| Use Coupon Code JRB15 at: https://www.apecanyon.com/ Checkout the: JRB Tree Climbing Collection |
| Use Coupon Code JRB10 at: https://www.rocknarbor.com/ |
Page Contents:
Make your own shopping list!
Because every saddle hunter may have own some equipment already, and we might be constructing different systems and climbing by different methods, we all need to make our own shopping list. The items you need for a particular climbing system or system component are listed on the dedicated page for it.
Stuff everybody needs
The stuff in this section is what JRB recommends for every saddle hunter, no matter how you are climbing:
Saddle
If you do not already have a saddle, Ape Canyon has some great products. The Land Baron is a basic, rugged, affordable saddle for a beginner. JRB also recommends two saddle bags and a back band.
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 as your primary bridge 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 use a Lifeline, which is the equivalent of a tether which is long enough to reach the ground AND can be used for both climbing and rappel. Consider getting a rope which is long enough for a Universal System, allowing DSRT in most situations, which is JRB’s preferred and recommended climbing method for most situations. A 9mm rope is the most popular choice. Details here:
Garda Hitch Footloop
We need it to rope climb, but it can be used to help us manage slack even when stick climbing. JRB recommends a Garda Hitch Footloop is recommended for all climbers:
Cord
The cord is used to create friction hitches and is chosen to complement the ROPE that is used. Sterling TRC is the most popular and recommended. JRB recommends getting some extra. For example, consider that a Universal System with four friction hitches typically uses 28′. A Blakes Hitch Tensioner Bridge can use 8′.
Carabiners
A Large Pear shaped carabiner for each bridge plus a spare is recommended. Also get a small accessory carabiners for rope rigging. Swivels are also listed here:
Platform
Unless you have one or prefer something else for your footing, most saddle hunters use a platform.
Lineman’s Belt
Most saddle hunters want a Lineman’s Belt. Note that JRB rarely uses or 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:
Stuff you might need
The need for items below is dependent on your climbing methods and what you might already have in your toolbox.
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.
Climbing Sticks
Note: JRB prefers a platform, and we don’t need climbing sticks to climb a tree. But if you prefer a one stick, Ape Canyon has some:
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.
328′ – Green, Plastic Spool, w/Cutter
Webbing / Slings
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. All of the details and product choices are on the Carabiners page:
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.
Amazon products:
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.
Petzl Black Delta Link (from Amazon)
Rope/Cord Management
Sealing the ends of ropes and cord can be done in several ways:
1. Lighter
Unless you own a heat gun, we just a lighter to melt a cord/rope end or heat up some heat shrink tubing. This is an unbeatable deal:
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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:
Pulleys
See the full selection of pulleys: RockNArbor Pulleys. These are a couple that you may have seen in the videos:
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. Warning: Do NOT use a Rock Climbing harness with a tether; only with a rappel capable system.
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
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