VT Prusik - versatile tool for ropework

[@johnangeleri7336]

The Bob Ross of rope work! Good info. Thanks!

[@ridermak4111]

I don’t even climb, but I dig rope stuff and recovery/emergency kit hardware. You Sir, are an addictive, glowing, rope Sensei. Your calm voice delivering vertical sorcery of the good kind just has my head shaking. Amazing stuff.

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.

[@LouStoriale]

I have watched 400 Prusik and rope hitch videos. Yours is in the top 1

[@troy4219]

The best instruction I've come across on the Internet.

[@atraillesstaken]

I had learned the VT when I took the canyoneering courses at the University of Utah about 10 years ago but forgot how to properly tie it so I'm glad I came across your video cause I remember how awesome it was and some of the many uses it has. Now I've learned even more uses for it. Thanks Rich!

[@Killinit33]

I've been climbing trees for 20+ years & still found it very informative. Nice job sir!

[@mruminer]

Without doubt one of the best rigging/knotting videos I have watched. Well done!

[@bethschwenndds]

So much great info packed into 20 minute video! Fantastic :))

[@piavigdalsgaard2230]

Agree... Agree

[@julianchavez3372]

Just got 2 VT prusiks. I really love how easy they release after binding. Nice to accend with, and they are fun to play with. So many different ways to rig them. Thanks for the great product and videos.

[@rogermabry2816]

I want to thank you for this . I barely got into climbing 20 years ago . Now looking to get back into again . Once again as a beginner, LOL at 56 . I appreciate your videos & will look to see if you published a book of your knowledge.

[@CanyonsCrags]

@@rogermabry2816 Thank you for those words. I am glad you are receiving some value from the videos.

[@kkutube1972]

This is the best video I have ever seen, how and why and many different scenarios.

[@2369chico]

I've been using it to climb trees for 10 years I love it . The other pressex , at the end of the day when your forearms are tired and you just don't have the grip you had the beginning of the day they get hard to move once they've been set. Good tutorial

[@chrisherberttreeservice1970]

Wow! Great demo! I'm an ISA Certified arborist who has been using a Blake's hitch for my climbing in tree work and basic 6 coil prussic for my captures. I've been wanting to move to the VT for about a year but know I need to master it and tend it well before setting off with a chainsaw to work ;-) I've seen several videos on tying this knot, but nothing as clear, complete and totally helpful as this video. Great work and much appreciated. THANK YOU!

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated. Let me know how you like your transition from Blakes to VT.

[@chrisherberttreeservice1970]

Canyons & Crags Will do! And I’ll be spreading the word about you . Tnx again

[@bwyo29]

Just ordered one. Fascinating the diversity they offer.

[@lacabinadevuelo]

This is probably the best video of this kind in the whole youtube. Thanks!

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@krysobrzut3669]

Glad to have some instructional videos because it helps me get used to looking at the tube. My eyesight feels better

[@mdeamicis]

You remind me of Bruce Lee. Try this and that and use what works for you. I love it. Just getting into rope work to make my job easier. I build sheds and sometimes there is no even ground for ladders for doing the roof and it gets kinda sketchy. My last job I had to use my tie down strap looped around a tree to tie off and hang over the peak and run the first couple rows of shingle in tension. Very sketchy without proper rope and gear. Funny thing is I always wear a riggers belt. Got home and ordered a rope, rescue 8 and some biners. They showed up today and I got comfortable acceding and descending with the rescue 8. Now I'm itching to get more gear and take classes but I like the minimal gear approach to keep kit handy and this is the ticket for me. Good job Sir I salute you.

[@erinmcgowan7980]

One of the most informative well made videos on the web.

[@PanovskiAngel]

This is fantastic educational video.. Thanks for sharing

[@atamazykrawczynski]

3:33 Im trying now this hitch, and it looks verry good. 3:05 I have rope 11mm, and preety hard rope for prusik 8mm. Symetric prusik does not work good with this equipment, but asymetric works perfectly. Thank you for lesson.

