JRB Hitch Climbing is a method of rope climbing where we rope climb a tree without the use of a throwball. Remember: The SYSTEM is WHAT we climb on. The TECHNIQUE or METHOD is HOW we climb. We can potentially use one system for multiple climbing methods. If considering this method, review the materials on this page and on the channel, particularly the JRB Hitch Climbing System, the JRB Universal System Playlists. Both of the following systems are configured for Hitch Climbing:
Climbing Method
The hitch climbing method can be summarized as the following:
- From the base of the tree, attach the end of a rope to the trunk as high as possible (using one of multiple attachment methods or hitches, described below.)
- Climb the rope as high as we can
- Attach the other end of the rope to the tree as high as possible
- Transfer our body to the itch, transfer our body onto the new hitch
- Remove the lower hitch
- Repeat steps 2-5 as many times as necessary
- Given that the last hitch set is a remotely retrievable hitch, the climber can rappel directly to the ground and retrieve the system.
The evolution of this method is captured the “JRB Hitch Climbing” playlist. (It’s best to watch this in YouTube instead of the browser, so that you can see where you are in the playlist.)
The following items represent what is needed to construct a system, and options therein.
1. Bridge/Carabiners
It is assumed that the climber has a saddle, specifically, a saddle with an Adjustable Bridge (or Redundant Bridges) whereby the bridge can be made very short, which helps the climber position and maximize the height of each move. See pages for: Bridge or Saddle.
When hitch climbing, because we alternate our connection to the tree, we need at least 2 carabiners used to connect our bridge(s) to the rope. (Plus, JRB always has a spare.) See dedicated page: Carabiners
2. Rope
A Hitch Climbing system is constructed with a Single length of rope. It can be constructed with as little as 40′ of rope, allowing a hunter climb to approximately 25′ (depending on tree diameter and hitch used). 50′ of rope is recommended, but consider 60-80′ if also constructing a Universal system. See the page for Rope.
3. Hitch Choices
There are several options for the Hitches used, specifically those used to attach to the tree:
3A. Maverick Hitch with a Pole
This is JRB’s preferred method: Maverick Hitch attaches to the tree, and is advanced using a pole. Pole details: Pole
3B. JRB Cinch with an optional Pole
The JRB Cinch can also be used in conjunction with a Pole, or it can be used without a Pole. The pole is recommended given the extra reach it provides.
3C. Saddle Hunter’s Hitch
If the climber has no pole, a climb can be executed with a series of Saddle Hunter’s Hitch. The LAST hitch set at the top of the climb should be a JRB Hitch or a Maverick Hitch, ensuring that the system can be retrieved.
3. Friction Hitch / Cord
JRB prefers the JRB Ascender Hitch or the Maverick Hitch. See dedicated page: Cord and Favorite Knots
4. Footloop
We have options for our footloop(s) which are independent of the other choices made above.
4A. Two Webbing Footloops
A dedicated Footloop for each side can be constructed, requiring webbing for is needed for the footloop on each side. 6ft (or your height) is a good length for each. 1 inch webbing works fine on a shoe with a rigid sole. If you want the web footloop to be detachable, you can use either two small carabiners, or two small rappel rings and attach the loop with a girth hitch. JRB prefers them tied in and without the carabiners. Rationale: less hardware and can’t be lost. See the Webbing listed on the following page: Shopping List
4B. Garda Hithch Footloop
Optionally, the Garda Hitch Footloop can be used, but requires that we shorten it by folding the loop thru the carabiners, and putting one foot in each of the smaller loops created. See page for : JRB Garda Hitch Footloop
How to build system 3B:
(note: more detail or a video will be coming on this)
- Make sure the ends of the rope are clean and taped or glued.
- If using the JRB Cinch:
- Tie the Buffalo Hitches onto the rappel rings.
- Put on the biners and cord.
- Tune the size of the cord to the optimal length.
- Tie your friction hitches
- Tie your footloops
- Build your pole
- Test it safely.