Base Tie Rescue System/Kit

[bonner1040]

Here is video detailing and demonstrating a safe, simple, compact, and affordable rescue system.

TreeStuff.com Tech Tip:Base Tie Rescue System- YouTube


This system can be used to lower an injured climber in the event of an emergency. With proper setup it can be used for both SRT and DRT climbing systems.

The lightweight components in this system make for a compact, easily stow-able package that is quick to deploy while still being appropriately rated for the application. Using appropriate components you can utilize this technique with equipment you already have but may find that 12-14mm ropes do not create as streamlined of a kit.

Complete Kits available soon.

100' or 200' of 10mm Teufelberger Sirius Reep Schnur with a sewn eye on one end
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?item=2071


1x Climbing Technology Rescue 8
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?item=1351

1x small Weaver Rope Bag

2x Climbing Technology Oval Carabiner
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=130&item=1977

1x Phoenix "Red & White" Hand Pruner
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=48&item=2035

1x Weaver Pruner Holster
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=48&item=1234


(Availiable with Petzl Rig Self Braking Descender or Petzl GriGri2 substituted for Rescue 8
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?item=1549
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?item=1730

 

[imagineero]

They have their place though. I don't use one often for my main tie in, but I do occasionally use one for rigging purposes. If I've got to do some low pruning on a huge tree and need a rigging point way up in the top I can set a line from the ground and haul a pulley up. Saves climbing to the top twice (to set and retrieve the pulley). It does double the load that the tree will see though, which isn't usually a problem but is worth remembering.

Shaun

 

[bonner1040]

I'm not fond of base ties. Too much can happen to them from falling limbs, etc. Besides that if climber has their lanyard tied in they can't be lowered anyway.

Del,

Used correctly and appropriately a base tie is a fast, safe way of securing a primary suspension point in the canopy. If not using a canopy choked anchor works better:

TreeStuff Tech Tip: Setting and Retrieving a Choked Climbing Line - YouTube

Do you climb SRT? Wrench of HitchHiker?

They have their place though. I don't use one often for my main tie in, but I do occasionally use one for rigging purposes. If I've got to do some low pruning on a huge tree and need a rigging point way up in the top I can set a line from the ground and haul a pulley up. Saves climbing to the top twice (to set and retrieve the pulley). It does double the load that the tree will see though, which isn't usually a problem but is worth remembering.

Shaun

Shaun,

Since I started using remote rigging systems I tend to avoid base tying rigging lines. The force doubling on the rigging point can be worrisome and its so easy to set/retrieve a strong rigging point above you.

rigSAVER (video coming soon)

 

[newsawtooth]

Here is video detailing and demonstrating a safe, simple, compact, and affordable rescue system.

TreeStuff.com Tech Tip:Base Tie Rescue System- YouTube

Best system I have seen yet, Bonner. A good addition to a traditional aerial rescue kit.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Bonner, nice system.
Question: If a climber didn't set up the butterflies before he went up, would you feel comfortable replacing the tawo attachment points with prussics?

 

[treemandan]

They have their place though. I don't use one often for my main tie in, but I do occasionally use one for rigging purposes. If I've got to do some low pruning on a huge tree and need a rigging point way up in the top I can set a line from the ground and haul a pulley up. Saves climbing to the top twice (to set and retrieve the pulley). It does double the load that the tree will see though, which isn't usually a problem but is worth remembering.

Shaun

That's not exactly the same thing. I messed around with climbing/working srt awhile ago and came to the same conclusion as Del.

 

[bonner1040]

Thanks everyone for the feedback!

Bonner, nice system.
Question: If a climber didn't set up the butterflies before he went up, would you feel comfortable replacing the tawo attachment points with prussics?

JL, A prusik would only be suitable with a stopper knot behind it. You would have to have two stopper knots, one above the bottom prusik and one below the top. A branch union could easily tend the prusik of the line moving up and cause it to slide right off the line.

In theory safety knots could be tied after the line was cut, assuming the prusiks were tied, dressed, and set appropriately but to me that seems like a big unnecessary risk. Tying two butterfly knots is about as simple as it gets and its habit for me, I dont even think about it. Additionally its just 2 more pieces of equipment.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

True, but at the same time rescue scenarios are usually the result of poor planning in the first place. To me the odds of having to rescue a climber who has the training and discipline to set up a base tie with butterflies in place are much less than rescuing an inexperienced climber who isn't set up for this system. I think it was del that brought up the second tip issue. Unfortunately, the more I think on different scenarios, I can't think of very many where a climber is incapacitated to the point of not being able to self-rescue where a 100% ground rescue is possible. Any system I use, if I am able to release my secondary, I can one hand my way out of the tree. If I am unable to release my secondary, then somebody's going to have to come up and get me anyway. I guess it does put lowering me into the grounded hands, less for the rescue climber to deal with, so there is some benefit there. Interesting thought exercise, anyway.

 

[ClimbMIT]

Nick I like your rig saver. Did you do your own splicing?

 

[bonner1040]

Yes, but where is that in the base tie??

 

[ClimbMIT]

Here

Shaun,

Since I started using remote rigging systems I tend to avoid base tying rigging lines. The force doubling on the rigging point can be worrisome and its so easy to set/retrieve a strong rigging point above you.

rigSAVER (video coming soon)

[/QUOTE]

 

[2treeornot2tree]

You need to taper your splices better so that you dont have that shoulder in the rope. Nice looking though.