The JRB Climbing Method

[John RB]

Which tree you going to climb?

All of those pictures are from the same tree I was in when I made the realization that there wasn’t a single tree in sight that I could climb with the JRB method. I don’t have an issue with it other than that.

I can climb all but one of those trees with my one stick.

That’s all I’m saying.

So just to be clear, I don't sell climbing systems and so I don't have a commercial bias between one climbing method or another. I do try to speak up when I see something unsafe or with less versatility than we need. Dalton916 made a comment that resonates with me though: I want to be able to walk in a forest and be able to get in any tree that's safe to climb, no matter how much lean, and no matter how many branches. And I only wanna carry a 5lb rope system and be ready for anything. I have that now, and it feels pretty powerful.

2TC is cool but doesn't appeal to me personally because of the hassle of bypassing branches and the lack of a LIFELINE, meaning an unencumbered and quick route to ground at all times. I was taught we always need one. And several times including the day I realized I disturbed a hornets nest during a climb, I was glad I had it. The last tree I will climb for a hunt is a telephone pole with no branches, simply because they are the worst tree to hide in. You gotta be able to let a seasons worth of deer go under you and never be detected.

One sticking doesn't appeal to me because it's so difficult to do correctly and safely: with no slack and never climbing above my tie in. I have done it, but it's just easier without the stick... just climb the rope, then pull up your stick. The stick just slows me down.

Here's an 8pt sniffing my tree trunk last night looking straight down at him. He did look up, but the branches below me broke up my outline enough to remain undetected. In my woods trees with branches should be sought after, not avoided.

Cheers.

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[dalton916]

Simmer down, I’m not attacking y’all’s methods. What I’ve done is point out that I’ve looked into it and it’s not conducive to where I hunt. The thicker an area the specific “THE” tree becomes. Rope climbing simply removes too many possible trees for me.

And I’m not trying to buy anything from anyone so I’m not real sure why there’s “I don’t sell anything” disclaimers in repeated responses, lol.

 

[Plebe]

Simmer down, I’m not attacking y’all’s methods. What I’ve done is point out that I’ve looked into it and it’s not conducive to where I hunt. The thicker an area the specific “THE” tree becomes. Rope climbing simply removes too many possible trees for me.

And I’m not trying to buy anything from anyone so I’m not real sure why there’s “I don’t sell anything” disclaimers in repeated responses, lol.

So you posted on the JRB climbing method thread to point out it doesn't work for you, and only stick(s) work for your hunting area. But it's not an attack.

So, are you looking for a solution to a problem then or what?

 

[Empostarr]

So just to be clear, I don't sell climbing systems and so I don't have a commercial bias between one climbing method or another. I do try to speak up when I see something unsafe or with less versatility than we need. Dalton916 made a comment that resonates with me though: I want to be able to walk in a forest and be able to get in any tree that's safe to climb, no matter how much lean, and no matter how many branches. And I only wanna carry a 5lb rope system and be ready for anything. I have that now, and it feels pretty powerful.

2TC is cool but doesn't appeal to me personally because of the hassle of bypassing branches and the lack of a LIFELINE, meaning an unencumbered and quick route to ground at all times. I was taught we always need one. And several times including the day I realized I disturbed a hornets nest during a climb, I was glad I had it. The last tree I will climb for a hunt is a telephone pole with no branches, simply because they are the worst tree to hide in. You gotta be able to let a seasons worth of deer go under you and never be detected.

One sticking doesn't appeal to me because it's so difficult to do correctly and safely: with no slack and never climbing above my tie in. I have done it, but it's just easier without the stick... just climb the rope, then pull up your stick. The stick just slows me down.

Here's an 8pt sniffing my tree trunk last night looking straight down at him. He did look up, but the branches below me broke up my outline enough to remain undetected. In my woods trees with branches should be sought after, not avoided.

Cheers.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

I've on and off checked in on this thread just to see what was being introduced. Question for you, on those branchy trees, how are you getting your rope up there so that you can climb it?

