Page Contents:
Overview
This page covers all variants of the Maverick Hitch, including the Super Maverick Hitch and Flipped Maverick Hitch, all of which are used to create a secure, cinching anchor via a quick release hitch. They can be set on a trunk or a crotch, depending on the application. See dedicated YouTube playlist: Playlist
The Maverick Hitch variants can be used with a pole to advance up trunk. The standard Maverick hitch is recommended for use in “Houdini rigging”. The Super Maverick Hitch is recommended as a retrievable canopy anchor.
Note that although the Maverick Hitches are quick release knots, they leave a strand around the host, and are unlike the JRB Hitch which fully explodes off the tree.
If the Maverick (or Super Maverick) Hitch is being used as a basal anchor, the rope should be wrapped around the trunk twice and securely cinched in a horizontal fashion.
Features
The Maverick / Super Maverick Hitch have the following features:
- Creates a cinching / choking anchor on a trunk or spar
- Can be advanced with the use of a pole
- Can be remotely exploded, allowing easy retrieval after rappel
- Self jams under load, and unjams when load is removed
- Can be locked to avoid unintentional destabilization
- Can be tied in the bight
- Can be used as a running anchor onto a crotch
- Can be pulled up the trunk using the Houdini Rigging (see below)
- Can be used in many climbing methods, including JRB’s Hitch Climbing method as well as conventional stick climbing methods.
Maverick Pole
The Maverick Pole is recommended for use with the Maverick Hitch. It can be purchased at Ape Canyon Outfitters.
Variants and Videos
Maverick Hitch
Be familiar with the Maverick Hitch as a first step:
Super Maverick Hitch
The Super Maverick Hitch was introduced in Jan 2025, after the Maverick Hitch. It is superior to the standard Maverick in these ways:
- Less prone to jamming, making retrieval difficult. If you have experienced a Maverick jam, switch to the Super.
- Superior performance as a running, retrievable SRT anchor.
Flipped Maverick Hitch
JRB prefers the Flipped variant if advancing with a pole in hitch climbing. This covers both the standard Maverick and the Super Maverick, effectively tying them upside-down so as to minimize difficulty in unlocking due to ‘rollover’.
Exploration
This video was made before the Flipped variant was introduced. In this video, the Super Maverick Hitch is introduced:
Maverick Hitch Introduction
This is the introductory video of the basic Maverick Hitch.
Houdini Rigging
When the first branch in the tree is not suitable for the load of a climber, the Houdini Rigging technique can be used. This works the same way on the Maverick or Super Maverick. The Flipped variant is not recommended for this technique.