Page Contents:
Overview
The JRB Hitch Climbing Method is an “alternating anchor” climbing technique which uses a single rope, and does not involve the use of a throwball. The steps are detailed below. Remember: The SYSTEM is WHAT we climb on. The TECHNIQUE (or method) is HOW we climb. There are choices in the creation of a system for this general method. The use of a pole is recommended but not mandatory; we simply climb slower without a pole, requiring more moves/transfers. However, all systems used for Hitch Climbing need:
- The ability to create an anchor using each end of the rope. (Maverick Hitch, JRB Cinch or Saddle Hunter’s Hitch are typical.)
- A friction hitch on each end of the rope which is set to hold as we climb towards the end of the rope. (Compact Longhorn Agile is recommended.)
- A footloop on each side, or one that can be moved between the sides. (dedicated footloops on each side or Garda footloop, or combination.)
Anchor Choices
There are several anchors to choose from:
- The Maverick Hitch (or variant), advanced with the Maverick Pole
- The Bloodgood Hitch, advanced with the Maverick Pole
- The Allegheny Hitch, advanced with the Maverick Pole
- The JRB Cinch, advanced with the Maverick Pole
- The TDL Anchor, advanced with the Maverick Pole
- A Saddle Hunter’s Hitch, which is manually set.
Garda Hitch Footloop
The Garda Hitch Footloop is recommended (but not required if using a system with dedicated footloops). See dedicated page:
Method Summary
The hitch climbing method can be summarized below as a set of steps. One or more trunk anchors is chosen by the climber:
- From the base of the tree, anchor one end of a rope to the trunk as high as possible.
- Engage a carabiner to attach our preferred bridge to the Longhorn Agile Hitch. Put the Garda Hitch Footloop in Transformation mode and engage it on the rope.
- Climb the rope as high as we can.
- Anchor the other end of the rope to the tree, and set as high as possible.
- Transfer our body to the Longhorn Agile on the upper rope, transfer our Garda Hitch onto the upper rope.
- Remove the lower anchor from the tree.
- Repeat steps 2-6 as many times as necessary. Ensure that the last anchor set is a retrievable anchor.
- Before rappel, attach a retrieval line to the Anchor such that it can be retrieved.
Prerequisite Skills
Besides tying our knots and building a system capable of hitch climbing, we also need to be able to execute a transfer.
Executing a Transfer
This video demonstrates how to execute the ‘transfer’ operation, executed during Hitch Climbing. Consider this a pre-requisite skill.
Climbing Demonstrations
Hitch Climbing 2025, on the Bloodgood
In the 2025 demonstration, JRB shows how we can get to hunting height in only one move/transfer, using the Bloodgood hitch as the anchor.
Hitch Climbing 2024, on the Maverick
This is a full demonstration and explanation of the method, executed on a 60′ Universal System. Note that the Super Maverick Hitch or Flipped Maverick (released later) can be used in the same technique.
Convert a Rappel Rope into a Climbing System
This is the same method (2024) but using a Rappel Rope which was converted into a climbing system:
Double JRB Cinch Option
If uncomfortable tying a Maverick or Super Maverick in the woods, the JRB Cinch is an option as our anchor. The climb is demonstrated in the video below. The details of the system are described on separate pages: JRB Cinch and JRB Cinch System.
Improvised Hitch Climbing System
This video shows an improvised Hitch Climbing System.
Hitch Climbing a Straight Pine
This demonstration uses the Maverick Hitch as the anchor.
Recovery Scenarios
This video demonstrates the reasonably foreseeable recovery scenarios when using the Garda Hitch Footloop in SRT scenarios, including Hitch Climbing. If you are using a bridge which is not (easily) adjustable, it affects which recovery option might need to be chosen.
Planning Considerations
Besides the anchor(s) used (described above), below are some important considerations:
Related Climbing Systems
Several Climbing Systems can be used to execute a Hitch Climb, and some support other climbing methods. Consider your long-term goals before building a system dedicated to Hitch Climbing.
Footloop Considerations
We have options for our footloop(s) which are independent of the other choices made above.
A. Garda Hitch Footloop
The Garda Hitch Footloop can be used, but requires that it is equipped with the ‘Transformation Loop’. During the climb, the Garda Hitch is moved to which ever end of the rope is being ascended.
B. Two Webbing Footloops
When constructing a dedicated Hitch Climbing system that will not be used with other methods, and where the friction hitches do not need to be removed, a dedicated Footloop for each side is a viable option. However, these systems do not have integrated redundancy and so the climber is encouraged to consider having a backup. Each consists of a self-tending friction hitch attached to a footloop made from webbing. The friction hitch can be either a Compact Longhorn Agile or a Compact JRB Ascender. Approximately 6′ (or = your height) of 1″ webbing is a good length for each. In order to make the web footloop to be detachable, consider attaching them to the friction hitch with a carabiner or Girth Hitch. See the Webbing listed on the following page: Webbing/Slings.
History
JRB introduced the concept of Hitch Climbing in 2021. The new/current information is above the Bookmark video on this PLAYLIST, and the older videos are below the Bookmark Video: (Playlist Link)
The primary changes to the method since its introduction were the following:
- Originally, the anchor was set in the middle of the rope rather than the end of the rope. This could cause the climber to climb too high and find ourselves on a rope that does not reach the ground. In current systems, we climb towards the end of the rope.
- Before the introduction of the Maverick Hitch or JRB Cinch, the anchor was set manually using a Saddle Hunter’s Hitch. This remains viable but will slow down the pace of the climb. Each transfer might only gain 4′ in height.
- The Maverick Pole was introduced, along with the “transformation mode” in the Garda Hitch Footloop.
- In 2025, multiple new anchors were introduced along with the 8′ Maverick Pole.