Page Contents:
The 3 Hitch System
Introduced in 2025, JRB designed and recommends the versatile and safe “3 Hitch System”. Be sure you have watched the introductory video below, and refer to the following link to the YouTube playlist on for all the videos and scenarios.
Although there are other choices for canopy anchors in SRT mode, this video explains an efficient technique for switchover from DSRT to SRT, using the JRB Bowline. It is particularly useful in 60′ systems, where the rope is not long enough for DSRT, due to a higher than usual crotch.
Kit Length Options
The system is available as a kit from Ape Canyon Outfitters in 3 lengths (details on the differences below). With your JRB15 coupon:
- 40′ Basic: $300 goes to $255
- 60′ Hybrid: $337 goes to $287
- 80′ Universal: $375 goes to $319
Kit Contents
- 9mm Rubicon ROPE (40′, 60′ or 80′). Rope will include one sewn eye.
- One steel quick link. (for optional use as a canopy anchor in SRT)
- Five Lengths of 80″ 6mm TRC cord (3 for friction hitches; 1 for redundant, short bridge, 1 spare)
- One length of 4mm cord (Retrieval line, 50′, cut to appropriate size by user)
- One 4′ length of 2.5 mm cord. (for optional JRB end loops)
- Three Notch HMS Carabiners (one for each bridge, 3rd is only used in alternating anchor methods)
- Three Black Raider Carabiners (Two for anchor creation, and one spare.)
- Two Micro Raider Carabiners. (connects rope to the throwball / preset)
Note: the single small Rappel Ring has been eliminated from the kit as of Aug 2026. Rationale: it was originally included as a tender for the Longhorn Agile Hitch in Ring Tender Mode, but that option is not used by most.
Items sold separately
The Garda Hitch Footloop is required and is sold separately for $42.50, with coupon.
The JRB Maverick Pole is sold separately for $120 and is only needed for Hitch Climbing and No-slack stick climbing:
The following items are not included in the kits. See supporting pages, links below.
- Saddle, and accessories. Rationale: most saddle hunters already have one.
- Swivel, for bridge carabiner. Rationale: it’s optional, primarily benefits DSRT.
- Bridge upgrade. Rationale: Every saddle already has a bridge and it’s assumed to be adequately long and adjustable. Saddles do not have a 2nd, so that is included in the kit.
- Throwball and Paracord, for getting a rope into a tree for SRT and DSRT.
Climbing Methods
Before you decide what length to purchase, be familiar with the related climbing methods as well as the use of a throwball:
- DSRT (Doubled Stationary Rope Technique). This method is JRB’s preferred way to get in a tree, but the rope has to get put in the tree with either a throwball or a paracord preset rigged over a secure crotch. In some cases, we might Hitch Climb or stick climb the first time, and then manually install a paracord loop.
- SRT (Single Rope Technique). Like DSRT, SRT requires the use of a throwball or a paracord preset installed with a throwball, but there are a few situations where DSRT is not feasible where SRT is possible or advantageous. For example, there are branches between the strands or the trunk needs to be captured, or a Houdini Rigging scenario, all of which are described on the SRT page.
- JRB Hitch Climbing The use of the Maverick Pole is recommended.
- Stick Climbing. The use of the Maverick Pole is recommended.
- MRS/DRT – although we rarely need this method, it is supported.
Rope Length Options
Kit/Scenario Matrix
Below are a set of climbing scenarios and what technique we would use with each system. Abbreviations:
- TB = Throwball OR Paracord preset
- IC = Isolated Crotch, meaning there are no branches between the lines
- Non-IC = a Non isolated crotch has branches between the lines
- CA = Canopy Anchor
- BA = Basal Anchor
| Scenario | Basic-40 | Hybrid-60 | Universal-80 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB, IC, up to 32′ | CA SRT | DSRT | DSRT |
| TB, IC, 33-35′ | CA SRT | CA SRT | DSRT |
| TB, IC, 36′-54′ | —- | CA SRT | CA SRT |
| TB, IC, 55′-74′ | —- | —- | CA SRT |
| TB, non-IC, up to 25′ | —- | BA SRT | BA SRT |
| TB, non-IC, up to 35′ | —- | —- | BA SRT |
| TB, IC, Horizontal Branch | CA SRT | CA SRT | CA SRT |
| TB, 1st Dead Branch | Houdini SRT | Houdini SRT | Houdini SRT |
| Floating Anchor | SRT | SRT | SRT |
| No TB, No Stick | Hitch Climbing | Hitch Climbing | Hitch Climbing |
| No TB, Stick | Stick Climbing | Stick Climbing | Stick Climbing |
40′ Basic Rope System
This system is used with single rope methods : Hitch Climbing, Stick Climbing and SRT. DSRT would only be possible on crotches 40′ or less. Limitations:
- When using a trunk anchor and assuming that the tree has branches, the last anchor put on the tree (used for retrieval) must be a Maverick Hitch, Super Maverick Hitch or JRB Hitch. Any other retrievable anchor could require us to remove our hitches from the rope if the rope hangs up on the way down.
- Too short for most DSRT or Basal Anchor SRT scenarios.
- Max crotch height for preconfigured SRT is approximately 32′.
- Max crotch height for SRT (when using Quick Link) is approximately 38′.
60′ Hybrid Rope System
This system is a great compromise between bulk and flexibility. It can be used for DSRT in most situations, specifically a crotch height of 32′ or less. Unlike the 40′ system, when Hitch or Stick Climbing, the system is long enough to use any retrievable anchor we prefer and not require removing the friction hitches. Limitations:
- Need to switch over to SRT for crotches over approximately 32′.
- Basal anchor SRT is only possible if the crotch is fairly low.