I'm taking 2TC more seriously this season, but I also do it with my rappel rope, so I have a quick way to the ground in case I need to boogie. I agree 2TC can be a pain to pass multiple limbs. Other than 2 TC, I SRT climb, and getting into a branchy tree can be a pain in the ass with a throwball.

Is there a method I missed in these 23 pages for easily getting a rope up in branchy trees? Because that's the biggest issue with most methods, and I really would like to know. The tree I hunted in yesterday took quite a few throwball tries to get exactly where I wanted, and in that time I might have been able to 2TC up to the same spot.

Any suggestion you have, other than using some sort of pole, would be greatly appreciated!

 

[bpz89]

@John RB are you using Resc Tech 8mm and 6mm friction hitches this season?... I think I notice the resc tech in all of your pics.

 

[bpz89]

Ill post to everyone else as well.. Those that are using the JRB double rope system what rope are you using?

 

[John RB]

I've on and off checked in on this thread just to see what was being introduced. Question for you, on those branchy trees, how are you getting your rope up there so that you can climb it?

I'm taking 2TC more seriously this season, but I also do it with my rappel rope, so I have a quick way to the ground in case I need to boogie. I agree 2TC can be a pain to pass multiple limbs. Other than 2 TC, I SRT climb, and getting into a branchy tree can be a pain in the ass with a throwball.

Is there a method I missed in these 23 pages for easily getting a rope up in branchy trees? Because that's the biggest issue with most methods, and I really would like to know. The tree I hunted in yesterday took quite a few throwball tries to get exactly where I wanted, and in that time I might have been able to 2TC up to the same spot.

Any suggestion you have, other than using some sort of pole, would be greatly appreciated!

I use a throwball. I made this video on basic throwball techniques and setting up a paracord preset. But this is not specific to my JRB method. It's the exact same way I use a throw ball and leave a preset for MRS or SRT. I am a strong believer in preseason scouting and set-up. I rarely carry a throwball when I hunt. I have paracord loops a mile deep in state forests that have been there for over a decade, and some of em replaced by simply tying a new cord onto the old one after a number of years, but good cord will actually last a decade. On a "run and gun" hunt, I'm going to choose a tree and a crotch that I can hit the first time with pretty high confidence. It's not a time to be too aggressive. We want to get in the tree quietly and start hunting immediately. I don't ever pick out new trees in the darkness by any method. We simply can't see well enough to decide if it's a good spot and we can even get off a shot, much less use a throwball. When I have time to set one up, I do look for branchy trees and I stand to the side of the tree and hit the crotch I want which is typically over a different crotch which I might use for my feet as I prefer a branch over a platform. Like anything, the more we use a throw ball, the more accurate we get at it. Practice it like you are throwing horseshoes or cornhole!

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[John RB]

Ill post to everyone else as well.. Those that are using the JRB double rope system what rope are you using?

I have a dozen climbing ropes and systems and so I don't want to narrow it down to any one rope. For my JRB (Doubled Stationary) climbing method, I prefer an 8 mm rope. RescTech and Oplux are both great. My Mammut Alpine Dry 8.0 is also fantastic. It's Dynamic rope, and so it's going to sag when we first step into it but after that it just works great and performs well when wet also.

If you want to also SRT or hitchclimb on the same system, I like to be conservative and go with a little bigger rope like 9 or 10 mm. It's just a lot more surface area for our friction hitches to bind.

I try to keep my website and shopping list updated with information. And with the JRB10 coupon code for a 10% discount at ROCKNARBOR, we don't need to go to Amazon.

