Use “JRB10” Code for 10% Discount at:
https://www.rocknarbor.com/product-category/outdoors/saddle-hunting
It became too much information to fit on one page, so please refer to the supporting pages, to make your own shopping list for everything you need. If building a climbing system, step 1: Decide what system you are building. Step 2: Subtract what you have. Step 3: Order what you need.
See these pages for specific items:
JRB Garda Hitch Footloop – Used in DSRT or SRT, a Garda Hitch Footloop is recommended. See dedicated page:
Bridge – The bridge or bridges needs to be considered, along with the carabiners on them:
Apparel / Camo /Boots / Shoes – JRB’s favorite stuff is here:
Accessory Carabiners
Handles are recommended for the Agile Hitches or JRB Ascender Hitches. JRB prefers the 3 inch carabiners over the rappel rings, because its a better grip plus they are removable. (Just don’t use ’em for life safety applications.)
Freskaro 3 Inch or Freskaro 4 inch
Rope rigging and accessory carabiners:
Brass Boat Snaps (2 sizes available) are also an option for rigging the rope
Rappel Rings
When constructing False Crotch or Floating Anchor systems, JRB uses a LARGE Rappel Ring. When using a JRB Ascender as a footloop or in ultra-compact modes, JRB likes using a SMALL ring as part of tying the knot.
Paliston Small Red Rappel Rings (4 pack)
Fusion Large Black Rappel Rings (5 pack)
Rappel Device Option
As an option for the Munter, this is an effective and recommended Rappel Device, particularly because it can be tethered to you to ensure it is not “droppable”. It works on single and doubled rope systems. YouTube Video Demonstration: Video
Prusik Loop
Prusik Loops, for tying the Hedden Knot, available in 13″ and 19″:
Quick Links / Delta Links
JRB doesn’t use these in current designs and systems, but many saddle hunters have uses for them.
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:
Throwball
Arborist throw ball and at least 50ft of throw line. JRB prefers 16oz throwball instead of 12 oz. 14 oz with a sleek cord also works great.
Weaver 16 oz Throw Weight plus Line
Paracord
Buy plenty, for leaving preset loops over a crotch on the many trees you may want to prepare in advance, so that you only need to work a throwball once per tree, and it remains rigged for years.
Paracord Planet, up to 1000 ft spools
Heat Shrink Tubing
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. Click on the links below.
3/8″ x 20′ roll – use on 5-8mm
1/2″ x 20′ roll – use on 8-11mm
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
Helmet
This Black Diamond Helmet is the one JRB is wearing in several videos:
Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet
Saddle Bags / Dump Pouch
Ape Canyon has too many to mention. Use this link and the JRB10 coupon code: Ape Canyon Saddle Bags and Packs
IDOGEAR Molle 10×11″ Dump Pouch
Tools
This is an AWESOME saw. JRB carries it when he hunts and scouts.
JRB Always carries a pair of pruning shears, a trick I got from my father a very long time ago. Dad always said that the deer like to walk where it’s thick and people don’t go. I prefer an Anvil or similar style with nothing sharp that will poke a hole in my pockets or saddle bags.
Woodland Tools Black Anvil Pruning Shears
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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!!!