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Two Tether (2TC)

Page Contents:

Overview

The Two Tether Climbing Method (2TC) is a climbing method which was pioneered and continues evolve by DIY innovators in the Saddle Community, with a growing number of variations and demonstrations that can be found on YouTube. The system consists of 2 tethers, one of which is connected to the saddle and one of which is connected to a footloop. The climber alternates body load on each tether while advancing the other.

JRB’s Opinion

This page documents JRB’s opinion on 2TC and why he doesn’t use, nor recommend this method (based on any demos seen to date). Note that a Hitch Climbing System can be used to execute what is effectively a 2TC climb and overcome the ‘cons’ listed below.

Safety

The information on the safety page is prerequisite knowledge.

Safety

Variants

There are many variations of 2TC systems, including:

  • Variation in the anchor used.
  • Variation in the use of mechanical devices vs friction hitches vs tethers of fixed size.
  • Variation in the number of tethers needed to climb a branched tree (most need 3).

For purposes of brevity, JRB is defining the the following terms to cover an important distinction between the various 2TC systems. (If there are defined terms already for this distinction in the 2TC community, please leave a comment):

  • Traditional 2TC System: The upper tether attaches to the saddle bridge and the lower tether attaches to a footloop. Bypassing branches requires a daredevil move or a 3rd tether.
  • Smart 2TC System: The upper tether attaches to the saddle bridge and the lower tether attaches to BOTH a footloop AND the saddle bridge (or a 2nd bridge). The reason it is “smart” is because there is always one anchor to the tree AND because we don’t need the 3rd tether.

Pro’s & Con’s

Pro’s

  1. The climber is tied in and (depending on climbing technique) on little slack at all times. A significant fall is unlikely.
  2. Low profile/ bulk; requires a minimal amount of gear.
  3. Inexpensive.

Con’s

  1. Safety: The climber does not have a line to ground at all times and can’t rappel to safety. Getting stuck in a tree is a realistic hazard.
  2. Safety: Traditional 2TC systems, the climber is not connected to a choked anchor at all times. Smart 2TC systems do not have this fault.
  3. Safety: Traditional 2TC systems require the climber to balance on one leg while advancing their upper tether. If the climber loses balance, the sequence of events is unpredictable. Injuries could include crushed fingers or worse. Smart 2TC systems do not have this fault.
  4. Comfort: some 2TC climbers complain about strain on the one foot that is sustaining our body weight most of the time and particularly while we advance the upper tether.
  5. Branches: When bypassing branches in 2TC, both tethers need to be removed and re-attached for each branch. The complexity of doing so varies based on the system details. In Traditional Systems, a 3rd tether is typically required.
  6. Large Diameter Trees: 2TC on large diameter trees is difficult because its hard to advance a tether on a big tree AND because we must maintain our balance while advancing our rope up a thick tree. “Hooking a leg” around the trunk isn’t safe, nor feasible.
  7. Difficulty / slack management. Advancing a connection up a rough bark tree while maintaining a minimum of slack is difficult. Demonstrations performed on utility poles are not realistic in comparison to a tree.
  8. Lack of redundancy. JRB espouses redundancy for any adjustable or moveable (friction) component in the system. Most 2TC systems don’t consider this.

Hitch Climbing Relationship

Please consider: JRB’s Hitch Climbing Method has similarities to 2TC and (if desired), a Hitch Climbing system can be modified to use in a climb of this nature, while addresses the issues above. Consider:

  1. If the 2 tethers were just the opposite ends of a single rope, a 2TC system resembles a Hitch Climbing System.
  2. We can execute a 2TClimb using a Hitch Climbing system. (Not yet demonstrated on video.) Simply:
    • Attach both sides of the system to the tree, one anchor above the other.
    • Attach the main bridge of the saddle to the upper anchor.
    • Attach the lower bridge and Garda Footloop to the lower anchor.
    • Climb
    • (hopefully somebody from the 2TC team will demonstrate this)
Hitch Climbing Method
Maverick Pole