Page Contents:
The “bridge” is the rope that connects our left and right ‘bridge loops’ which typically has a carabiner in the center and connects us to our lifeline or tether. Although a bridge comes with our saddle, technically, it is a replaceable component added to our saddle. JRB is an advocate of having 2 bridges on our saddle (redundant bridges). The longer/upper bridge is the primary bridge and the shorter/lower bridge is the backup, used in rappel, emergencies and advanced techniques. JRB connects each bridge to the rope independently, ensuring that if the moving/frictional point of attachment to the rope slipped or failed, the climber will not fall more than a few inches.
JRB prefers that both bridges are adjustable: 1) Making our primary bridge as long as possible will minimize the squeezing effect of a saddle and the ‘hip pinch’ associated with it. 2) Making our short bridge as short as possible is of benefit in JRB Hitch Climbing (and Stick Climbing, eliminating need for a lineman’s belt to hold our position between moves.
Elements
Depending on the design chosen, the elements for building a bridge can be found on these pages:
Bridge Designs
Below are several Bridge designs and concepts introduced by JRB. As of 2024, JRB is using #1 as his primary bridge and #2 as his short bridge. Do not attempt any of these designs if you are not comfortable in tying the necessary knots. See the videos and related knot tying videos which are mentioned in them.
1. Longhorn Agile Bridge
Currently, JRB is using the Longhorn Agile Bridge as his primary bridge. As stated in the video, the length of the rope used for the bridge should be approximately your height plus 2 feet. The amount of cord needed depends on the diameters:
- For 6mm cord on 8mm rope, use 96″ of cord, with 12″ ends to start the Longhorn.
- For 7mm cord on 9.5mm rope, use 120″ of cord, with 14″ ends to start the Longhorn.
2. Blakes Hitch Tensioner Bridge
The Blakes Hitch Tensioner makes a great 2nd/redundant bridge. 8′ (96″) is a good length for the cord, given that we can always reduce the size after its complete. The perfect length for the working end could vary depending on how thick your bridge loop is, but these are recommendations:
- 6mm cord: 32″ working end
- 7mm cord: 33.5″ working end
- 8mm cord: 35″ working end
This is the predecessor video detailing the Blake’s Hitch Tensioner, which used a 32″ working end on 7mm cord.
3. Double Adjustable Bridge
This is the 2023 design. Although JRB is currently using the newer designs above, there is nothing wrong with this design. All the details are in the video. Use a length of rope that is approximately double your height (approximately 12 feet), and two 72″ lengths of cord.
4. Non-mechanical, adjustable bridge
In 2022, JRB introduced this design, using, 9 ft or 108 in or 274 cm of 7mm cord to construct it. In practice, most climbers keep one bridge shorter than the other and the short one is constructed with 7ft (213 cm). 24″ (61cm) is used as the working end when starting the Blakes Hitch. This bridge does not cinch in place on the bridge loops and for that reason, it was replaced with newer designs.
5. Simple Redundant Bridge Options
In this video, JRB outlines 10 “devices” that can be used to construct a redundant / backup bridge and how to vary the configuration to suit the need and change the length.
6. The Original Redundant Bridge
This video shows JRB’s initial concept for a simple, non-adjustable, 2nd (short) bridge. The design uses 4 ft (122 cm) of cord, closed into a fixed loop with a hunters bend, capturing both bridge loops. The Hunter’s Bend can be untied and adjusted as necessary so as to ensure that the short bridge is adequately shorter than the long bridge. If a more secure bend is desired, consider using 6 ft (183 cm) and a sliding triple fisherman’s bend (video available), and consider a carabiner on the end, ensuring it is removeable and can be untied. Get the length set, then trim the ends as appropriate.
7. Impromptu / Removable Loop Bridge
As described in the #3, a 24 inch (60cm) sling (runner) with a girth hitch on one bridge loop and a carabiner on the other makes a solid Bridge for impromptu or emergency use. The concept was also demonstrated in the following video: Self Rescue After Loss of Footing. The following products can be used to make an impromtu bridge. Note that these are at RockNArbor, not ApeCanyon; use the JRB10 coupon code.