DSRT Method

Page Contents:

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DSRT Introduction

JRB’s Doubled Stationary Rope Technique (DSRT) is a climbing method whereby a rope is passed over a strong crotch and back down to the climber. The climber ascends both sides of the rope, without the rope moving. JRB uses DSRT to climb in most hunting situations for the reasons cited below.

This page focusses on the method. If you wish to pursue DSRT, see dedicated pages for the construction of one of the two systems which enable DSRT:

Related Pages:

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Throwball Use Required

DSRT requires that the rope is installed into a secure crotch in the tree using one of the following methods, detailed on the dedicated page. If none are feasible, the DSRT method should not be considered further. Consider JRB Hitch Climbing or No-slack Stick Climbing, covered on separate pages.

1. A paracord preset which was installed in the tree at a previous time, possibly years earlier. (recommended)
2. Using a throwball the day of the hunt.
3. Using a long pole to install the throwball the day of the hunt.
4. Using a False Crotch

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DSRT / SRT Comparison

The reason JRB prefers DSRT in most situations is simply because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Advantages of DSRT over SRT

1. No anchor to be set or removed.
2. No knots are tied at the climbing site.
3. No retrieval line necessary.
4. Faster – Because of the above, we save time.
5. Friction hitches are easier to move and break, with less jamming potential, simply because each supports only HALF our weight.

Advantages of SRT over DSRT

1. Basic SRT system requires less rope than a DSRT system.
2. SRT does not require the additional cost for a swivel. In DSRT, 360 degree positioning is best with a swivel.
3. SRT requires less coordination to move the Garda and the hitches than DSRT

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General Advantages

The reasons JRB prefers DSRT in general, when compared to methods used by other saddle hunters:

1. Safety: Always on Zero slack and always have a rappel path to ground. Most saddle hunting climbing methods do not.
2. Redundancy for all moving points of attachment on the rope.
3. No mechanical devices, reducing cost, weight, setup complexity, and metal/noise potential.
4. No knots are tied at the climbing site.
5. It’s the fastest climbing method JRB is aware of. (See 2 minute climb video)
6. Quiet. Once we arrive at the tree, our feet never move from their position until we are off the ground and silently ascend the tree, with no scraping or clank potential.
7. High efficiency. The rope does not move in the crotch and doesn’t need to bend through pulleys and devices, all of which decrease efficiency: All of our effort goes into moving ourselves up the tree. Even a stick climber burns a lot of calories just holding on.
8. Two haul lines are built into the system in that both ends of the rope reach the ground. One can be used for our bow/weapon and the other can be used for a pack, if desired.
9. Easy to build a system. A basic DSRT system is just a Garda and a Rope with 2 hitches. End loops are not necessary: can rig into the tree using the friction hitch.
10. Thinner ropes. Because each side has half our load, DSRT-only systems can be constructed with the smallest diameter climbing ropes, as small as 7mm.

Here is the 2022 video which explains many of the Advantages cited above.

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DSRT Demonstrations

Before we try anything, we should 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. At a minimum, these are the most relevant videos all DSRT climbers should view:

If the Longhorn Agile Hitch is used, both friction hitches can be moved with one hand, with a “single shove”. Earlier friction hitches were longer and less performant and needed to be operated independently with a “double shove” which requires more coordination and balance.

Geometry and technique details are described in this older 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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This video has some more detail on climbing technique. Also refer to the end of the ‘Geometry’ video; link above.

This video captures the details of what to expect and what steps to take in our first climb. This demonstration obviously was done before the possibility of a system with Longhorn Agile Hitches and a “Single Shove” to advance them.

The system has some level of redundancy and this video explores how that could be engaged and what could go wrong and how to plan for it.

This video shows an advanced scenario where a Longhorn Soft Shackle helps us use a high branch or a dead branch for rigging around the trunk. Note that a retrieval line is also needed.

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