- Max crotch height for SRT with JRB Bowline anchor is approximately 54′.
- Max crotch height for SRT (when using Quick Link) is approximately 58′.
80′ Universal Rope System
This system can be used in DSRT mode for trees with a crotch height of approximately 42′ or less. It can be used for Basal Anchor SRT scenarios in crotches of a reasonable height. If you don’t mind carrying the rope, it is the most versatile system.
System Details
This section provides all the background you should be familiar with before purchasing and building a system.
The system uses 3 Friction Hitches, which are tied identically, but in opposing directions on the rope. 80″ of cord is provided for each Hitch, which is perfect for the (recommended) Longhorn Agile Hitch with the stable finish. (13″ working ends are recommended to start the Longhorn Loop.) As an alternative, the 252 Formula Hitch with the Eureka Finish (which was introduced later) can be used but requires that the cord is shortened to 53″. JRB recommends that you build the system with the LA, and consider a change to the Formula hitch later. Details:
- One side of the rope has a JRB End Loop, then Friction Hitch#1, which holds / allows climbing towards the middle of the rope (away from the end).
- In the middle of the rope is Hitch#2, holding in the opposite direction as Hitch#1 .
- The other end of the rope has an (optional) sewn eye on the end, with Hitch#3, set to hold in the opposite direction as Hitch#2, (the same direction as Hitch#1).
Knots to know
How the hitches are used
- For DSRT (using the Hybrid or Universal system), Hitch#1 goes up and over the crotch. Hitch#2 is waiting for us on the other side of the system, and we use Hitches #1&2 to climb. Hitch#3 is not used to climb, but can be used as:
- a tether to pull us in if our crotch is really high.
- if we want to reposition to face a different direction.
- if we want to DSRT to a crotch and then use a pole to climb one move past the crotch. (climb past the branch)
- In order to climb SRT with a canopy anchor, we send Hitch#1 up and over the crotch and climb on it after forming our canopy anchor. Hitch 2 and 3 are not used to climb, but Hitch 3 can be used for the reasons stated above in #1.
- When hitch climbing or no-slack stick climbing, we use Hitch#2 and Hitch#3. Hitch#1 is not used. It just stays on the end of the rope on the tail of our rope and is unused. If exclusively hitch climbing, Hitch#1 can be removed (and it’s now a 2 hitch system).
- On any system, when executing a Houdini rig, we push all the hitches towards Hitch #1, send up the other side, and climb on Hitch#3.
Removing Hitches
Although we should remove and retie the friction hitches occasionally just to inspect the cord, the system can be run without removing friction hitches. If the hitch will not pass the crotch, we can still climb SRT using hitch #2 as demonstrated. This technique works for systems of any length.
Anchor considerations
There are several options for SRT canopy anchors and trunk anchors, chosen at the discretion of the climber based on preference and the situation. Note:
- The sewn eye on one end of the rope and quick link are for optional use in forming a conventional SRT canopy anchor. Rationale: This simple option might be preferred by new climbers before learning other anchors. Note:
- A JRB end loop should be on the other side of the rope.
- The friction hitch must be tied after rope installation, and removed before rope retrieval.
- When hitch climbing, the Basic 40′ system is too short to guarantee with retrieval with any anchor other than the Maverick (or variants.) If you prefer the Bloodgood Hitch, get a Hybrid or Universal system.
The Phases
After your planning and shopping is complete, consider the task of building and using system as a set of phases:
Phase 1: Saddle Setup
Main bridge: Your saddle comes with a bridge and there is no urgent need to replace it provided that it is long enough. Ideally, it can be made long enough such that when sitting in it, the bottom of the carabiner is at the height of the tip of your nose (or higher). The ideal height for the top of the carabiner is the top of your head, allowing your arm to reach above you and help pull you up in the rising move.
Redundant Bridge: Use one of the pieces of 6mm TRC to construct a redundant bridge. There are multiple designs possible. You can start with the “Original Redundant Bridge”, and tackle the recommended “Blake’s Hitch Tensioner Bridge” later. Don’t cut the cord unless you are certain you won’t need it longer later.
Phase 2: Build the System
The user must construct the kit themselves:
- Saddle setup. Install your redundant bridge as described above, ensuring you have a recommended carabiner on each bridge.
- Execute the Garda Hitch Footloop construction.
- Install the JRB End Loop, (note: this can be deferred until later)
- Tie the 3 Friction hitches, in alternating directions.
- Test all the hitches individually by tying the rope to a tree and engaging your saddle.
Phase 3: Try SRT
See the SRT page for related scenarios. Even if you recognize the advantages of DSRT, start with SRT in order to get a feel for things. We can get started with just one friction hitch and use the quick link as our canopy anchor.
Phase 4: Try DSRT
If you have the 60′ or 80′ system, see the linked page for details on the DSRT method. DSRT is JRB’s preferred way to climb given the many advantages.
Phase 5: Try Hitch / Stick Climbing
It is important to understand why and how a 3rd Friction Hitch and a Pole can benefit us, even if Hitch climbing is not of interest. We can use it to transition into a single rope system, either to reposition at our current height, or to adjust our height, to get over the branch we are tied to.
- Ensure that you are familiar with the use of the Maverick Hitch and Maverick Pole.
- Ensure that you have one carabiner on each bridge plus your spare, which is necessary for executing a transfer on the same bridge.
- Refer to the pages on these methods for all the details.
Repositioning
The following videos shows how we can reposition on the tree after climbing:
Coiling and Storage
History
For reference, the original version of JRB’s “universal” system was released in 2023 and evolved from a 6 hitch to a 4 hitch to a 3 hitch system. Universal System Playlist: