Page Contents:
Overview
This page details how to create a system which is dedicated to the use of one of these climbing methods, none of which involve the use of a throwball, and all of which involve the use of the Maverick Hitch or Saddle Hunter’s Hitch (or both):
- Hitch Climbing
- Stick Climbing
- One Stick Climbing
See related pages:
Related Climbing Systems
Several Climbing Systems can be used to execute the Hitch Climbing Method. The climber must be comfortable with tying the necessary knots. If the climber is not comfortable tying a Maverick / Super Maverick, the JRB Cinch System should be considered instead (link below).Be sure that you understand the differences and consider building a more versatile system:
- A Universal System can also be used with DSRT and SRT.
- A SRT System can be configured in a convertible mode for Hitch Climbing.
- A JRB Cinch System is a Hitch Climbing system which is used without tying any knots at the tree, but at the expense of a more difficult rope retrieval.
Description / demonstration
On July 1, 2024, JRB released this video, with a full demonstration and explanation of the system and method, showing both a 40′ system and a 60′ Universal System. The 40′ system is the subject of this page. The system consists of:
- A rope, typically 40′
- Two Longhorn Agile Friction hitches, tied in a compact form, configured to hold/climb towards each end of the rope.
- A Garda Hitch Footloop
- A Maverick Pole
- A Saddle equipped with a redundant bridge.
This is the same method but demonstrated on a Rappel Rope which was converted into a climbing system:
Planning
Two important decisions need to be made before shopping for components:
1. Pole / Anchor decision
A critical decision in planning is whether or not a pole will be used, and the relationship on the anchor.
1A. Maverick Hitch / Pole
This is JRB’s preferred method: Maverick Hitch (or Super Maverick) attaches to the tree, and is advanced using a pole. See:
1B. Saddle Hunter’s Hitch (no pole)
If the climber has no pole, a climb can be executed with a series of Saddle Hunter’s Hitch. The LAST hitch set at the top of the climb should be a JRB Hitch (or a Maverick Hitch), ensuring that the system can be retrieved. In planning, consider that each of the two SHH requires a carabiner.
2. Footloop
The second decision is the preferred footloop design.
2A. Garda Hitch Footloop
The Garda Hitch Footloop can be used, but requires that it is equipped with the ‘Transformation Loop’. With a single Garda Hitch Footloop, during the climb, the Garda Hitch is moved to which ever end of the rope is being ascended. An option is to have two Garda Hitch Footloops, one for each side, making the “transfer” operation easier.
2B. Dedicated Webbing Footloops
A dedicated Footloop for each side is a viable option. The footloop is constructed with a loop of webbing which is connected to a self tending friction hitch. The Compact JRB Ascender (v3) is preferred. Options:
Note: these systems lack the level of independent redundancy provided by the Garda Hitch Footloop.
Approximately 6′ (or = your height) of 1″ webbing is a good length for each. In order to make the web footloop to be detachable and to aid in the self tending action of the friction hitch, JRB recommend attaching the footloops to the friction hitch with a carabiner. OP Raider is recommended.
Components
The following items represent what is needed to construct a dedicated Hitch Climbing system.
1. Redundant Adjustable Bridges
The hunter should have a saddle with dual adjustable bridges, such that both bridges can be made very short, which helps the climber position and maximize the height of each move. JRB has multiple designs:
2. Carabiners
When hitch climbing, in addition to any carabiners already on our bridges, we need 2 additional carabiners used to be left on the rope with the Compact Longhorn Agile Hitches. JRB recommends large, pear or HMS shaped carabiners.) See:
3. Rope
A Hitch Climbing system is constructed with a Single length of rope. JRB recommends 40′ length of rope. See:
4. Friction Hitch / Cord
JRB prefers the Compact Longhorn Agile Hitch, specifically 2 hitches tied on each end of the rope. The cord diameter and length must be chosen to be commensurate with the rope. See:
Demonstrations
On July 1, 2024, JRB released this video, with a full demonstration and explanation of the system and method, executed on a 60′ Universal System:
This is the same method but demonstrated on a Rappel Rope which was converted into a climbing system: