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About
In both hitch climbing and stick climbing, the use of a pole is recommended to get an anchor in the tree above the climber. This page outlines how to build a DIY Pole. In order to avoid the hassle of building a pole, consider simply purchasing JRB’s Maverick Pole, available Ape Canyon Outfitters:
The pole can be used with a variety of Trunk Anchors, including the Maverick Hitch (and Variants), the JRB Cinch, the Bloodgood Hitch, and the Allegheny Hitch. See:
When building a DIY pole, consider the length. A longer pole makes for an easier climb, but is more to carry. A very long pole can also be used to drop a throwball over a crotch, enabling rope climbing without throwing the ball.
Related Videos
This video explains how to build a pole. Required components are listed at the bottom of the page.
This older video shows a pole made for the JRB Cinch:
Item 1: Pole
Be sure to plan your purchase based upon the length of a pole that you need. JRB likes a 10-12 foot pole. Avoid a pole which is greater than 6ft when collapsed; they are just too hard to work with.
Trango Beta Sticks
These work out of the box, no need to install a hook! JRB has the standard (12′) model
- Trango Beta Stick Evo Compact (22″ – 8′)
- Trango Beta Stick Evo Standard (29″ – 12′)
- Trango Beta Stick Evo Ultra-Long (44″ – 22′)
Telescoping Poles
Trekking Poles
Trekking poles (collapsible hiking sticks) work well, just not as strong as the painter’s poles. We want a stick that we can push and pull (certain kinds will only accept a compressive force and will pull apart when pulled). This Alafen product is what JRB used in the videos above. It has a metal cable inside it and extends to 50″ (127cm).
However, the longer Trekker FX was discovered later and is used in the “Throwball Recovery” video (link). It is telescoping, not foldable, and is advertised as going from 28-59″. With the hook on the end, JRB’s measured 62″ (157.5 cm) when fully extended.
Items 2/3: hook and clamp
If the pole doesn’t have a hook to allow pushing up and pulling down on the rope, we need to buy one and attach it, using a worm-drive stainless steel hose clamp. Hose clamps generally sold in bulk online, therefore, we might be better getting one at a local hardware store after you have the other items, just to be sure it is the right size.
Garment hook: Here is the one I found on the shelves at a local Lowes Improvement Store. I needed to bend it slightly to be more vertical, but it works GREAT!
Assembly
- Prepare the pole. For the painter’s pole, wrap some tape (non reflective gaffers tape or duct tape or similar) around the end of the pole. This will create some additional friction and cushion to prevent sliding when clamped. For the Trekking Pole, JRB recommends putting some Glue under the rubber tip before assembly. Otherwise, it could pop off during use.
- Place the clip on it in the desired position. Place two strands of the intended rope in the hook and inspect to see if the hook needs to be bent or adjusted prior to final assembly.
- When comfortable, secure the hook to the pole with the clamp.
- Paint as appropriate for purposes of camouflage. Avoid painting the inner portions of a telescoping pole, as the paint may inhibit its movement.