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To SRT or one stick?

poorcharlie

Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
77
Location
South Alabama
So I am intrigued by the ease of SRT (haven't tried it yet), but I have not been able to convince myself of the need to. I currently one stick and am satisfied with the method. I have the EWO UOS with the UP and no problem with long sits just using the UP as my sole platform. So if I did do some pre sets and used the SRT method, I would still need to carry up some sort of platform. Just haven't been able to see how doing it that way would be of any benefit. Am I missing something?
 
The only benefit I could think of is you'd be able to climb to height and practically eliminate all chances of falling with slack in your line, since the rope is already holding you. That's why I SRT. I'm a big guy and climbing my sticks, especially once it's colder, was sketchy. SRT feels way safer, and I don't need to worry about a stick kicking out or dropping on me.

But I've never one stick climbed. I'm not that flexible anymore!
 
You could ditch the platform if you build a double foot loop for srt sit and stand climbing or a board to put your feet on. Might not be as comfortable for all day sits,but short ones it is fine.
 
Here's my thoughts on all of the various climbing methods.

Sticks: These are the simplest method to setup and climb overall. They are also limiting in height climbed without extra sticks or the addition of aiders. These additions for me means added weight or risk, especially when climbing down.

One-sticking: Gets around the height limitations as well as weight. Also doesn't require throwing a tag line over a high limb to climb and can require less equipment compared to rope techniques unless the plan is to rappel. Chief downside for me is overall acrobatics in climbing the stick, advancing the tether, bending down to grab the stick then reaching up to set the stick.

SRT/rope techniques: Weight wise, is probably awash compared to one-sticking with rappelling. Once climbing line is set, it's a smooth and steady climb until reaching desired height. You can also climb, hang and rappel from one rope though I use a separate tether. Chief disadvantages is initial setup time before climbing and needing a limb to throw a tag line over.

2TC: Cheapest option as it only requires a tether and linemans belt. It's the slowest climb and generally requires limbless trunks. It is however the lightest climbing option.

In order of preference for me:
1. SRT
2. 2TC
3. Sticks (if I even bring them)
4. One-sticking (and have no reason or desire to try)

The argument between one-sticking and SRT is akin to 9mm vs. 45ACP. They each have their advantages and disadvantages so pick withever one works best for you and for the trees in your area.
 
I tried SRT and I one stick now. I thought SRT was harder. But everyone is different. I dont see how one stick climbing is anymore dangerous that climbing sticks for some of us.
 
Tldr, Throwball and paracord for presetting srt, or one sticking.

Ive been one sticking/repelling for a year now, and have grown quite fond of it. After some toying around in the yard recently, i realized i could srt by only adding a single additional prussic.

I one stick up with an 8' tether, then use rappel rope and madrock to descend. Interestingly, i can use my rappel rope as my srt rope, and use my madrock and 8'tether in conjunction to ascend. Just girth hitch your tether to your boot, tie a prussic in your line to clip in to, and your off to the races. Same principle as the hand ascender, but you're advancing a prussic.

All the benefits of srt with the same kit - just need throwball and parachord for pressetting trees.
 
I one-stick+rappel now. But last year I needed to climb a couple large diameter trees that were difficult to one-stick. I decide to investigate SRT and found it was trivial to incorporate by adding a throw ball + prusik loop. Bow I keep those in my pack for a backup method.
But overall one-sticking is easier than it looks and height is only bounded by your rappel line.

I wish I was a headlight on a north-bound train
 
Prussik is a solid friction hitch but there are much better ones out there as far as advancing them after being loaded by your body weight goes. I think any friction hitch is easier to loosen than a prussik.
 
Has anyone who one-stick climbs but wants the ability to SRT (say if you dropped your stick and had to rappel down to get it) considered the Petzl Tibloc as a backup ascension method? It’s in spec for 8-11mm rope and in the manner we are using, and for the frequency of us, shouldn’t cause any rope damage. Plus, it’s actually designed to be an ascension device.

You would just need the Tibloc, one carabiner, and a sling to the foot (in a pinch I bet you could rig something from your lineman’s rope, or even a gear strap that was made out of Amsteel)

 
But overall one-sticking is easier than it looks and height is only bounded by your rappel line.

I 1-stick and rap and if I out-climb my rappel line then I just 1-stick down until my rap line reaches the ground. So your height doesn’t really have to be bound to your rap line length…
 
I 1-stick and rap and if I out-climb my rappel line then I just 1-stick down until my rap line reaches the ground. So your height doesn’t really have to be bound to your rap line length…
I’ve thought about that scenario although I’m highly unlikely to hunt higher than my current rope. I would drop my rappel rope, tie a really good safety knot in the end, rappel down to close to that knot. Reset my stick and use my lineman’s as a second tether so I could pull down my rappel rope and reset it. Then finish rappelling down. The trick is to make sure you don’t rappel off the end of the rope.

But realistically, my rappel rope is 36’. My feet can be at roughly 27-28’. Around here I just don’t see myself needing to be that high here in East TN. Other places it certainly could be a possibility.
 
I’ve thought about that scenario although I’m highly unlikely to hunt higher than my current rope. I would drop my rappel rope, tie a really good safety knot in the end, rappel down to close to that knot. Reset my stick and use my lineman’s as a second tether so I could pull down my rappel rope and reset it. Then finish rappelling down. The trick is to make sure you don’t rappel off the end of the rope.

But realistically, my rappel rope is 36’. My feet can be at roughly 27-28’. Around here I just don’t see myself needing to be that high here in East TN. Other places it certainly could be a possibility.

Depending on the tree, branches, angles, etc, It could be difficult to pull down your rap rope when you are 30’ below it standing on a stick. I usually back away from the tree at least a few yards when I pull down my rap rope. One reason I think it’s better to 1-stick down a little from the top where you can move your rap rope down the tree with your hands, and then rap to the ground. But whatever works for you - there’s no right or wrong way…
 
I always pack SRT and 1 stick gear. My preference is SRT, but having the 1stick is great for those times I don’t have a preset or the tree is not optimal for SRT.
 
I always pack SRT and 1 stick gear. My preference is SRT, but having the 1stick is great for those times I don’t have a preset or the tree is not optimal for SRT.
I SRT primarily, and this is the same approach I'm taking to learning the 2TC method. I have all the gear already, and it could come in handy if I find those telephone pole trees in a good spot.

Now just to practice it more...
 
One-Stick vs. 2TC is probably a better apples to apples comparison.

Both are minimalist climbing methods and both can be used to descend but rappelling is greatly preferred. If I were told I could only pick one method to climb from here on out, I'd probably pick the one-stick as it is more versatile on a wider range of trees. Thankfully, we don't have to pick only one method so I stick with the SRT/2TC combo.
 
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