Sep 1 (edited) • General discussion
🌳 Climbing Wisdom: One Setup That Changed the Game
What’s one Climbing, Rigging, or Rescue Technique that you picked up that made your job 10x easier or safer?
(Share your pro tips- big or small- that others can use in the canopy.)
In rescue, simplicity saves lives. This 3-piece setup, I always keep on my saddle — and proven itself in training and emergencies —
A Tri-Locking Carabiner, Prusik Cord, and a Pinto Pulley. This 3-piece setup, you can set up a quick haul or controlled lower when someone aloft needs medical attention.
1. Purpose of Each Piece of Gear
• Tri-lock carabiner: Rock-solid connection that won’t pop open while you’re managing a casualty.
• Prusik cord: Versatile friction hitch — grabs rope, holds load, acts as progress capture.
• Pinto pulley: Smooth and compact, reduces rope drag and makes lifting/lowering efficient.
2. Rescue Haul System (3:1 Mechanical Advantage)
If a climber is suspended and needs to be raised slightly to transfer them of free them from their system, you can create a 3:1 mechanical advantage:
1. Clip the Pinto pulley to their bridge/central tie-in with the tri-lock.
2. Run the main line through the pulley.
3. Tie the prusik above the pulley as a progress capture.
4. Haul the free end — the pulley cuts friction, the prusik holds progress, and you’ve built a mini 3:1 system.
3. Controlled Lowering
If the climber is injured and needs to be lowered.
1. Rescuer ties in above the casualty.
2. Use the prusik + Pinto pulley as a friction combo for a smoother, safer descent.
3. Tri-lock keeps everything secure at the master point.
4. Why This Works
• The Prusik acts as a progress capture (critical if you need to lift slightly).
• The Pinto Pulley reduces friction, so you waste less energy and have more control.
• The Tri-lock Carabiner ensures no accidental opening while loaded in a high-stakes rescue.
✅ Important Note: These are supporting tools for a rescue. In real aerial rescue, you should already be tied in on your own independent system, and you may need additional gear (like a descent device or extra pulleys) depending on the rescue scenario. Practice with your crew before applying in the field — aerial rescues are fast-moving and high-risk. This setup has saved me serious time and effort when practiced with my crew.
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🌳 Climbing Wisdom: One Setup That Changed the Game
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