The concept of a JRB Universal System (JRBUS) was originally published in a video in May 2023 (link below). Using this system, friction hitches are tied in advance, changed only when necessary, and that we can use the system for multiple climbing methods including: JRB’s Doubled Stationary Rope Technique (DSRT), MRS/DRT, SRT, JRB Hitch Climbing and No-Slack Stick Climbing. There is a dedicated Playlist on the channel which covers the entire system: LINK to Playlist.
Universal System 2024
As described in the video, numerous improvements were made since the original system was released in 2023.
2023, Original Introduction
Planning and Shopping
Building a Universal system and executing the related climbing requires:
- Garda Hitch Footloop
- Redundant bridges. Although we CAN execute a climb on one bridge, JRB recommends 2 bridges. JRB has published several options. See dedicated page for the: Bridge, and plan if you need any extra rope or cord.
- Maverick Pole, (or a DIY pole)
- Rope: JRB typically carries 80ft for a Universal System, and recommends a minimum of 60 ft. Some climbers prefer 100ft. Before purchasing rope, consider if you need any for your bridge. See: Rope
- Cord: There are 4 friction hitches in the system. If you are building a redundant bridge, you may need more. See pages for Length Specs and Cord
- Four Carabiners, We need one which will STAY on for each Compact Longhorn Agile Hitch. JRB also recommends one for each bridge (4 total) Large, pear-shaped carabiners are recommended. JRB uses a swivel carabiner on his long bridge. See: Carabiners
- Retrieval Line (as high as the highest crotch that will be climbed. 40′ of 4 or 5mm cord is recommended.) See: Cord
- Two Mini Carabiners for Rigging, not for life support. See: Carabiners
- Throwball. JRB recommends 14 or 16 ounces and 75ft of throwline. See: Shopping List
- Paracord. Also consider paracord for ‘paracord presets’ which are installed after use of the throwball and left in the tree and used to rig our rope for a future climb. See page: Cord
- (Optional) Quick Link. See: Shopping List. Note that the quick link is not necessary if you plan to execute SRT climbs with a different anchor, such as the Maverick Hitch.
2023 Videos:
These videos are still relevant, but were made on the 2023 system:
Part 1 is rigging it for DSRT:
Part 2 is understanding how we can add SRT on the Fly:
Part 3 is understanding why and how a 3rd Friction Hitch and a Pole can benefit us, even if Hitch climbing is not of interest. We can use it to transition into a single rope system, either to reposition at our current height, or to adjust our height, to get over the branch we are tied to.