The JRB Climbing System - jrbtreeclimbing.com

Disclaimer: All viewers and users of this information are responsible for their own safety. Terminology: System vs Method: The SYSTEM is WHAT we climb on. The METHOD is HOW we climb. JRB has introduced two climbing systems and two climbing methods: The JRB Climbing System and Method, a doubled...

jrbtreeclimbing.com

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[bpz89]

I have a dozen climbing ropes and systems and so I don't want to narrow it down to any one rope. For my JRB (Doubled Stationary) climbing method, I prefer an 8 mm rope. RescTech and Oplux are both great. My Mammut Alpine Dry 8.0 is also fantastic. It's Dynamic rope, and so it's going to sag when we first step into it but after that it just works great and performs well when wet also.

If you want to also SRT or hitchclimb on the same system, I like to be conservative and go with a little bigger rope like 9 or 10 mm. It's just a lot more surface area for our friction hitches to bind.

I try to keep my website and shopping list updated with information. And with the JRB10 coupon code for a 10% discount at ROCKNARBOR, we don't need to go to Amazon.

The JRB Climbing System - jrbtreeclimbing.com

Disclaimer: All viewers and users of this information are responsible for their own safety. Terminology: System vs Method: The SYSTEM is WHAT we climb on. The METHOD is HOW we climb. JRB has introduced two climbing systems and two climbing methods: The JRB Climbing System and Method, a doubled...

jrbtreeclimbing.com

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Which 9mm rope do you like I currently have 50' of Cayon elite

 

[John RB]

Which 9mm rope do you like I currently have 50' of Cayon elite

Yes, i like it. But its closer to 10mm than 9, as I have measured it, and it feels that way in hand.

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[Empostarr]

I use a throwball. I made this video on basic throwball techniques and setting up a paracord preset. But this is not specific to my JRB method. It's the exact same way I use a throw ball and leave a preset for MRS or SRT. I am a strong believer in preseason scouting and set-up. I rarely carry a throwball when I hunt. I have paracord loops a mile deep in state forests that have been there for over a decade, and some of em replaced by simply tying a new cord onto the old one after a number of years, but good cord will actually last a decade. On a "run and gun" hunt, I'm going to choose a tree and a crotch that I can hit the first time with pretty high confidence. It's not a time to be too aggressive. We want to get in the tree quietly and start hunting immediately. I don't ever pick out new trees in the darkness by any method. We simply can't see well enough to decide if it's a good spot and we can even get off a shot, much less use a throwball. When I have time to set one up, I do look for branchy trees and I stand to the side of the tree and hit the crotch I want which is typically over a different crotch which I might use for my feet as I prefer a branch over a platform. Like anything, the more we use a throw ball, the more accurate we get at it. Practice it like you are throwing horseshoes or cornhole!

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Thanks John! I don't climb trees in the dark unless they're presets. Too hard to pick out a good tree and then I couldn't even imagine trying to throw a ball in the dark. I do often have a throwball with me when I'm "running and gunning" even though I could 2 TC climb. There's some pretty monster oaks in my area, so SRT would be my best bet and I want to be prepared for that. And I agree, practice helps!

 

[bpz89]

I'm glad I saw this before I order a climbing line by the foot. The nerd in me wonders how high they were climbing and diameter of the tree.

I am interested in using John's climbing system. I hunt in KY and have never been in a situation to exceed my 40' rope girth hitched. I guess I hunt pretty low (25ish feet). My napkin math tells me that I would never need more than 80'. I might be missing something though.

I just went with 80' myself. I dont hunt much over 20' but most good limbs and crotches seem to be 30'-40' in my trees.

 

[bpz89]

@John RB do you prefer the rappel rings or 3" carabiners for the handles on the hitches?

Thanks

 

[John RB]

@John RB do you prefer the rappel rings or 3" carabiners for the handles on the hitches?

Thanks

I prefer the little 3inch Freskaro Carabiners on this page. Why?
1. Easier to tie the hitches
2. They are removable just in case we needed to.
3. They are easier to grip, kinda like a little handle. Round rappel rings will more easily slip out of my hand.

When ya insert em, do so from back to front so the gate is facing you. And put your thumbs on the top.

