JRB encourages all hunters to use a LIFELINE or CLIMBING ROPE instead of a TETHER, ensuring you can safely rappel to ground at all times. In the event of a loss of footing from a slip or equipment failure, a tether is too short and can leave a hunter stuck in a tree, requiring a rescue. See the Safety page and playlist for additional info. This page explores 5 dimensions of a Lifeline and Rappel System.
1. The Rope
Please review the information on the Rope page, which covers the different types of ropes and product recommendations and discounts:
In terms of length, for a single rope system, we need enough rope to go from the ground to the highest anchor we will use, on the thickest tree we would ever climb. For most Saddle Hunters, JRB recommends 40′ of rope which should allow climbing to 25′. See the info on the Rope page for a recommended minimum diameter based on your weight.
2. The Anchor
The Anchor. There are many anchors for a rope in a tree, but for a rappel system, the climber needs a retrievable anchor, allowing retrieval of the rope after the climber has safely arrived at the ground. See separate page for Trunk Anchors:
3. The Rappel Device (& technique)
See the Ape Canyon Products here, and use the JRB15 coupon code: Ape Canyon Ascenders and Descenders
Although you may prefer a different device and method, JRB prefers using a Munter Friction Hitch for Rappel, requiring only a large, pear shaped carabiner to serve as the friction device. The Petzl William Ball Carabiner is recommended. See page:
Rappel on the Munter Friction hitch is recommended and demonstrated in this video, which has been the most popular video on the channel:
Alternatively, here’s a simple friction device. The same technique can be used with many devices, including an ATC or Figure 8.
4. The Backup Friction Hitch
4A Longhorn Agile Hitch
In order to initiate rappel when nothing is under our feet, we need a hitch that is breakable under the full weight of our body. The Longhorn Agile Hitch is recommended. The various “Compact” versions of the JRB Ascender are also valid options. Climbers are responsible for tying the friction hitches properly AND verifying that they can reliably be broken under load, and performing this verification before executing an actual climb and rappel. The friction hitch is tied with a cord that is approximately 75% the diameter (or roughly 2mm smaller) than the rope.
4B – Hedden Knot for a Mechanical Device Backup
If we are backing up a mechanical device, or if we want to back up a friction hitch, a Hedden Knot installed above the primary device will do the job. Note that the Hedden cannot be broken under load. We need to get our weight off the Hedden in order to resume rappel. See the Self Rescue Playlists for additional info.
The Hedden can also be tied with only one hand in an emergency situation:
5. The Retrieval Cord
Once we have executed our rappel, we need to retrieve our anchor. Although Paracord and similar products in the 2-3mm range do work for this, JRB prefers a 25′ length of 6mm Nylon Utility Cord. The additional bulk is minimal, and that cord can be used in many different emergency applications. JRB ties a small Bowline on each end in order to make it easy to attach with a mini-carabiner. See product choices here: