DIY Pole

In both hitch climbing and stick climbing, the use of a pole is recommended to get an anchor in the tree above the climber. This page outlines how to build a DIY Pole. In order to avoid the hassle of building a pole, consider simply purchasing JRB’s Maverick Pole, available Ape Canyon Outfitters:

When building a DIY pole, consider the length. A longer pole makes for an easier climb, but is more to carry. A very long pole can also enable an SRT climb on a branchless tree, however, working a rope up a tree 20+ feet over our heads is more difficult to execute.

Related Videos

This video explains how to build a pole. Required components are listed at the bottom of the page.

The pole works with the Maverick Hitch, which is JRB’s preferred anchor:

The pole also works with the JRB Cinch:

Item 1: Pole

Be sure to plan your purchase based upon the length of a pole that you need. JRB likes the 12 foot telescoping pole and the trekking pole options. Avoid a pole which is greater than 6ft when collapsed; they are just too hard to work with.

Trango Beta Sticks

These work out of the box, no need to install a hook! JRB has the standard (12′) model

Trango Beta Stick Evo Compact (22″ – 8′)

Trango Beta Stick Evo Standard (29″ – 12′)

Trango Beta Stick Evo Ultra-Long (44″ – 22′)

Telescoping Painter Poles

Buyplus 12 ft Telescoping Carbon Fiber Pole (3.5 – 12′)

Buyplus 20ft Telescoping Pole (5-20′)

Buyplus 3ft Telescoping Pole (1.5 – 3′)

Trekking Poles (collapsible hiking sticks) work well, just not as strong as the painter’s poles. We want a stick that we can push and pull (certain kinds will only accept a compressive force and will pull apart when pulled). This Alafen product is what JRB used in the videos above. It has a metal cable inside it and extends to 50″ (127cm).

Items 2/3: hook and clamp

If the pole doesn’t have a hook to allow pushing up and pulling down on the rope, we need to buy one and attach it, using a worm-drive stainless steel hose clamp. Hose clamps generally sold in bulk online, therefore, we might be better getting one at a local hardware store after you have the other items, just to be sure it is the right size.

Garment hook: Here is the one I found on the shelves at a local Lowes Improvement Store. I needed to bend it slightly to be more vertical, but it works GREAT!

Lowes Garment Hook

Double Utility Hooks (4pack)

Stainless Steel 1″ Worm Gear Clamp

Assembly

1. Prepare the pole. For the painter’s pole, wrap some tape (non reflective gaffers tape or duct tape or similar) around the end of the pole. This will create some additional friction and cushion to prevent sliding when clamped. For the Trekking Pole, JRB recommends putting some Glue under the rubber tip before assembly. Otherwise, it could pop off during use.
2. Place the clip on it in the desired position. Place two strands of the intended rope in the hook and inspect to see if the hook needs to be bent or adjusted prior to final assembly.
3. When comfortable, secure the hook to the pole with the clamp.
4. Paint as appropriate for purposes of camouflage. Avoid painting the inner portions of a telescoping pole, as the paint may inhibit its movement.