DSRT

JRB’s Doubled Stationary Rope Technique (DSRT) is a climbing technique (method) created by JRB and remains his preferred method to climb. The majority of JRB’s hunts are executed using DSRT. Remember: our SYSTEM is WHAT we climb on. The TECHNIQUE or METHOD is HOW we climb. We can execute DSRT with different systems, such as a Universal System or a DSRT-only system.

Advantages

The reasons JRB prefers DSRT are the following:

1. Because our weight is shared by both sides, DSRT is feasible on smaller diameter ropes. See recommendations on the Rope page.
2. Because each supports only HALF our weight, friction hitches are easier to move and break with less risk of getting jammed.
3. Requires no knots to be tied at the climbing site, (except in the occasion that the rope won’t pass through a tight crotch.)
4. There is no anchor to be set or removed.
5. No retrieval line necessary, we rig and retrieve the rope itself.
6. It’s the fastest method in JRB’s toolbox.
7. High efficiency, (minimal loss of effort) especially when compared to MRS/DRT or any method where we have to remain standing, pulling or holding on.
8. End loops are not necessary: Can build a DSRT system without and rig into the tree by connecting to the friction hitch.
9. Because both ends of the system touch the ground, we have two haul lines built into the system. One can be used for our bow/weapon and the other can be used for a pack, if desired.
10. Amongst JRB’s systems, it is the easiest system to construct.

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Here is the 2022 video which talks through many of the Advantages over other methods.

Disadvantages

When compared to other methods, these could be considered disadvantages of DSRT compared to other methods.

1. Requires more rope than SRT-only system.
2. 360 degree positioning is best with swivel on our bridge. (additional cost)
3. Advancing 2 friction hitches on each step requires more effort and coordination than SRT, which has only one hitch.
4. DSRT (and SRT) require the use of a throwball or paracord preset installed with a throwball or another climbing method. In those situations, it is best to have a Universal System, capable of multiple methods.

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The Steps

Below, are a suggested set of numbered steps when taking on the challenge of climbing DSRT:

1. Learn

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:

2024 demonstrations:

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.

Saddle

If you do not have a saddle, go ahead and absorb this section anyway, and simply add your saddle to your shopping list in the next section.

Redundant Bridge Planning

Although we CAN execute a DSRT climb on one bridge, JRB recommends 2 bridges. JRB has published several options. See dedicated page for the: Bridge.

Rope and Method Planning

As per the info above, besides DSRT, consider what other methods you may want to use in the future. Rationale: If we plan ahead and buy a rope which is both long enough for DSRT and also thick enough for SRT, we can start with DSRT and convert it into a Universal System later. See this page and video below: Universal System. The most important investment is our rope. Buy plenty! JRB uses 80ft and recommends at least 65ft. See page for : Rope. After we decide on a rope, we then choose the appropriate friction hitches and cords for them.

Friction Hitch Planning

Even before you make your purchases, pls watch the videos and make a plan for which friction hitch you want to use in your system.

1. The Longhorn Agile Hitch has the best overall performance and is reasonably easy to remove, but requires more cord, and is a bit 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 performant as the Longhorn Agile: it can be more difficult to advance and can work itself tighter.
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, roughly equivalent to the Longhorn Agile, but is more complex to tie.
5. Originally, JRB used the Michoacán in DSRT (and double Meech), but it has been removed from the list of recommendations due to the better performance of the hitches listed above.

If using the 523 JRB Ascender, tie it in Soft Bridge Mode, and expose just one loop out of the bottom. Note that this would be a hassle to remove and retie at the climbing site in the event that the friction hitch won’t pass thru the crotch.

This video shows basically the same thing, but covers how to embed a rappel ring inside the hitch.

3. Shop

The items necessary to BUILD a DSRT capable system are the following:

1. Saddle
2. Redundant Bridge
3. Rope (75 ft is a great length). Consider if you need more for a bridge.
4. Cord (enough for 2 friction hitches and whatever bridge you decide on)
5. Two Carabiners, one for each bridge
6. Garda Hitch Footloop
7. A small, rigging Carabiner (get a couple)
8. A JRB End Loop is recommended on one the end of the rope
9. Throwball and Paracord (see Shopping List)

See these pages for specific items.

4. Build a Footloop

All the details on the JRB Garda Hitch Footloop are in the adjacent page: Garda Hitch Footloop

5. Tie the Friction Hitches

Refer to the Length Spec’s page on this website to understand how much cord to use for different 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.

6. Rigging

We need to plan for how we are rigging the rope into the tree. The JRB End Loop is recommended, but not necessary for DSRT only. We can simply clip our paracord preset into the friction hitch and pull it up.

Other options for connecting a rope to a line:

Older video shows the general process:

7. Practice

Here are some to watch for climbing technique. Also refer to the end of the ‘Geometry’ video; link above.

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Don’t take any chances

Ensure that any practice is done safely, with both supervision, and proper protective equipment. Never attempt to climb alone by any method until you have mastered it. JRB does all he can to help. You can ask JRB questions via Facebook or the Website.