Innovations

Below are a list of Climbing Innovations which were conceived and published by JRB, many of which were prompted by the input and questions of the JRB team. Next time somebody says anything less than supportive about what we are doing here, ask them who else is providing this much free innovation…. or any at all. If you are aware that anything in this list was devised by someone else beforehand, please leave a comment to that effect.

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1. JRB’s DSRT

Although JRB was not the first person to use a Doubled Stationary Rope Technique, the manner in which the system is constructed, including the redundancy, the Garda and the Friction Hitches are all unique to JRB. This method has advantages for Saddle Hunters over both MRS/DdRT and SRT. For example, the climber doesn’t need to set an anchor, or tie any knots at the climbing site and climbs without the loss of friction of a moving rope. Introduced Sept 2020. See:

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2. JRB Garda Hitch Footloop

JRB’s design for the Garda provides a reliable footloop which can be used in both single and doubled rope applications. Addresses reliability issues in traditional Garda designs with a cinching Bull Hitch variant. Also incorporates a 2nd point of attachment (AKA Best Friend), creating a redundant connection to the Climbing Saddle. Introduced Oct 2020.

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3. JRB Hitch

The JRB Hitch is a strong, secure exploding hitch, tied in the bight, self jamming under load, easy release. The JRB was a new knot submission to IGKT, Jan 2021. (Playlist)

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4. Saddle Hunter’s Hitch

The SHH is a strong, secure, either-end loadable hitch, tied in the bight, and secured with a carabiner, several variants, including remote release option. (New knot submission to IGKT, Jul 2021)

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5. Hitch Climbing Method

JRB’s Hitch Climbing method is a ‘no throwball’ rope climbing method utilizing the other hitches introduced by JRB. (Jul 2021)

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6. Double Michoacán

The “double meech” is a friction hitch assembly and prussik alternative, consisting of two Michoacán friction hitches in a balanced assembly, with unparalleled ease of handling. Of course, this technique can be used with virtually any conventional friction hitch. (Aug 2021)

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7. JRB Ascender Hitch

The JRBAH is a novel friction hitch, which employs the optional use of carabiner, which acts as a handle. The preferred variant is in ‘bridge mode’ and loaded on 2 loops, or soft bridge mode for one-hand tending operations. Also can be tied in a compact variant, offering smoother auto tending. (New knot submission to IGKT, Oct 2021)

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8. Buffalo Hitch

The Buffalo hitch is a variation on the Bull Hitch with additional security and potential as a Poachers or Scaffold knot alternative (testing pending). (New knot submission to IGKT, Dec 2021)

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9. JRB Cinch

The JRB Cinch is an easily engaged, easily moveable and remotely retrievable choking anchor, built using a Buffalo Hitch, a rappel ring, a carabiner and a cord to connect the carabiner to the assembly. (Introduced April 2022, and improved in Aug 2024)

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10. JRB Ascender Footloop

This footloop for a single rope, moveable with one hand operation, created using the JRB Ascender Hitch in soft Bridge mode. (IT also could be created with the Longhorn Agile, introduces later.) Options for one or both feet. Can also be tied with the Compact JRB Ascender Hitch, requiring an additional carabiner and webbing loop for the foot.

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11. Longhorn Hitch / Soft Shackle

Technically, this is represents two innovations published as one. (Nov 2022)

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12. Agile Friction Hitch

The Agile hitch is a novel friction hitch, tied with a loop of cord, and incorporating the optional use of carabiners as handles. (March 2023)

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13. Maverick & Super Maverick Hitch

The Maverick Hitch is a running, retrievable canopy anchor, with optional remote release, and locking feature to prevent release when locked. Maverick: April 2023. Super Maverick: Dec 2024

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14. Longhorn Agile Friction Hitch

The LA is an auto-tending friction hitch which can be used in applications such as a lifeline/tether, lineman’s belt, lanyard or SRT.

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15. Longhorn Friction Shackle

The LFS is a friction hitch and a soft shackle in one.

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16. Midline Munter Loop Knot

JRB discovered that a conventional Munter created with two strands midline and leaving a loop at the bottom creates a reliable emergency footloop. (April 2023)

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17. Blakes Hitch Tensioner

The Blakes Hitch Tensioner is a unique application for a Blakes hitch, creating a mechanical advantage tensioner with almost zero setback.(April 2024)

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18. Maverick Pole

The Maverick Pole is a telescoping pole used to advance, set or retrieve an anchor. Introduced May 2024, and available for purchase at Ape Canyon Outfitters.

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19. JRB End Loop

The JRB End Loop is a sleek loop installed on the end of a rope, allowing easy rigging of the rope into a tree crotch, false crotch or floating anchor. Introduced August 2023. See:

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20. Longhorn Zenith Hitch

The LZ a fantastic friction hitch, built using the Longhorn Loop. (July 2024)

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21. Moose Hitch

The Moose hitch is an anchor knot for a ring or a carabiner, an an alternative for the Poacher’s Knot, Scaffold knot and Buffalo Hitch. It is used in the creation of the JRB Cinch. (August 2024)

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22. Floating Anchor

The concept of a “false crotch” has been around forever, but brings the risk that it could be compromised when left in the woods. JRB’s design for a floating anchor ensures that the life safety components are not left in the woods. We only leave what we need to rig our rope into the tree. (April 2023)

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23. Flopper Knot

The Flopper Knot is a bulky fixed end loop, particularly useful for flipping a rope around a tree. It also consumes some extra rope, such that we could untie it and use that rope if we needed it. (November 2024)

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