lego1970
ArboristSite Guru
I prefer to climb without them so I can grip the tree and work the knots, however there are exceptions depending on the tree, such as pine, locust, hedge. Having said that, I always keep a pair with me in my side cargo pockets on my pants. Where I end up useing them the most is when it's time to rope pieces out, such as guiding or steering the roped piece down with my hands as the groundsman lowers the rope, or if I have to hold the rope while the groundsman is dragging the piece away from an obstacle, etc, etc.