| Use Coupon Code JRB15 at: https://www.apecanyon.com/ Checkout the: JRB Tree Climbing Collection |
| Use Coupon Code JRB10 at: https://www.rocknarbor.com/ |
Because every saddle hunter may have own some equipment already, we all need to figure out what we need based on what we already have. Take the time to go through this page (and linked pages) to see what JRB recommends. Note that these (non-climbing) items are on separate pages:
1. Everybody needs:
The stuff in this section is what JRB recommends for everybody, no matter how you are climbing:
Saddle – If you do not already have a saddle, here is what JRB recommends for a saddle:
Bridge – JRB recommends that our saddle has 2 bridges. There are multiple options, but the simplest option to get started is to use the existing bridge on your saddle and simply add a piece of rugged utility cord tied in a loop as a redundant bridge. Design options:
Rope – A conventional “tether” holds us to the tree, but is not long enough to get us to the ground and out of trouble. JRB recommends that all climbers uses a Lifeline, which is basically a tether which is long enough to reach the ground. If you have a rappel rope already, consider getting a rope which is long enough for DSRT, which is JRB’s preferred and recommended climbing method for most situations. JRB also recommends installing the JRB End loop on the end of your rope to make rigging easier. Details here:
JRB Garda Hitch Footloop – Used in potentially any climbing method, a Garda Hitch Footloop is recommended for all climbers:
Cord – JRB recommends getting some extra. For example, consider that a Universal System with four friction hitches typically uses 28′. A Garda hitch Footloop uses 8′. A Blakes Hitch Tensioner Bridge uses 8′.
Carabiners, A Large Pear shaped carabiner for each bridge plus a spare is recommended. Also get a small accessory carabiners for rope rigging.
Platform – Unless you have one or prefer something else for your footing, most saddle hunters use a platform.
Lineman’s Belt – JRB rarely needs one because he’s always tied in, but given that our LB can also act as a gear holder and rope tensioner, it’s handy to have on us. JRB’s design:
2. Depending on how you climb:
The stuff in this section is recommended but dependent on the climbing methods employed:
Pole
A pole can be used to set an anchor in a tree when using climbing methods such as JRB Hitch Climbing and (Safe) Stick Climbing (not needed in DSRT or SRT). The Maverick Pole is available for purchase and is fully functional. Alternatively, climbers can buy components and build a DIY pole.
Throwball / Throwline
A throwball is the best way to get a rope in a tree. JRB prefers a heaver 14 or 16 oz throwball. 75 ft of throwline is adequate for a hunter.
Paracord
After using a throwball, if we wish to return to that tree in the future, we can leave “paracord presets”, just a loop over a crotch such that it can be climbed for years into the future.
Paracord Planet, up to 1000 ft spools
Webbing / Slings
See dedicated page:
Swivel
JRB prefers to have a swivel on his primary bridge, particularly for DSRT, where we occasionally reorient in a different direction after climbing and don’t want the lines to be crossed.
Camp Gyro 1 – Adopted in 2024, this is JRB’s latest swivel. See video below. We insert a quality carabiner inside the rubber sleeve (on the red side) to convert it into a Swivel/Carabiner. Remove the rubber collar from the stainless steel side, and thread the bridge loop through it.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/camp-gyro1
Petzl micro swivel is a similar design, which can convert a carabiner into a Swivel-carabiner.
Rappel Rings
JRB uses Rappel Rings for the JRB Cinch, False Crotch, Floating Anchor systems, and when using a JRB Ascender as a footloop or in ultra-compact modes. Ape Canyon has the Omega Pacific in a large and small size. If out of stock, some Amazon products are also listed below.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/omega-pacific-aluminum-rappel-rings
Prusik Loops
Prusik Loops, for tying the Hedden Knot, available in 13″ and 19″:
Quick Links / Delta Links
JRB doesn’t typically use these in current designs and systems, but many saddle hunters have uses for them.
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/camp-10mm-oval-quick-link-stainless-steel
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/camp-8mm-delta-quick-link-stainless-steel
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/camp-safety-delta-10-mm-screw-links
Petzl Black Delta Link (from Amazon)
Pulleys
See the full selection of pulleys: RockNArbor Pulleys. These are a couple that you may have seen in the videos:
Rope/Cord Ends
Below are 3 solutions for finishing the ends of rope and cord:
1. Heat Shrink Tubing
This is the best solution for sealing the ends of heat resistant ropes and cords. For best results, use adhesive lined HST. JRB bought the kit with assorted sizes, but after using mostly one size (and dropping and spilling it), decided a roll is a better idea. Yes, 20ft is a lot, but it’s so cheap and we can use it for so many things. Amazon products:
3/8″ x 20′ roll – use on 5-8mm
1/2″ x 20′ roll – use on 9-11mm
2. Rope Whipping Solution
Instead of Heat Shrink Tubing to seal the ends of rope and cord, this stuff works, but does have an odor: Dip-it Whip-it
3. Gaffers Tape
Gaffers tape is strong and fabric based. It can be torn to cut it, both lengthwise and across the roll. It works great for many applications, including taping the ends of 1″ tubular webbing onto a carabiner to eliminate clinking in applications like a JRB Cinch. This product is brown:
Rock Climbing Harness
JRB does many of his test climbs in the backyard in a Rock Climbing harness. Black Diamond is a reputable brand and we can clip anything onto the gear loops.
