SRT in the Tree

[RescueMan]

I've been following all the various threads on SRT, and I have some questions for you guys.

For those who use SRT for ascent:

1. Are you using one or two ascenders?
a) if one, how are you climbing - footlock?
b) if two, are you using footloops from one of them?
c) if you're using a hitch backup, is that because you're climbing on a single ascender?

2. You guys seem to be re-inventing the wheel (so to speak). Why not use one of the tried-and-true caver's systems like the Mitchell, Texas, Frog, or Ropewalker?

3. What is there specific to tree climbing that requires a different, specialized SRT system? Or is it that you're trying to incorporate the gear and techniques that you're accustomed to?

4. What equipment/method do you use to descend on SRT? And do you use any kind of backup?

- Robert

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Originally posted by RescueMan
I've been following all the various threads on SRT, and I have some questions for you guys.

For those who use SRT for ascent:

I SRT from time to time, but we have trees that top out around 60 ft around here.

1. Are you using one or two ascenders?

For the most part I use an upper for ascending and lower for a belay/redundancy. On some short-clean climbs I will not put the belay on.

I usually just footlock, but will use a pantin on longer pitches.

2. You guys seem to be re-inventing the wheel (so to speak).

Many of those systems are very gear intensive. If I remember right the Mitchel takes 3 ascenders and a chest box.

I've used a one leg Texas setup before, but prefer the setup I have that is not unlike a frog, sans footloop. The hip mounted belay holds me closer to the rope. I'm big in hte shoulders and kinda top heavy.



3. What is there specific to tree climbing that requires a different, specialized SRT system? Or is it that you're trying to incorporate the gear and techniques that you're accustomed to?

For most of us the intent is to be minimalistic in gear. Have stuff that is usable in other parts of the tree, systems that require chest harnes are not practical unless your in huge PNW type trees.

4. What equipment/method do you use to descend on SRT? And do you use any kind of backup?

Descender (Piranah or Stop). Im thinking of getting an I'd.

I back the Pirnah up on drops over 100 ft. Not that I do many of those. I use a friction hitch.

 

[Lumberjack]

Originally posted by RescueMan
I've been following all the various threads on SRT, and I have some questions for you guys.

For those who use SRT for ascent:

1. Are you using one or two ascenders?
a) if one, how are you climbing - footlock?
b) if two, are you using footloops from one of them?
c) if you're using a hitch backup, is that because you're climbing on a single ascender?

2. You guys seem to be re-inventing the wheel (so to speak). Why not use one of the tried-and-true caver's systems like the Mitchell, Texas, Frog, or Ropewalker?

3. What is there specific to tree climbing that requires a different, specialized SRT system? Or is it that you're trying to incorporate the gear and techniques that you're accustomed to?

4. What equipment/method do you use to descend on SRT? And do you use any kind of backup?

- Robert

I use one accender, and a pantin to accend SRT, but I am fixing to get another ascender and put it above the hip ascender. Run one loop down to the saddle, and another to my left foot. That would afford the Rope Walking system.

No backup. I use a closed shell ascender, so I am fairly comfy with it not jamming (tried that) or comming off the rope.

No specilized grear. Pantin, Ascender, I'd and a micro pulley is all I use.

Descend on i'D if it is on the rope, if I am on an ascender, then the 8. Without backup.

 

[Burnham]

RescueMan--I climb SRT with two handled CMI ascenders. The upper is lanyarded to my sit harness, and the lower has a pair of equal length foot loops, and is also lanyarded to the sit harness. This is a mechanical version of the Texas system, I believe. I work in the big conifer forests of the PNW.

I changeover to a RQ3 rescue eight for most descents, though for very long drops I use a 6 bar rack. For backup, I request a belay on the tail of my rope from my climbing partner.

I too have wondered why many arborists are reinventing the SRT wheel . I expect they'll tell us . Since I do different work, some of the considerations that concern others may not be ones I share.

 

[NickfromWI]

I want my system to be quick. The less steps, the better. When going up a single line, I don't mind footlocking. That way, when I get to the top, it's just one sling that needs to be removed from the climbing line.