The JRB Climbing System - jrbtreeclimbing.com

Disclaimer: All viewers and users of this information are responsible for their own safety. Terminology: System vs Method: The SYSTEM is WHAT we climb on. The METHOD is HOW we climb. JRB has introduced two climbing systems and two climbing methods: The JRB Climbing System and Method, a doubled...

jrbtreeclimbing.com

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[dalton916]

So you posted on the JRB climbing method thread to point out it doesn't work for you, and only stick(s) work for your hunting area. But it's not an attack.

So, are you looking for a solution to a problem then or what?

Yes, is it that hard of a concept to grasp?

Only accepting 100% buy in in order to comment is a bit cultish and negates the possibility of answering questions that don’t get asked because of that very thing.

I plainly stated that I’ve been looking at it and watching videos for quite some time now as a very wary subscriber to John’s YT channel, but sat there looked at every tree in sight and there wasn’t one I could climb using ropes because, again as I stated, I’m not carrying 100’ of rope in with me. My interest remained because of, again as I stated, there are instances such as large, limbs trees that I can’t climb with one (or any chosen number) stick. Seems as if that resonated with one person who replied above…..

For me I would consider it a viable method for me IF I could simply buy 10’ of 6mm cordage from someone other than JRB himself because, again as he has stated repeatedly, he doesn’t sell stuff, lol, and tie 2 hitches, toss my rappel rope over a limb and climb myself up to where I needed to be. At which point I would attach my one stick to the tree and hunt because my platform is attached to my stick. I’m sorry if that offends you in some way.

 

[gcr0003]

Yes, is it that hard of a concept to grasp?

Only accepting 100% buy in in order to comment is a bit cultish and negates the possibility of answering questions that don’t get asked because of that very thing.

I plainly stated that I’ve been looking at it and watching videos for quite some time now as a very wary subscriber to John’s YT channel, but sat there looked at every tree in sight and there wasn’t one I could climb using ropes because, again as I stated, I’m not carrying 100’ of rope in with me. My interest remained because of, again as I stated, there are instances such as large, limbs trees that I can’t climb with one (or any chosen number) stick. Seems as if that resonated with one person who replied above…..

For me I would consider it a viable method for me IF I could simply buy 10’ of 6mm cordage from someone other than JRB himself because, again as he has stated repeatedly, he doesn’t sell stuff, lol, and tie 2 hitches, toss my rappel rope over a limb and climb myself up to where I needed to be. At which point I would attach my one stick to the tree and hunt because my platform is attached to my stick. I’m sorry if that offends you in some way.

10ft of 6mm cord wtheck lol. Are you currently rappelling? Chances are if you are you already have most of what you need to have the option to rope climb at all times.

 

[dalton916]

So just to be clear, I don't sell climbing systems and so I don't have a commercial bias between one climbing method or another. I do try to speak up when I see something unsafe or with less versatility than we need. Dalton916 made a comment that resonates with me though: I want to be able to walk in a forest and be able to get in any tree that's safe to climb, no matter how much lean, and no matter how many branches. And I only wanna carry a 5lb rope system and be ready for anything. I have that now, and it feels pretty powerful.

2TC is cool but doesn't appeal to me personally because of the hassle of bypassing branches and the lack of a LIFELINE, meaning an unencumbered and quick route to ground at all times. I was taught we always need one. And several times including the day I realized I disturbed a hornets nest during a climb, I was glad I had it. The last tree I will climb for a hunt is a telephone pole with no branches, simply because they are the worst tree to hide in. You gotta be able to let a seasons worth of deer go under you and never be detected.

One sticking doesn't appeal to me because it's so difficult to do correctly and safely: with no slack and never climbing above my tie in. I have done it, but it's just easier without the stick... just climb the rope, then pull up your stick. The stick just slows me down.

Here's an 8pt sniffing my tree trunk last night looking straight down at him. He did look up, but the branches below me broke up my outline enough to remain undetected. In my woods trees with branches should be sought after, not avoided.

