DSRT System

Page Contents:

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This page describes how to build a climbing system dedicated to DSRT method. To understand more about the DSRT method and it’s advantages, see:

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The other system which is capable of DSRT is JRB’s Universal System. See:

Comparison of DSRT Systems

Before deciding which system to build, consider the primary differences between a DSRT-only system and a Universal system and which is right for YOU, YOUR hunting style and the trees in YOUR forest.

1. A DSRT-only system is simpler to build. A basic DSRT system is just a Garda and a Rope with 2 friction hitches. End loops are not necessary; the rope can be rigged into the tree using the friction hitch.
2. A DSRT-only system is only used with a throwball or paracord preset. A Universal System allows access to a greater variety of trees, given that it supports SRT (and specific situations which prefer it) and Hitch Climbing (no throwball).
3. A DSRT can be lighter and less bulky given that (depending on rope availability), the system can be constructed of thinner diameter rope than a Universal System, which must support single rope methods on a single friction hitch, requiring more surface area for adequate performance.

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Building a DSRT System

1. Learn

Before we buy or try anything, we must learn as much about it as possible. Here is a link to the DSRT Playlist on YouTube. All videos down to the “bookmark” video have content that a new climber would benefit from seeing. DSRT Playlist.

Geometry and technique details are described in the video.

Rappel technique, including creating the the Munter Friction hitch needs to be rehearsed and memorized before embarking on an actual climb:

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2. Plan

Specific planning topics are covered below. As you plan, make a shopping list of items that you need based on what you already have.

2A. How much rope?

For DSRT systems, JRB recommends 80-100′. Rationale: the rope must be at least double the height of the highest crotch of interest. JRB has a few trees where 80′ for a 40′ crotch is not enough. Also, if you plan to use your climbing rope to bring up your gear, we need a few extra feet.

2B. Friction Hitch Planning

Even before you make your decision on a Rope and Cord, pls watch the videos and make a plan for which friction hitch you want to use in your system. It’s critical that you are comfortable tying the hitch that you use, and some are more complex than others. JRB recommends a Longhorn Agile or Longhorn Zenith hitch, but the others remain viable and are included here for your consideration and historic reference for those who use and prefer them.

1. The Longhorn Agile Hitch has the best overall performance and is reasonably easy to remove, but is more bulky to pass through a crotch. It is critically important that the climber ensures that the hitch is properly tied and has not become destabilized in transport prior to placing the carabiner through BOTH loops.
2. The Longhorn Zenith Hitch is the most stable when slack and in transport and least likely to accidentally come off our rope. It is the easiest to remove and retie. However, it is not as resilient as the Longhorn Agile of JRB Ascender: it can be more difficult to advance and can work itself tighter (jam).
3. The Agile Hitch works best with carabiner handles. It is easy to tie but can be difficult to break.
4. The JRB Ascender Hitch has great performance, and non jamming characteristics, roughly equivalent to the Longhorn Agile, but is more complex to tie. If using the 523 JRB Ascender, tie it in Soft Bridge Mode, and expose just one loop out of the bottom. The only concern is that the hitch requires more time to remove and retie at the climbing site in the event that the friction hitch won’t pass thru the crotch.
5. Originally, JRB used the Michoacán in DSRT (and double Meech), and although they work and can be used, there are better choices above.

2C. Choose a Rope and Cord Combination

Refer to the information on these pages. JRB’s favorite combination is the 8mm Rougaroo rope with 6mm Sterling TRC cord. Heavier climbers should consider 9.5mm rope and 7mm cord. Note that the Friction Hitch chosen determines the optimal cord diameter; (Longhorn Zenith works best on a smaller ratio.) Always buy some extra cord: We need some for practice and we should carry some for emergencies.

2D. Redundant Bridge Planning

Although we CAN execute a DSRT climb on one bridge, JRB recommends 2 bridges. Because we are planning before we purchase, we might buy a bit more Rope or Cord to build our bridge(s). JRB has published several options. See:

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3. Shop

Assuming we have a saddle, the list of items necessary for the construction of a DSRT capable system are the following. It’s your system, so grab a pen and make up your own list based on what you have, what you like and what you need.

1. Rope 75 ft is a good length for most, but it all depends on the trees in your forest. Also consider if you need more for a bridge.
2. Cord – We need enough for 2 friction hitches plus whatever bridge you decide on, plus some for practice and some for emergencies. Get double what you think you need, at least 25′.
3. Redundant Bridge (the choice of which may affect the Rope and Cord quantities)
4. Two Carabiners, one for each bridge. A Swivel on the long bridge is recommended, but not necessary. (link below)
5. Garda Hitch Footloop (link below)
6. A small, rigging Carabiner (get a couple, on Carabiners page)
7. Throwball and Paracord (see Shopping List)
8. A JRB End Loop is recommended but not necessary on one the end of the rope (videos below).

See these pages for specific items.

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4. Build

1. Build your bridge(s). Refer to the page linked above for Bridge Design.
2. Build the Footloop. All the details on the JRB Garda Hitch Footloop are on the page.
3. Tie the Friction Hitches. After tying them and adjusting your bridge, ensure that you can easily reach over the top of the friction hitches when in a sitting position.
4. Practice the Munter. It must be memorized before climging. Video above.

5. Test

Before climbing, just sit in the system and test it out after draping the rope over a low limb or rafter and make sure that you are comfortable. Practice a one step climb and one step rappel. Watch Caila’s experience below. Also refer to the end of the ‘Geometry’ video; link above.

Watch this video and think about what could go wrong… prepare some emergency supplies.

6. Practice

Before we climb on a hunt, we need to practice in a safe setting. Supervision and a helmet are recommended. Here is a first time climb of a new system and some more tips on climbing technique. Also refer to the end of the ‘Geometry’ video; link above.

And of course, we need to be able to reliably get our rope in a tree before we climb. Practice your thowball technique and rigging up paracord presets. The simplest solution for rigging the rope into the tree is to simply use a clip to connect a loop on the end of the paracord preset to the friction hitch and pull it into the tree. This is demonstrated in the video above : DSRT on the Longhorn Agile Hitch with a Single Shove. Other options below. The JRB End Loop is recommended, and necessary on a tree with a really tight crotch where we might need to remove a friction hitch, but not necessary for most trees.

This older video shows the general process, but assumes we have a clip on the end of the rope:

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Rope Coil

Use a butterfly coil to wrap up your rope:

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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.