Page Contents:
Overview
The Two Tether Climbing Method (2TC) is an evolving climbing method for saddle hunting, pioneered by DIY innovators in the Saddle Community. JRB does not claim to be an expert, but has tried 2TC and does not recommend 2TC. This page is included for reference to the community. If anyone has input to make this page more accurate, please leave a comment, with included details, links and references: Comments
There are a growing number of 2TC variations and demonstrations that can be found on YouTube. As implied by the name, the system and method utilizes 2 tethers. The lower tether has a stirrup for one foot. In some systems, it is also connected to the saddle. The upper tether is connected to the saddle bridge. In some systems, it also has a foot stirrup.
- In order to ascend, the climber alternates body load on each tether while advancing the opposite tether, without detaching them from the tree.
- In order to pass branches, a 3rd tether might be used, however, the practitioners still refer to it as a 2TC system. In order to descend, the climber either reverses the process, or rappels.
- Be aware that advancing tethers on rough trees is significantly more difficult than on smooth trees or poles.
Demonstrations
The 2TC technique is reported to have evolved out of (or in parallel with) a technique used by utility pole climbers.
Scott is a pioneer in 2TC, and is (apparently) the originator of the “Two Tether Climbing” name, coined back in 2019.
Here is a random demo found on the web which includes rappel:
2TC Variants
There are many variations in 2TC systems (too numerous to detail) with variations in:
- The trunk anchor used.
- Fixed vs adjustable length tethers.
- Materials used (rope, webbing, cord, etc)
- Foot loops/stirrups on one tether or both.
- The use of mechanical devices vs friction hitches.
- In addition to providing a footloop, the lower tether may also attach to the saddle.
- Optional use of a 3rd tether, used to bypass branches.
- Descent method (rappel vs reversing the ascent process)
Pro’s and Con’s
Safety
The information on the safety page is prerequisite knowledge.
This page documents JRB’s independent evaluation and opinion of 2TC, divided into Pro’s and Con’s:
Pro’s
- 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.
- Low profile/ bulk; requires a minimal amount of gear.
- Inexpensive.
Con’s
- Advancing a life safety anchor: 2TC systems involve advancing the anchor connected to our saddle as we climb, and lowering it as we descend. If we are moving the only anchor connected to our saddle, we are not anchored at that time, violating a basic safety principle to always have our body anchored to (or supported by) the tree. It doesn’t matter that our foot is anchored; we can still lose balance and not be assured that our anchor will grab or when, with unpredictable results, including risk of injury, particularly to our fingers which could get caught between the tree and the tether.
- Lack of line to ground: The climber does not have a line to ground at all times and can’t quickly rappel, which is a fundamental safety requirement. Ask any arborist. For example, we could be swarmed by hornets disturbed during the climb.
- Balance: In traditional 2TC systems, the climber has all their weight on the lower tether and remains balanced by “hooking a leg” while advancing the upper tether (difficult on large diameter trees). During this move, the climber’s body is not anchored to the tree. If the climber loses balance while advancing the upper tether, there is no guarantee where or if the upper tether will catch. We could wind up in an uncomfortable position where our foot is stuck in our leg loop and we don’t have the strength to recover.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rough bark. Advancing a connection up a rough barked tree while maintaining a minimum of slack is difficult.
- Lack of redundancy. JRB espouses redundancy for any adjustable or moveable (friction) component in the system. Most 2TC systems don’t consider this.
- Descent. Using 2TC to descend, particularly in dark conditions can be difficult and dangerous. It’s easy to accidentally step down too low and get in a position where our foot is stuck. Some 2TC enthusiasts carry a separate rappel rope. But if we have a separate rope, JRB suggests that we could simply use it to use the hitch climbing method.
- Passing branches: We need to disconnect both tether anchors in order to pass each branch. In Traditional 2TC Systems, we need a temporary 3rd tether to put above the branch (so that we can stay tied in the whole time).
Hitch Climbing Relationship
JRB’s Hitch Climbing Method has similarities to 2TC, it addresses the concerns 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.
Consider:
- 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.
- We can mimic the 2TC ascent technique using a Hitch Climbing system. 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.