SRT

Background: MRS/DRT/DdRT was the way JRB climbed from 2008-2018. Next, JRB devised non-mechanical SRT methods (which do not require complex mechanical devices, only rope, cord and carabiners). However, the hassle of rigging and tying knots at the climb site left him searching for something better and in 2020, the JRB DSRT method was devised and was the motivation to create a YouTube Channel. In 2023, motivated by YOUR questions and interest, JRB took a fresh look at SRT, armed with the newest knots and innovations in our toolbox. Although DSRT remains JRB’s preferred method to climb a conventional, crotched tree in a hunting situation, there are some situations where SRT is applicable. JRB has devised a number of SRT options. See Playlist: JRB SRT (Non Mechanical) Here is a 60 second demonstration:

Rope: In SRT, because all of our weight is on one friction hitch, with less total surface area, JRB prefers a larger diameter rope for SRT than DSRT. JRB prefers STATIC Rope of 9.5mm (3/8″) or larger diameter for SRT. See dedicated pages for: Rope and Cord. The length of rope needed depends on the kind of system we are building. But at minimum, don’t purchase less than 40 ft of rope, ensuring we can climb to 25 feet (or more).

Reasons to use SRT: In most situations, JRB prefers to use DSRT in a hunting situation. However, the following conditions warrant SRT. This list has been constructed with input from YOUR perspective:

1. It’s Easier. Many climbers who have tried SRT and DSRT feel that the rising move in SRT is easier to master and execute than the “double shove” used in DSRT, requiring less coordination and only one arm moving the hitch. This is also appealing to climbers with a bad shoulder. The primary tradeoffs are a larger diameter rope and the acceptance that SRT takes more time to rig the system before we climb.
2. 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. Note: This requires more rope than other SRT scenarios.
3. Change the position we are facing. If a hunter wanted to face a different direction than we would be in if we climbed up under a crotch, using a canopy anchor which captures the trunk and the crotch can be rigged to face any direction we want. Note: This technique can be complicated by the presence of branches lower on the tree, depending on number and location.
4. Less rope / Not enough rope. DSRT requires a rope length approximately double the height of the crotch. SRT can be executed with a rope only moderately longer than the height of the crotch. Example 1: 60ft rope, 40ft crotch: DSRT is not possible, but SRT is. Example 2: Climber owns a 40ft rappel rope which is too short for a DSRT system, but can be used for SRT.
5. Horizontal branch. The selected crotch is viable but horizontal or sloping downward from the trunk. This poses a danger that the climbing rope might pull away from the trunk and is a situation where we want to capture the trunk.
6. 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. JRB has a solution, see scenario 5 and 6.
7. Crotch is too high. For example, the first crotch in the tree is 50ft. There are ways to climb this tree with only 40ft of rope.

Specific SRT Scenarios

There is a growing list of SRT scenarios on the channel which illustrate the various reasons, situations and systems in which we might use SRT. Not that there is no one single SRT system. There are many possible combinations. Viewers must decide which is best for them and accept responsibility for the use thereof.