Page Contents:
The 2 Hitch System
Introduced in 2026, JRB introduced the concept of a “2 Hitch System”, specifically, a system which has 2 preconfigured friction hitches an is used for Hitch Climbing and SRT climbing methods (not DSRT). Note that a “Hitch Climbing System” is similar, but dedicated to only the Hitch Climbing Method (no SRT).
The system consists of:
- A rope, ideally with a JRB end loop on each side.
- Two friction hitches, 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.
- Throwball/paracord as appropriate for SRT climbing
Note:
- This system is symmetrical and ambidextrous, configured the same on both sides.
- Effectively, a 2 Hitch System is equivalent to a 3 Hitch System with Hitch #1 removed.
- Note that a dedicated DSRT system also has two friction hitches, but facing in the opposite direction, towards the middle of the rope.
Be familiar with the related climbing methods as well as the use of a throwball:
Trunk Anchor options
We can build the same system and use it with different, pole-advanceable trunk anchors, and can mix and match the anchors in a single climb:
- Flipped Maverick Hitch (pole advanced & retrievable)
- Bloodgood Hitch (pole advanced & retrievable)
- Allegheny Hitch (Pole advanced, not retrievable)
- TDL (pole advanced & retrievable with effort))
- JRB Hitch (not pole advanced, but retrievable)
- Saddle Hunter’s hitch (manually set, not retrievable)
Rope Length
The amount of rope we need depends on the anchor we prefer and the height we want to climb, not to mention the diameter of the tree. The summary is that 40′ is generally adequate for a Maverick Hitch (or variant), but a non-exploding anchor like the Bloodgood Hitch should have at least 50′. The math and details are covered on this page:
Maverick Pole
Although Hitch Climbing can be accomplished without a pole, it is much more efficient with a pole. JRB designed the Maverick Pole for this purpose:
Hitch Climbing
This is the initial video, and includes a demonstration of Hitch Climbing, using the Maverick Pole, Flipped Maverick anchors, and a brand new rope, which did not yet have the (recommended) JRB End Loops installed on the rope.
Placeholder: there is not yet a video showing hitch climbing using the Bloodgood Hitch or any other anchor that we can advance with a pole. Also, need to consider that the Bloodgood could be formed with a Scott’s Locked Bowline and we could simply adjust the size of the Bowline to switch between SRT and Hitch Climbing mode, given that we want a slightly larger loop for the Bloodgood and smaller for a Canopy anchor, to facilitate “threading the needle”.
SRT
These videos show how we convert the system over into SRT mode and how we can re-use it in that mode for the next climb.
Conversion to SRT Mode
This video shows how to convert the system over from Hitch Climbing Mode to SRT mode dynamically, by tying a JRB Bowline and then passing both hitches through it.
Reuse in SRT Mode
Although this demonstration was done on a single hitch system, the principles apply to a 2 Hitch system. After retrieval of the system in the video above, the system would be in exactly this state except that it has a 2nd and unused hitch on the end of the rope. Details:
- Before starting, BOTH hitches need to be pushed to one end of the rope.
- In rigging the rope, need to configure paracord to ensure that BOTH hitches pass over the crotch.
- BOTH hitches need to pass through the JRB Bowline when rigging.
- The the 2nd (unused) friction hitch remains on the TAIL of the rope at the ground.
Building a system
There is no kit for this system and many options for Rope, Cord and Friction Hitches. Please refer to the related pages and build your own shopping list based on what you have already: