SRT Method

Page Contents:

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SRT Overview

SRT is Single Rope Technique, a Stationary Rope Climbing Method. See Playlist: JRB SRT (Non Mechanical). This page is about the SRT climbing method, its principles and why and when we might use it. For SRT Climbing Systems, see:

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Throwball Required

SRT requires that the rope is installed into a secure crotch in the tree using one of the following methods, detailed on the dedicated page, linked below. If none of are feasible, the SRT method should not be considered further. Consider JRB Hitch Climbing or No-slack Stick Climbing, covered on separate pages.

1. A paracord preset which was installed in the tree at a previous time, possibly years earlier. (recommended)
2. Using a throwball the day of the hunt.
3. Using a long pole to install the throwball the day of the hunt.
4. Using a Floating Anchor

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SRT Requires an Anchor

Unlike DSRT or MRS climbing, when using any form of SRT, the rope must be anchored to the tree. There are two types of anchors for SRT, and multiple methods to create each type of anchor.

#1 – A Canopy Anchor is up in a strong tree crotch or anchored on the trunk or both. It must be retrievable, such that the climber can get the rope down after rappel. Leaving a climbing rope in a tree for any length of time is not recommended. Some options:

1. A “running” loop, such as an Alpine Butterfly is a traditional solution.
2. The Scott’s Locked Bowline and Bowline on the Bight create a running loop which can be configured to allow a friction hitch to pass through them while rigging.
3. A Quick Link secured with a secure knot has less friction and can be mid-line attachable.
4. The Maverick Hitch can be used as a canopy anchor. (video link)
5. Longhorn Agile Hitch. In a DSRT system, if there is already a Longhorn Agile Hitch on the end of the rope, it can be transformed into a canopy anchor. (video link)
6. This video describes some of the options above, plus others which are manually placed on a trunk (a tether, rather than a climbing rope).

#2. A Basal Anchor is placed at the base of the tree with one end of the rope, and the rope goes up and over a crotch in the canopy and back down to the climber. Obviously, we need more rope for this configuration. The JRB Hitch is JRB’s preference for a Basal Anchor (video link). Important: A basal anchor DOUBLES the load on the crotch and should not be used on a questionable support point. See video:

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Reasons to Use SRT

In most hunting situations, JRB prefers to use DSRT. However, the following reasons are valid reasons and situations to use or consider SRT. The italic text represent scenarios that are not (yet) available on video.

1. Less Rope. SRT uses less rope than DSRT. Some hunters prefer to carry less rope even if the system requires more effort to rig. For example, some already have a rappel rope which is too short for DSRT but which be converted into an SRT system with a canopy anchor. A 60′ Universal System can’t be used for DSRT if the crotch is higher than 30′; but can be converted into SRT mode, enabling use in crotches as high as 55′.
2. Horizontal branch. The throwball or paracord preset is over a strong crotch, but the branch is horizontal (or sloping downward). This poses a danger that the climbing rope might pull away from the trunk, requiring that the canopy anchor captures the trunk. See Scenario 4 below. If branches prevent the ability to rig that way, a basal anchor SRT configuration can be considered as well.
3. Position. In DSRT, the climber ascends directly under the center of the crotch. If we wanted to face a different direction, there a couple of ways to do so. As demonstrated in Scenario 8, a basal anchor on a wide crotch allows us to position ourselves under either side or the crotch. If there are no branches impeding the rigging, a canopy anchor which captures the trunk gives us control over where to set the anchor, as demonstrated in scenario 4.
4. Branches between the lines. The throwball went up and over a crotch which had one or more branches directly under it causing the rope strands to be separated by those branches. In this situation, it’s easiest to execute a basal anchor and SRT climb. See scenario 8 below.
5. No Viable Crotch. The tree has no viable crotches within reach of a throwball, only dead branches or small branches and therefore the anchor must capture the trunk. See scenarios 5 & 6 below, where we capture the trunk or use a Houdini Maverick to rig our canopy anchor. If there are lower branches preventing either scenario, we can also use our throwball creatively to make a path.
6. Easier Ascent. Because we are moving one hitch instead of two, and running one strand through the Garda instead of 2, SRT is easier to manage than DSRT. However, also recognize the tradeoff that in SRT, our entire weight is on one hitch, which can be more difficult to tune and operate.

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Specific SRT Scenarios

There are a growing list of SRT scenarios on the channel which illustrate the various reasons, situations and systems in which we might use SRT. This content is not limited to a particular SRT system. This introductory video demonstrates that non-mechanical SRT is POSSIBLE and it can be EASY. (It was not intended to convey that this is the only or preferred SRT configuration.)

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SRT Scenario 1: Knots tied in advance

This video shows the system which was used in the introduction, which is focused on eliminating the need to tie any knots at the climbing site. This system was constructed with a JRB Ascender Hitch and a Scott’s Locked Bowline, but the same system can be created with other options such as: a Longhorn Agile Hitch and a Bowline on the Bight.

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SRT Scenario 2: Minimal Complexity System

If tying a Maverick Hitch or creating a JRB Cinch is not desired, a traditional canopy anchor with a sewn eye and a quick link can be used.

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SRT Scenario 3: Maverick Hitch Anchor

The Maverick Hitch can be used as a canopy anchor an will allow passing the end of the rope through the hitch as it runs up the tree. This is how JRB runs his SRT systems.

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SRT Scenario 4: Capture the Trunk

When the branch used for the throwball is the first branch on the tree and it does not have an appropriate upward angle, we can’t risk pulling our anchor away from the tree as we approach it.

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SRT Scenario 5: Flip rope over the Branches

This is the same as scenario 4, but if the tree and the adjacent woods allows it, we can flip the rope over the branches to get it into position and capture the trunk.

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SRT Scenario 6: Houdini Rigging

This use of the Maverick Hitch is quite useful with the Houdini Rigging, especially in pine forests. Note that this method will not work if there are branches lower down on the tree, impeding our ability to advance the anchor.

The video above used this rigging technique:

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SRT Scenario 7: Mechanical Advantage System for Leg Disability

This video was made by request for a friend who does not have the use of his legs.

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SRT Scenario 8: Three Situations for a Basal Anchor

The 3 situations which may warrant a Basal Anchor configuration are: 1) branches between the lines 2) can achieve a preferred position/direction in the tree 3) risk of getting a throwball stuck in a messy tree. Another is the case of a horizontal (or downward sloped) branch.