accessory cord and tie your hitch below the first. This is your foot loop. Then, it's simply a matter of stepping up in the foot loop, advancing the bridge hitch, sitting down, advancing the foot loop hitch and repeating. Doing that, you inch worm and inch worm down.

I get what you are describing, that’s how I climb. Is that what frank was describing?

 

[MNFarmHunter]

I think so. Different hitches but same method.

 

[FrankNess14]

So you are using a second hitch for a foot loop or are you saying you are using a second tether as your method of standing?
So you are you using your spare tether to take the weight off your SRT hitch and transfer to the ATC for rappel?

Using 2TC foot tether as the foot loop in SRT. Bowline to shorten it up beyond what the whoopie can do.

Sometimes I use the spare tether to switch to rappel device, sometimes the hitch legs are long enough to get it on underneath the hitch. I try out different hitches with different length cords…should probably write down what works best for me sense I can’t remember crap…


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[MNFarmHunter]

I'm using a Madrock Safeguard for progress capture, and a CT Quick Roll hand ascender. Both work nicely with the Platinum 10.5mm rope.

The Madrock is very smooth for PC and rappel but I was never comfortable once at height. Moving from sit to lean to stand, I do put slack in my line and have had the Madrock slip until resetting the tension. Have you even had anything similar?

 

[MNFarmHunter]

Using 2TC foot tether as the foot loop in SRT. Bowline to shorten it up beyond what the whoopie can do.

Sometimes I use the spare tether to switch to rappel device, sometimes the hitch legs are long enough to get it on underneath the hitch. I try out different hitches with different length cords…should probably write down what works best for me sense I can’t remember crap…


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I hadn't though about tying a bowline in the rope like you mentioned for the foot loop. That's a good idea.

 

[FrankNess14]

I get what you are describing, that’s how I climb. Is that what frank was describing?

Yes, It appears that’s the same method the mechanical ascenders use…hitches just need some motivation up the rope!


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[LoadedLimbs]

The Madrock is very smooth for PC and rappel but I was never comfortable once at height. Moving from sit to lean to stand, I do put slack in my line and have had the Madrock slip until resetting the tension. Have you even had anything similar?

I haven’t ever experienced that, but I like to keep tension on the rope at all times. If it concerns you, a good option is to tether in at height.

 

[Brocky]

That’s kinda cool that you’re on here talking climbing and such without being a hunter. I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts.

I’ve also been eyeing that edelrid 8.9 swift pro rope. When you say recreational use, what are you referring to? Things like rappelling and srt? Any experiences on how that dynamic rope performs compared to static for those applications?

I’ve learned a lot from here and have benefitted from the smaller diameter cords and ropes being used to improve my splicing and hitch interaction.
Recreational is going up and down and trying to walk to the ends of branches, which can lead to some swinging around. I’m mostly moving around, but some like to sit around enjoying the view, some spend the night.
I only notice the stretch in dynamic rope when first weighting it, rarely while climbing. A faster, more aggressive climber would be able to unweighted the rope causing bouncing, but some use that bounce to help them ascend. The Swift isn’t as stretchy as most dynamic ropes due to the aramid in the cover, and stays firmer.

JohnRB posted a climbing system on Treebuzz that led me here. My work harness is Petzl’s Falcon Ascent, similar to my rec harness, an Edelrid Loopo, a more minimal rock climbing harness.

If the cover is bunching up, the end of the rope needs to be cut off if sealed, so the excess slack can be milked out.