Black Diamond Momentum RC Harness
Saddle Bags / Accessories
Ape Canyon has too many to mention. Use your JRB15 coupon code:
IDOGEAR Molle 10×11″ Dump Pouch (Amazon)
Tools
This is an AWESOME saw. JRB carries it when he hunts and scouts. It’s just one of the items in the Ape Canyon Cutting Tool Collection
https://www.apecanyon.com/product/silky-pocketboy-professional-170mm-outback-edition
JRB Always carries a pair of pruning shears, and prefers Anvil or similar style with nothing sharp that will poke a hole in our pockets or saddle bags.
Woodland Tools Black Anvil Pruning Shears
Helmet
This Black Diamond Helmet is the one JRB is wearing in several videos:
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
Thank you John for your input.
Great Work and Videos.Keep going.
Greetings from Germany.
Richard
Richard, thank you. I especially appreciate hearing from my international friends. My mother’s father was born in Germany. When I was a boy, I helped him take care of his apple orchard. But I didn’t know how to climb back then. Prost!
I get pleasure from, cause I discovered just what I was taking a look for.
You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
John,
would 7mm cord work on the 11.5 samson predator rope or is it too small?
I have tested Sterling 7mm cord on 11.4mm Sampson Predator, and it works great for me. 8mm works well also.
John,
Based on your video introducing the system, I put together this list on RnA site. What do you think?
Ape Canyon Outfitters 9.5mm Ghillie quantity 75ft
STERLING 7 mm ACCESSORY CORD – 50′ (15.5M), Black quantity
1 in Nylon Tubular Webbing – Cut Lengths or 300 ft Spool – 25 ft., Black quantity
Omega pacific aluminum rappel rings Omega Pacific Aluminum Rappel Rings – Small quantity 4
Thanks again
I am assuming that you looked at the Shopping list page to assist you and that you are building a Universal System, capable of Hitch climbing too. Comments: Rope is perfect. Cord: that’s plenty and I like having extra. Webbing, thats plenty, I only needed 12 feet for my two footloops, although I like em intentionally short. 4 rings: great. And you will want to be sure you have a redundant bridge and carabiners for your bridge. I like one on each bridge, plus an extra. Colors: black is fine, but I generally go with tan or green for my own stuff. Probably makes no difference… I would need to ask a deer next time I got noticed!
Any advice as to what make or style of saddle?
Thanks, Carl
Sorry for the delay Carl. I don’t feel comfortable making a recommendation on a product unless I have tried it. And I have not sat in a different saddle than my own in 2 years. I am waiting to try out a new saddle from Ape Canyon Outfitters (part of RocknArbor / RockNRescue). I know that they test the heck out of their stuff and so I am excited to see it when its listed. I will try to get us a discount on it too. Watch the website and call em up and tell em I sent you and use your JRB10 discount code.
Great stuff!!! The rope that I’m planning on building a JRB climbing system on is 75′ of 9.5mm of Sterling super static 2. Would you recommend the Sterling 7mm accessory cord for JRB 523 hitches? Thanks!!!
Sorry for the delay in responding, but yes, that is a great combination: 7mm Sterling cord on SuperStatic2. I have tested and climbed on it.
John, This is Great, After watching “A lot” of your Instructional Videos on the Many Supplies & How to Safely Use them, this makes it Easier to find the Correct Items your showing us… I hope I speak for All of Us, Thank You for taking the Time to put all this together😎
Thanks Kevin. I promise I am doing all I can…
Hey John
I’m in love with your climbing system and methods THANK YOU very much!! A couple of questions: Can you recommend a could saddle harness and where to buy, I have a rock climbing harness now (it’s not the most comfortable). And my garda hitch carabiners seem to turn sideways at times and zip ties aren’t helping any info is much appreciated Thanks Keith
Unfortunately, I cannot make a recommendation on a current Saddle, only because I have not had my butt in anything but the one you see in my videos, and it is over 2 years old, an Aerohunter Flex, now discontinued. There are a lot of great products out there by both Aerohunter and other brands. I just don’t feel comfortable recommending one if I have not actually used it and like it.
I would like to know more about what is happening with your Garda hitch. If you can take a photo of the condition and get it to me, that would be great. And of course, you need to be using the carabiners which I described: non-locking carabiners, ideally D-style or oval with my prescribed Bull hitch Variant. There is no need for zip ties. Something must be wrong. You can post it in the JRB Tree Climbing Facebook group, or you can post it in this thread:
If neither
It was the knot that was the problem, had to go back and review you video again the carabiners weren’t cinched down together tight enough. It helps when we follow directions!!
No problem; and I apologize for the delay, but I got buried in a ton of spam comments on the web page and had to go thru thousands one by one and get to the real ones…
What size cord do I need for a 11mm Sampson Pretitor rope? Thank you
8mm cord is ideal for 11mm rope.
Awesome Information! Thank you
Thank you Scott. I am sorry for the delay in responding.
This is the best thing i’ve ever seen. I have the first saddle no ones ever mentioned,am an a older hunter steel loving to go deep. So excided about this new gift you’ve given. Bless u!!!
Had to stop by and say hey! I have several of those pressure relief foot straps that come with typical safety harnesses. I used one for my first DIY aider/shoulder strap when I carried 3 sticks. There’s my foot loop! Another item on the list is checked off!
bfriendly
Thank you so much , for the step by step instructions. I’m 68yrs old and tried of carrying a climber every where I go . I’m in the process of gathering everything you describe on your shopping list and going to get it a try .
This is great. Thanks for putting this together!!!