Page Contents:
Overview
This page details how to create a system with 2 friction hitches which is dedicated to the use of one of these climbing methods (none of which involve the use of a throwball). Be sure you understand the method before building a system.
- Hitch Climbing
- Stick Climbing, or One Stick Climbing
See related pages:
Related Climbing Systems
Because the Hitch Climbing Method allows the climber to ascend on a single rope, the system can be considered a type of SRT system. However, in order to avoid confusion, JRB has created separate pages for each specific system. This system is dedicated to the methods stated above. These are the other systems which can be used to execute the Hitch Climbing Method:
- A Universal System can also be used with DSRT and SRT.
- A SRT System can be configured with 1, 2 or 3 friction hitches, allowing it to be used in SRT, Hitch Climbing and Universal modes.
- A JRB Cinch System is also a Hitch Climbing system, but one which does not require tying the anchor knot at the tree, but at the expense of a more difficult rope retrieval.
Description / demonstration
On July 1, 2024, JRB released this video, with a full demonstration and explanation of the system and method, showing both a 40′ system and a 60′ Universal System. The 40′ system is the subject of this page. The system consists of:
- A rope, typically 40′
- Two Longhorn Agile Friction hitches, tied in a compact form, configured to hold/climb towards each end of the rope.
- A Garda Hitch Footloop
- A Maverick Pole
- A Saddle equipped with a redundant bridge.
This is the same method but demonstrated on a Rappel Rope which was converted into a climbing system:
Rope Length
For minimum length systems which will be used for Hitch Climbing, JRB recommends a rope length of:
- Max crotch height + 10′
- A minimum of 40′
40′ might sound like a lot, but consider that if we execute a hitch climb and set the platform 24′ off the ground, the the anchor is set at least 6′ higher. An 18″ diameter tree has a 5′ circumference. A Maverick Hitch anchor requires an additional 5′. Adding it up: 24+6+5+5 = 40′.
If you are starting with an existing rope and want to know how high it will get you, by reversing the math you can approximate the maximum platform height as: Rope Length minus 16′. For example, a 30′ rope could get us around 14′ high.
Note that all of these calculations are approximate and are affected by the tree diameter and your preferred anchor height with respect to the platform.
Pole
Although Hitch Climbing can be accomplished without a pole, it is much more efficient with a pole. Use the Maverick Hitch (or Super Maverick) as the anchor and advance it using a pole. See:
Components
The following items represent what is needed to construct a dedicated Hitch Climbing system.
1. Redundant Adjustable Bridges
The hunter should have a saddle with dual adjustable bridges, such that both bridges can be made very short, which helps the climber position and maximize the height of each move. JRB has multiple designs:
2. Carabiners
When hitch climbing, in addition to any carabiners already on our bridges, we need 2 additional carabiners used to be left on the rope with the Compact Longhorn Agile Hitches. JRB recommends large, pear or HMS shaped carabiners.) See:
3. Rope
A Hitch Climbing system is constructed with a Single length of rope. JRB recommends 40′ length of rope. See:
4. Friction Hitch / Cord
JRB prefers the Compact Longhorn Agile Hitch, specifically 2 hitches tied on each end of the rope. The cord diameter and length must be chosen to be commensurate with the rope. See:
5. Footloop
Hitch Climbing Systems have an option when it comes to the footloop.
5A. Garda Hitch Footloop
The Garda Hitch Footloop can be used, but requires that it is equipped with the ‘Transformation Loop’. With a single Garda Hitch Footloop, during the climb, the Garda Hitch is moved to which ever end of the rope is being ascended. An option is to have two Garda Hitch Footloops, one for each side, making the “transfer” operation easier.
5B. Dedicated Webbing Footloops
A dedicated Footloop for each side is a viable option (see video below). The footloop is constructed with a loop of webbing which is connected to a self tending friction hitch. The Compact JRB Ascender (v3) is preferred. Options:
Note: these systems lack the level of independent redundancy provided by the Garda Hitch Footloop.
Approximately 6′ (or = your height) of 1″ webbing is a good length for each. In order to make the web footloop to be detachable and to aid in the self tending action of the friction hitch, JRB recommend attaching the footloops to the friction hitch with a carabiner. OP Raider is recommended.
This demonstration is on a Universal System, but shows how dedicated footloops can be integrated:
Testing & Practice
Don’t take any chances…
Before attempting to execute an unsupervised climb or hunt on ANY system, ensure that the system has been tested. Before even climbing, connect the system to a tree and start with your feet on the ground and test everything. Bounce around, make sure you know how the system behaves. Make it earn your trust. If you are going to have a problem, have it here with your feet on the ground. Your first climbs should be executed with supervision, and please consider wearing a helmet. Never attempt to climb alone by any method until you have mastered it, and ensure that you have taken all possible precautions and have all foreseeable emergency supplies. On every climb and on every hunt, be sure you have a communication plan in place and have shared your location information as appropriate.