Cheers.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

I want to be able to climb the tree that beat offers a possibility of killing the deer. That tree needs to have limbs to attach the rope to in order to climb. Those trees aren’t available in the spot above.

I don’t like 2TC for the exact reasons you mentioned. My tether and “lineman’s rope” are identical. When I get to a limb I simply attach the second above the limb and continue the climb with it.

There’s a lot of “telephone poles” in those pictures (which is what started this whole conversion for me), but I defy you to tell me the cover isn’t there……small brushy trees do grow in the vicinity of larger trees.

And I do fully accept the concerns about slack with one sticking, but I use a one step aider and only use the aider and bottom step when climbing. That maxes out my slack at 18” and I’m willing to accept that. One sticking for me is about replacing an infinite number of sticks with one. If I make 3 stick moves in a climb then I’m at the same height I would be if I had carried 4 sticks in with me. That’s it, it’s not about trying to get to 20’ with 2 moves.

And I’ll repeat one more time….I too want trees with branches, but I won’t climb a tree with branches just because it has them if it doesn’t put me in the best spot to kill the deer I’m after.

 

[dalton916]

10ft of 6mm cord wtheck lol. Are you currently rappelling? Chances are if you are you already have most of what you need to have the option to rope climb at all times.

Please read what I type before you post, lol, good lord man.

 

[gcr0003]

Please read what I type before you post, lol, good lord man.

Yea I had to re-read it because it was fragmented run-on sentence nightmare. What you describe is what I do. I throw my rappel rope over a limb and climb up using 1 or 2 hitches and the Garda footloop. I have 50 ft as stated earlier and can hit limbs of about 20-25ft without a throw ball. That said if you have a telephone pole I would just one stick climb. I tend to use the easiest method each time. Good luck.

 

[mtsrunner]

I want to be able to climb the tree that beat offers a possibility of killing the deer. That tree needs to have limbs to attach the rope to in order to climb. Those trees aren’t available in the spot above.

I don’t like 2TC for the exact reasons you mentioned. My tether and “lineman’s rope” are identical. When I get to a limb I simply attach the second above the limb and continue the climb with it.

There’s a lot of “telephone poles” in those pictures (which is what started this whole conversion for me), but I defy you to tell me the cover isn’t there……small brushy trees do grow in the vicinity of larger trees.

And I do fully accept the concerns about slack with one sticking, but I use a one step aider and only use the aider and bottom step when climbing. That maxes out my slack at 18” and I’m willing to accept that. One sticking for me is about replacing an infinite number of sticks with one. If I make 3 stick moves in a climb then I’m at the same height I would be if I had carried 4 sticks in with me. That’s it, it’s not about trying to get to 20’ with 2 moves.

And I’ll repeat one more time….I too want trees with branches, but I won’t climb a tree with branches just because it has them if it doesn’t put me in the best spot to kill the deer I’m after.

[mention]dalton916 [/mention] I hear you. I really like the JRB method. I practiced it a TON in Spring of 2021 and it was going to be my only method for last season. I ended up only hunting JRB climbing method in ONE tree last season. I did kill two deer from that tree. It was ‘the right tree’ for that area. However, I did have to 2TC to get in the tree the first time, set a false crotch and leave a paracord loop. This was in East TN. I hunted Kentucky a lot last year and never was ‘the right tree’ suitable for JRB (or any rope climbing method-not John’s fault). The limbs (if any) just aren’t reachable for the most part in the areas I hunt.

John has taught me a ton and his methods are safe, fun and cool. We just live and hunt in different types of woods. I’ve hunted over 30 years and I generally know the right tree when I scout. I’m going to find a way to get in that tree. Most of the time, I’m still going to use my LWHC (making small, 18” moves) and be tethered the whole time.

I thought about hunting the same tree that I set the false crotch in last year, but I would be too nervous that a squirrel had chewed my climbing rope that I used to choke the tree. I still have two complete JRB rope setups ready to go if I find the ‘right tree’ to kill a deer that is also amenable to rope climbing (reachable crotch).


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