Also, few tree climbers are also cavers and rescue workers. Many have yet to be introduced to super efficient ascending systems. For them, they aren't "RE"inventing the wheel, they're inventing it.

love
nick

 

[Bradley]

I've been using the Texas in a few diff. configurations for a while and the frog occasionally for caving and rock climbing and occacionally for rec. tree climbing if it's a long pitch. For the most part though, I've started using Rocky J's rig for srt while working and rec. climbing. I clip a 24" runner to the biner my Vt is on and hook that to a Petzl ascender. A pantin on the foot. When I get to the tie in I just untie and hook the end to my saddle and I'm instantly on Ddrt.

 

[Bradley]

I can't believe I never thought of that before I saw his pics over a year ago. It's the most simple thing I've found. My VT advances perfectly. 20 seconds to change over once you reach tip.

 

[RescueMan]

Could someone describe RJ's setup a little more fully?

Or better yet, are those pictures still around?

- Robert

 

[NickfromWI]

Originally posted by RockyJSquirrel
...90% of groundmen are simply semi-sober brush draggers that cannot tie or untie knots...

Wow, you're not too optimistic. I know a guy from WI that has been working the ground for many years now. Good with a rope and could remember semi complicated pulley setups. Could tie most knots after me showing him no more than three times, and could untie any knot I threw at him. He's said he want to move to florida (wants warmer weather). I could give him your contact info. It sounds like he's just the guy you're looking for.

Oh, sorry. He's black.

love
nick

 

[NickfromWI]

?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

1. Are you using one or two ascenders?
a) if one, how are you climbing - footlock?
b) if two, are you using footloops from one of them?
c) if you're using a hitch backup, is that because you're climbing on a single ascender?

I have a Microcender on a short lanyard for my upper. A rocker is at my waist. Both are attached to the same biner.

2. You guys seem to be re-inventing the wheel (so to speak). Why not use one of the tried-and-true caver's systems like the Mitchell, Texas, Frog, or Ropewalker?

Like someone said, not reinventing, redesigning. The systems are the same we're using some different tools.

3. What is there specific to tree climbing that requires a different, specialized SRT system? Or is it that you're trying to incorporate the gear and techniques that you're accustomed to?

One of the parameters that I've used in developing my ssytem is to have one that is easy to get into and remove. A compact system is important too because I keep all the gear on my saddle. Having handled ascenders is too bulky. My upper along with the Pantin will be a ball no bigger that a two-handed snow ball.

4. What equipment/method do you use to descend on SRT? And do you use any kind of backup?

This week, or should I say today, I'm using a hitch to work the tree. If I knew that I was going to make a long final descent I would bring some kind of descender. I have a whole fleet to choose from. I NEVER use a figure eight but anything else is game.

When I have more time I'm going to work on incorporating a chest ascender into my system. If I can find a chest harness to wear that doesn't get in my way while I work I can see the advantages.

If I have a long, over 50' first pitch I'll use a Wonder Bar instead of the Pantin. When I get to my TIP I clip the keychain biner on my rope and speedline it back down to the ground.

Tom

 

[RescueMan]

chest harness/ascender

When I have more time I'm going to work on incorporating a chest ascender into my system. If I can find a chest harness to wear that doesn't get in my way while I work I can see the advantages.

Petzl makes a variety of chest harnesses, from the lightweight Voltige and Easy to the CE-certifed Chester with steel d-ring and strap to attach to seat harness.

All chest harnesses, if you're going to be hanging from them, need to be connected tightly to your seat harness or they'll ride up into your neck.

If you're just looking for a way to attach an ascender directly to your harness, which will move up the rope with you and hold you close to it, why not use a frog-style system with a Petzl Croll attached to your seat harness and held up with a simple strap harness (I recommend the GGG Frog Chest Harness - it attaches in front with fastex buckles and is easy to remove).

For good sources of ascending gear and harness, check out the caver's gear sites such as:
Inner Mountain Outfitters or Karst Sports

- Robert

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I like the look of that, It seems like it would attatch nicely to a Master sadddly and take a lot of slop out of the belay ascender.

 

[MasterBlaster]

I like this!

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I've thought about getting one for lunch breaks in big trees

 

[Lumberjack]

Originally posted by John Paul Sanborn
I've thought about getting one for lunch breaks in big trees

Do they make them in your size?

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Those are OK, but tree boats are uncomfortable.

 

[Burnham]

Who sells that chair/hammock?

 

[Bradley Ford]

20-9901 Belay Pod $40.00
Inner Mountain Outfitters
EDIT: Removed dealer link