Page Contents:
Overview
An SRT system is a minimum length system which can be configured in different “modes” and used for the following climbing methods. Get familiar with the supported methods before attempting to build a system.
- SRT, canopy anchor only
- Hitch Climbing
- No-Slack Stick Climbing
Key Decision
Unlike the Universal System, switching between between modes and methods may require removing or tying knots at the climbing site, such as the the Maverick Hitch, Longhorn Agile Hitch and Bowline on a Bight. If the climber is NOT comfortable with tying a life sustaining knot at the climbing site, consider:
- Build a Universal System instead. In the majority of trees, it can be used in DSRT mode without tying any knots.
- Build a JRB Cinch System instead. It is limited to non-throwball scenarios.
- Build an SRT system and set it up in Ready Mode, described below.
Rope Length
For systems which will be used for Single Rope Methods only, including SRT and Hitch Climbing (NOT DSRT), JRB recommends a rope length of:
- Max crotch height + 10′
- A minimum of 40′
Consider these examples:
- Example 1: If have climbed to 24′ off the ground (the height of our platform), we need an additional 6′ above our platform to reach the location of the anchor. An 18″ diameter tree has a 5′ circumference. A Maverick Hitch anchor requires an additional 5′. Adding it up: 24+6+5+5 = 40′.
- Example 2: An SRT climber has a rope over a crotch which is 30′ high, but requires a couple feet to go around the crotch and 5ft for a Maverick anchor: 30+2+5 = 37′.
Planning and Shopping
Regardless which variant we are building, the components for building an SRT system can be found on these pages.
Redundant bridges. Although we CAN execute a climb on one bridge, JRB recommends 2 bridges. JRB has published several options. See dedicated page for the: Bridge, and plan if you need any extra rope or cord.
Rope Considerations: In SRT, because all of our weight is on one friction hitch, with less total surface area, JRB prefers a larger diameter rope for SRT than DSRT. (See information on the Rope page.) The length of rope needed depends on the kind of system we are building. But at minimum, if building a canopy anchor SRT system, don’t purchase less than 40′ of rope, ensuring we can climb to 25′ (depending on tree diameter). JRB prefers a minimum of 60′, allowing the system to be used as a Universal System, which is capable of DSRT also. Basal anchor systems should be longer, at least 80′.
Cord and Friction Hitch: Plan on using the Longhorn Agile Hitch, with the Optimal/Recommended Length.
Modes
A single piece of rope can be configured in many ways to create non-mechanical SRT system. JRB characterizes these as “modes”.
Naked Mode
Naked mode is simply a naked rope. The rope may or may not have a sewn eye and/or an end loop. No Friction Hitches are on the line. From Naked Mode, we can transition the system into any of the other modes.
Quick Link Mode
Quick link mode is a naked rope, plus a quick link, either in a sewn eye or via a scaffold knot. The rope has NO friction hitches on it:
- Attach retrieval line to Quick Link
- Attach preset to end loop
- Draw it up over the crotch
- Pull it thru the quick link on the way down
- Set canopy anchor
- Attach LA and climb
- (reverse the steps to retrieve)
Ready Mode
“Ready” is the name of this mode because all of the knots are tied in advance and therefore, the system is always READY to be rigged and climbed using Canopy Anchor SRT. This video outlines the details of the recommended system. Related videos are included in the description of this video in YouTube. Ensure that you TEST and PRACTICE on the system before trying it on a hunt. Some details on the knots used and why:
- Scotts Locked Bowline was chosen instead of another secure end loop is because of its advantage in orientation. But a Bowline on a Bight can be used instead.
- The JRB Ascender was chosen over the Longhorn Agile because of its more sleek profile, which needs to be passed through the Bowline loop. But the Longhorn Agile can be used instead. Note: only one friction hitch is needed in ready mode.
Check back for more details, coming soon.
Hitch Climbing Mode
Configure one LA on each end of the rope, allowing climbing towards the end of the rope. In this mode, it is identical to a Hitch Climbing system.
Convertible Mode
Take the system in Hitch Climbing Mode and add a friction hitch to one end, facing the opposite direction. We can execute most climbs in this configuration without removing any friction hitches. (Stay tuned for a video on this.)
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.