[@oscarfigueroa5744]

Everybody that makes videos assumed that the watchers knows the basic...How are we gonna learn when we have no idea what are they talking about? In this video, was all the contrary: Well and paused explained and very simple. THANKS!!

[@leeo712]

Loved the vid. Bought your VT, it is as awesome as as you say it is. I am a caver and amateur arborist.

[@leeo712]

It was that awesome. Used it as a safety when I climbed a 20 foot 5 inch diameter oak that needed removal from the top to keep it from falling on my garage. Kept me secure when my spurs spurred out on the thin tree.

[@richardnoble4654]

Excellent presentation and piece of kit, thank you.

[@BrooksideFarmBarreMA]

Very well explained! 👍🏻

[@4-SeasonNature]

Thanks for the video. I have the exact same VT Prusic and now I know more ways to use it

[@ericman3234]

that is so comprehensive. thank youu

[@CanyonsCrags]

You are welcome. Thank you for checking out my videos.

[@jimmypayton5849]

very good presentation, thank you, that filled in the blanks for me after reading a book about that prusik type. the coaching about advantages and disadvantages is what I needed, now I must go practice.

[@AircondGypsy]

thanks for the video. It answers some questions I had about what size prusik was appropriate for which dia. ropes. I see now that simply adjusting the number of wraps will be the answer.

[@geopietro]

Rich, this is invaluable. Thank you very much.

[@fordguyfordguy]

SUBSCRIBED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!

[@waltercollins9709]

Very cool, one to try it out ...

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you. Hope you do give it a try. Confident you will really like it.

[@patrickbeauchemin110]

Amazing content! I'm SPRAT II and a climber, love the explanations, thank you seriously.

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you for your feedback. I have not been very active making content in a while, but starting to make more videos.

[@hectoro5144]

Sir!, thanks so much! awesome video!!!

[@mikefinch5624]

I agree that your calm, cool, and confident teaching style is very easy to follow and watch. Only glitch that was a bit annoying was your audio only came in the left ear. I know this vid is going on 6 years old, but with today's media editing software you or your team could easily remaster this video and get the audio in both ears. Other than that, outstanding presentation and it is greatly appreciated. 👍

[@CanyonsCrags]

I have a lot more to learn on the production side. I know how to accomplish this now, but I will have to learn how to upload an edited version without losing my viewing stats with KZbin. Maybe I need to learn if that should even matter. Thank you for your feedback.

[@begbers]

Great video Rich! Thanks so much for that and look forward to seeing more. A buddy of mine who is on S+R out of Bozeman, MT recommended I get them. Just bought two 8mm VTs and have two 7mm VTs on the way, can't wait to start using them.

[@martinzshow4361]

Calmly explained - much easier to understand!

[@sensorpixel]

Very nice! In case somebody wants to look it up, the last knot shown (asymmetric "prusik" based on clove hitch) is called the distel hitch.

[@CanyonsCrags]

You are correct. I tend to lump the Schwabbisch and Distel together as "asymmetric prusiks", but there is a distinction in how they are finished. The distel is a better choice in some applications, like being minded by a pulley.

[@alexanderSydneyOz]

Hi Rich. I see there are no new videos for 5 years. That is a pity. I am about to do only a second canyon (very easy one, in Oz), but as I am taking two girls with no experience, I am looking for excess safety and simplicity, and therefore have been watching quite a few YT videos. Your manner of explanation is far and away the clearest of any I have seen, and the lack of fast-fire jargon is most welcome. Plus I am sold on the idea of the VT Prusik. Based on what I've seen here, I think I will be opting for the self-belay shown at 6:18, with the VT Prusik. I like the idea of the prusik being above, as other YT video has shown that a belay below the descender and attached to a leg loop, can leave the abseiler upside down. That seems to me to be a serious risk. Many thanks.

