Page Contents:
Overview
One stick climbing is a popular climbing method with saddle hunters, whereby the climber uses only one climbing stick to act as both a climbing device and a platform. Ape Canyon sells a typical One Stick Rappel Kit, (which includes the Madrock Safeguard) which is eligible for the JRB15 discount:
Safety Concerns
Unfortunately, most one stick climbers are taking some chances with their safety in the ways described below. See safety page for background:
| # | Safety Concern | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Use of a tether creates risk of getting stuck in the tree. | Use a rappel capable lifeline instead of a tether. |
| 2 | Climbing to the the top of the first stick set before tying in, creating significant fall potential. | Stable, rope anchor must on the tree first, above every stick set. |
| 3 | Allowing multiple feet of slack in the lifeline, creating significant fall potential. | Slack must be removed with each step and should not exceed one foot. |
| 4 | Advancing the anchor, introducing unknown risk if footing or balance is lost while doing so. | Use alternating anchors. Always load the upper anchor before removing the lower one. |
| 5 | Aiders make it difficult to hold onto the tree while removing slack. | Eliminate the aider, use a footloop on the rope. |
| 6 | Cam cleats are easily destabilized. Most saddle hunters would be in trouble if the stick disappeared. | Use a stable attachment system, or eliminate the stick entirely. |
Alternating Anchor System
JRB’s approach to One Stick Climbing requires that we always have an anchor secured to the tree which is connected to the saddle bridge, and on low slack. If we are advancing an anchor, by definition, it is NOT anchored at that time. Therefore, a 2nd anchor is required; we simply alternate the connections. The system could be two separate ropes or (better) utilize both sides of a single rope system. See the choices for anchors which can be advanced with a pole:
- Maverick / Super Maverick Hitch
- Bloodgood Hitch
- JRB Cinch
- TDL Anchor
Maverick Hitch, Alternating Anchor System
In this video, released in July 2024, JRB demonstrates how he approaches one stick climbing, while addressing the issues above, and executing a one stick climb with ZERO SLACK, using the Maverick Hitch as the anchor on the tree (other anchors can be used).
JRB Cinch Alternating Anchor System
This video demonstrates a climb which is very similar to the one above, simply utilizing the JRB Cinch instead of a Maverick Hitch as the anchor. The details for the system and the Maverick Pole are here:
Hitch Climbing Without the Stick
As demonstrated above, we don’t actually NEED the stick to climb. If we remove the stick from the climb, the climbing method is simply referred to as “hitch climbing”:
Executing a Transfer
Relevant to both climbing demonstrations above, this video shows how JRB executes the TRANSFER operation, which is used in both stick climbing and JRB Hitch climbing.
Situations to Use One Stick
The only situation where JRB would consider a one stick method is a pine tree with sap. Rationale: We do not want to get sap on our rope, particularly on a friction hitch. In this case, use a dedicated system which is not used for any other method. Make a mark on the end of the rope about 10ft from the end which is where the maverick hitch starts, ensuring that only that end might get sap on it, minimizing the chance that the friction hitch will contact a part of the rope with sap on it.