Page Contents:
Introduction
This page explores 6 dimensions of a Lifeline and Rappel System. 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. Think of your Lifeline as a “long tether”. Once you learn to use it for rappel, you will have a great foundation for the logical step: using it to climb.
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 for additional info.
1. The Saddle / Bridge
Choosing the optimal system and technique is dependent on how our saddle is set up. JRB recommends having 2 bridges on our saddle, especially for rappel. See page. However, if you do not have 2 bridges on your saddle and no desire to change, the recommended rappel technique is still viable, but we need longer loops on our friction hitch.
2. 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.
3. 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. We don’t need a sewn eye or a quick link either. See separate page for Trunk Anchors. For most applications, JRB’s favorite is the Maverick Hitch:
4. The Rappel Device (& technique)
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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. See page for recommendations:
Rappel on the Munter Friction hitch is recommended and demonstrated in this video, which has been the most popular video on the channel:
Here is a similar demonstration, but on a DSRT system with a doubled rope:
Alternatively, here’s a simple friction device. The same technique can be used with many devices, including an ATC or Figure 8.
5. The Friction Hitch
Warning: Do not attempt to use friction hitch as a Rappel Device. Performance characteristics vary greatly amongst friction hitches, but in general, they can ‘jam’ (get tighter) if we use them as the single source of friction in a rappel, which could cause the climber to get stuck. JRB recommends that although the friction hitch should be present as a backup during rappel, the majority of the friction should be absorbed by the friction device, and the hitch is just ‘along for the ride. In an emergency, even a crude loop around our foot to create a footbrake can absorb 50% of our weight, allowing us to slowly step down the rope.
Assuming we are not using a mechanical rappel device, initiating a rappel (or self rescue) when nothing is under our feet is much easier if we are using a hitch that is breakable under the full weight of our body. The Longhorn Agile Hitch is breakable under load, self tending and relatively easy to tie, and is the overall recommendation. The JRB Ascender Hitch has similar performance, but more difficult to tie. See related pages.
5A – Longhorn Agile Hitch
The overall recommendation is a Longhorn Agile Hitch, tied with a cord that is approximately 75% the diameter (or roughly 2mm smaller) than the rope. If we have two bridges, we can fashion a fairly compact LA. But if we have only one bridge, we need an LA with loops approximately 6″ long, in order to give us room for the Munter carabiner. See:
5B – 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:
6. The Retrieval Cord
Once we have executed our rappel, we need to retrieve our anchor. Although Paracord and similar products in the 2-3 mm range do work for this, JRB prefers a (minimum) 30′ length of 4-5 mm 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: