Aug 12 • General discussion
D.r.t explanation
Climbing a tree with a hitch climbing setup, often a Double Rope Technique (DRT) or Moving Rope System (MRS), is a fundamental skill for arborists and recreational climbers. This system relies on a friction hitch, which is a knot tied with a smaller cord around the main climbing rope, to allow you to ascend, descend, and position yourself in the tree. 🌳
Setting Up the System
First, you must set up your climbing system. The most common setup involves a hitch climber pulley, which keeps the system tidy and efficient.
* Throw your climbing line over a secure anchor point in the tree, like a strong limb. The rope should be long enough to reach the ground on both sides.
* Attach the climbing line to your harness. The "working" end of the rope will go through a ring or attachment point on your harness.
* Tie a friction hitch on the climbing line, such as a Distel or VT hitch, using a shorter cord. This hitch is a key part of your system, as it's what you'll use to control your movement.
* Connect the friction hitch to your harness with a carabiner or a hitch climber pulley. A hitch climber pulley is a popular choice because it has multiple attachment points and a pulley that helps the friction hitch to self-tend, or move up the rope more easily.
The Climbing Technique
To climb, you'll need to use both your legs and arms to create upward movement.
* Ascending: The most common method involves a combination of pulling and "footlocking."
* Pulling: Grasp the rope above the friction hitch with one hand and pull down, while simultaneously pulling on the "tail" of the rope (the part of the rope below the hitch) with your other hand. This helps to take up slack and move the hitch up the line.
* Footlocking: This technique is often used in combination with the pulling method. You lock the rope between your feet, stand up, and use your legs to push yourself upward. As you stand, you can slide your friction hitch up the rope with your hands.
* Tending the Hitch: As you move up, you'll need to "tend" the hitch, which means manually pushing it up the rope. The hitch climber pulley is designed to help the hitch move smoothly, but you will still need to guide it.
* Descending: To descend, you'll need to carefully release the friction hitch.
* Unload the system: Before releasing the hitch, you must take your weight off of it by shifting your body weight.
* Release the hitch: With a small amount of force, you can "break" the friction hitch, allowing it to slide down the rope. Control your descent by maintaining a grip on the rope and the hitch, letting it slide smoothly rather than dropping suddenly.
* Practice: Always practice descending from a low height until you are comfortable with the feel and control of the system.
Key Considerations
* Practice Low and Slow: Always get a feel for your new system from a low height before attempting to climb higher. This will help you understand how the hitch behaves and how to control your movements.
* Proper Gear: Use gear that is specifically designed for tree climbing and ensure all components, including your harness, ropes, carabiners, and friction hitch, are compatible and in good condition.
* Safety Knots: Always tie a stopper knot on the end of your climbing rope to prevent the rope from accidentally running through your system.
* Rope and Hitch Compatibility: The diameter and material of your climbing line and hitch cord need to be compatible for the friction hitch to work reliably.
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D.r.t explanation
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All you need to know to safely ascend and decend in a tree. Either S.R.T or D.R.T also basic and advanced knotts both for climbing and rigging.
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