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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. As implied by the name, the system consists of 2 tethers, one of which is connected to the saddle and one of which is connected to a footloop (and sometimes the saddle too). The climber alternates body load on each tether while advancing the other. Here’s one of our friends demonstrating a climb on a utility pole. Note: It is much easier to advance a tether on a Utility Pole than a rough barked tree.

Safety

The information on the safety page is prerequisite knowledge.

Safety

2TC Variants

There are multiple types of 2TC systems, with variations in:

  • The anchor used.
  • The use of mechanical devices vs friction hitches vs tethers of fixed size.
  • Tether connection to the saddle, the foot, or both.
  • 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 and the lower tether attaches to a footloop.
  • Smart 2TC System: The upper tether attaches to the saddle and the lower tether attaches to BOTH a footloop AND the saddle.

Benefits and Concerns

This page documents JRB’s evaluation of 2TC. If you disagree, or have points that should be considered, please leave a comment on the Comments page with specifics.

Benefits

  1. The climber is tied in and on little slack at all times. A significant fall is unlikely, especially when compared to the majority of saddle hunters who lack a tie-in and/or slack management plan during ascent.
  2. Low profile/ bulk; requires a minimal amount of gear.
  3. Inexpensive.

Concerns

  1. Safety: The climber does not have a line to ground at all times and can’t quickly rappel to safety. This makes getting stuck in a tree a realistic hazard.
  2. Safety: In traditional 2TC systems, the climber is not connected to a choked anchor at all times, creating the possibility of a fall of indeterminate distance. Consider that if the climber loses balance while advancing the upper tether, there is no guarantee where or if the upper tether will catch.
  3. Safety: Hand injury is possible if fingers are caught under the tether during a loss of balance.
  4. Safety: Some of the DIY anchors being used by 2TC enthusiasts are of questionable integrity.
  5. Comfort: 2TC climbers frequently complain about strain on the foot that is sustaining our body weight most of the time and particularly while advancing the upper tether.
  6. Large Diameter Trees: 2TC on large diameter trees presents multiple challenges:
    • The length of the tethers must be adjustable.
    • It is more difficult to advance the tethers.
    • More difficult to remain balanced. Systems which require “hooking a leg” around the trunk are not feasible.
  7. Rough bark. Advancing a connection up a rough barked tree while maintaining a minimum of slack is difficult.
  8. Lack of redundancy. JRB espouses redundancy for any adjustable or moveable (friction) component in the system. Most 2TC systems don’t consider this.
  9. Passing branches: In Traditional Systems, a 3rd tether is typically required. Regardless, the bypass requires that both tethers are removed and re-attached for each branch. The complexity of doing so varies based on the system details. It can be difficult to get one tether out from under the other one. Here’s a 2TC expert demonstrating how to bypass one branch. Does this look easy?

Hitch Climbing Relationship

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. But overall, JRB prefers Hitch Climbing, especially considering that a Universal System allows us to hitch climb with the same system we use for other methods.

Hitch Climbing Method

Consider:

  1. If we imagine that the 2 tethers in a 2TC system were replaced by one longer rope, where each end acts as a tether, the system resembles a Hitch Climbing System.
  2. We could mimic the 2TC ascent technique using a Hitch Climbing system. (Not yet demonstrated on video.) Steps:
    • 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.
    • Adjust bridges and friction hitches so that the anchors are separated by about 12″ (30cm).
    • Climb by alternating weight, stepping up and advancing the opposite tether.
    • Be prepared that bypassing branches is going to be tricky.