SRT System

Page Contents:

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Overview

The SRT systems covered on this page are minimum length systems, specifically where the rope is only long enough to form a canopy anchor and reach the ground. The rope is too short for DSRT, MRS or basal anchor SRT. By rearranging friction hitches, an SRT system can be configured in different “modes” and used for these single rope climbing methods. Get familiar with the supported methods before attempting to build a system.

1. SRT, canopy anchor only
2. Hitch Climbing
3. No-Slack Stick Climbing

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Rope Length

For minimum length 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′

40′ might sound like a lot, but consider these examples:

1. Regardless of our desired hunting height, the tree of interest has a crotch at 35′. Depending on the anchor used, 40′ is just enough rope.
2. Hitch climb and set the platform 24′ off the ground. The anchor is set 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′.
3. 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′.

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Planning and Shopping

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 Diameter: 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.)

Cord and Friction Hitch: Plan on using the Longhorn Agile Hitch, with the Optimal/Recommended Length.

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Modes

The same 40′ short-rope system can be configured with friction hitches in different configurations, allowing different climbing methods. JRB characterizes the specific arrangement of friction hitches as “modes”, detailed below:

1. Basic SRT Mode
2. Pre-configured SRT Mode
3. Hitch Climbing Mode
4. Three Hitch Mode

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Basic SRT Mode

Regardless of the various possible canopy anchors employed, in Basic SRT Mode, the rope has NO friction hitches on it at the start and is configured for an SRT climb at the climbing location after setting the canopy anchor. JRB also refers to this as a “minimum complexity” system. Steps:

1. Pull rope up / over the crotch using the throwball or paracord loop.
2. Pull it through the anchor on the way down.
3. Attach retrieval line to the anchor as it goes up.
4. Set the anchor.
5. Attach the friction device
6. Climb / rappel
7. Retrieve via reversal of the steps.

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Preconfigured SRT Mode

Preconfigured implies that ALL of the knots are tied in advance and therefore, the system is always READY to be rigged and climbed using Canopy Anchor SRT. In order to pass a friction hitch through a running anchor in midair, the system needs a large loop at one end that can be properly positioned.

The disadvantage of this method is that the rigging of the rope is a more precarious operation, given that we need to pass a friction hitch through a loop in mid air (“threading the needle”).

In this video, JRB demonstrates a Preconfigured SRT system using a Longhorn Agile Hitch and a JRB Bowline.

This (older) demonstration used the Scotts Locked Bowline as the running Loop and the JRB Ascender Hitch rather than the Longhorn Agile. Although the newer system is preferred, this system and the info in the video remains viable and relevant.

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Hitch Climbing Mode

When configured for Hitch Climbing, the rope has two friction hitches, tied in the opposite directions, allowing climbing towards the end of the rope. In this mode, the system is identical to a “Hitch Climbing System”. See:

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Three Hitch Mode

If we take the system in Hitch Climbing Mode and add a friction hitch to one end (facing the opposite direction as the hitch adjacent to it), we can execute most SRT or Hitch climbs without removing any friction hitches. (Stay tuned for a video on this.)

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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.