Page Contents:
Overview
This page details how to create a system with 2 friction hitches which is specialized for use in of one of these climbing methods. Be sure you understand the method before building a system.
- Hitch Climbing
- Stick Climbing, or One Stick Climbing
- SRT is also possible, but rope rigging is more complex.
The systems below are slightly different but composed of:
- A rope
- Two friction hitches, 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.
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 3 Hitch System can be used for Hitch Climbing.
- A JRB Cinch System is also a Hitch Climbing system, but one which uses the JRB Cinch as the anchor.
Trunk Anchor options
We can build the same system and use it with different, pole-advanceable trunk anchors, and can mix and match the anchors in a single climb:
- Flipped Maverick Hitch (pole advanced & retrievable)
- Bloodgood Hitch (pole advanced & retrievable)
- Super Maverick Hitch or Maverick Hitch (pole advanced & retrievable)
- Allegheny Hitch (Pole advanced, not retrievable)
- TDL (pole advanced & retrievable with effort))
- JRB Hitch (not pole advanced, but retrievable)
- Saddle Hunter’s hitch (manually set, not retrievable)
Rope Length
The amount of rope we need depends on the anchor we prefer and the height we want to climb, not to mention the diameter of the tree. The summary is that 40′ is generally adequate for a Maverick Hitch (or variant), but a non-exploding anchor like the Bloodgood Hitch should have at least 50′. The math and details are covered on this page:
Maverick Pole
Although Hitch Climbing can be accomplished without a pole, it is much more efficient with a pole. JRB designed the Maverick Pole for this purpose:
Description & demonstrations
In April 2026, JRB released this video, demonstrating the concept:
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.
This is the same method but demonstrated on a Rappel Rope which was converted into a climbing system:
Building a System
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
We need 2 hitches on the rope. The Formula Hitch, Longhorn Agile Hitch and JRB Ascender hitches will work. 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 is recommended, and configured into the shorter “transformation mode”.
5B. Dedicated Webbing Footloops
Instead of the Garda, a dedicated Footloop for each side is a viable option (see video below). The user should recognize that in the event that the upper friction hitch started to slip, it would eventually contact the lower friction hitch, and presumably, both could start slipping. The Garda Hitch does not have this failure mode.
In order to build dual, independent footloops, each footloop is constructed with a loop of webbing which is connected to a self tending friction hitch such as the compact JRB Ascender or Longhorn Agile in Ring Tender Mode.
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.