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you for your kind words. You are right; it has been much too long. Just so happens that I am getting back into it. A couple videos already shot, just need voice over recordings and editing. Hope you are subscribed to my channel so you will receive notices when new videos are added.

[@brotherlove100]

That was super!

[@silvioleiria2510]

Excelent video. I learn a New technic. Tanks só much.

[@GizmosBushEscapes]

i loved watching you demonstrate this. very very good and easy to see exactly what you are doing. cheers mate.

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated.

[@andrewsumwalt2013]

Love Learning from experienced climbers!! great video and great knot walk through!

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Very informative and useable information. Thank you.

[@Neil80212]

Nice work Rich. Great video.

[@AugieMedina]

Excellent update on uses of the VT Prusik since its introduction years ago.

[@69adrummer]

So much seemingly good knowledge I must resist the urge to go out back and try this! haha would end up on the news for sure!! lol

[@mikehunt2667]

Nice

[@you2tooyou2too]

re 19:55 I sometimes hook a biner or sling into the crossover of the 'clove-hitch' to make it easier to unlock, just as I do with a belayer's hitch that I expect to overload, or I want to control from a distance (even a hammock). It also seems I do much of what you describe for the VTP, with just a long 6-7mm sling. Even the descender for self-rescue, but not for rappel nor long distances. Good stuff.

[@davidforrest937]

In the passing-knot demo, I like that you can disassemble the VT from below--if you can still reach the carabiner hanging from the VT, you can undo the VT even if you can't reach the top of the friction knot. // It only matters during an uncontrolled slide, but since the lower-than-descender autoblock has a lesser force post-descender, the friction-induced heat would be proportionally less than the 100% weighted above-descender configuration, but maybe that's not an issue with the Technora.

[@GaryLArnell]

Great video. Now I know what I'm going to ask for Father's Day!

[@gerrys6265]

Thanks...very clear and helpful

[@ryanalbright6510]

Thank you so much. Always great learning.

[@clockworkphoto]

this was great thansk mate

[@stephenwinn3211]

Awesome video brother...next time can you zoom in camera a little closer.... learned a lot.. keep it up!!!!

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you for your positive feedback. I still have much to learn about videography.

[@jacelandadventures1523]

Excellent Video

[@lancerudy9934]

Great video 😊

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you. And thank you for checking out my videos.

[@mattjaskot2347]

Great video, I'm sold!

[@combustible420]

Nice video. First tree guy I worked with taught me the valdotain tresse. Nowadays I like the michoacan. The distel and schwabisch also are in my memory but I only do those on occasion. Nice video nonetheless....

[@brianatkinson3516]

My first experience with that and my first thought was the finger trap.

[@CanyonsCrags]

The finger trap comparison applies to all friction hitches used as rope grabs. Same principle. Thank you for your comment and for checking out my videos.

[@imaphxaznative]

So much information in 20 minutes!? 20:31 new subscription

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you. Im glad to hear you received some value from it.

[@1208bronco]

Awesome

[@ffsteel111]

thanks for all the great info

[@panikosantoniou9189]

Exelend promotion.!!

[@joaofrade1]

Muito BOM !!! Very nice .

[@TyMan970]

Yo thank you for putting in work and making this video

[@xxxHacknSlashxxx]

awesome video, easy to understand.

[@Achisachis73]

excellent presentation thank you!

[@lucfournier3939]

Verrrrry nice

[@teddyruxpin3811]

9:07 - why don't you make a third point of attachment so when you disconnect your rappeling device, you aren't left with ONLY your VT prussik keeping you attached to the rope. You could just take a carabiner and clove hitch (or munter?) yourself into the rope (below the knot) to act as your third point of attachment.

[@CanyonsCrags]

I refer to that as a catastrophe knot. Do it.

[@Andreyanswer]

Классное видео ! Спасибо ! ^_^

[@jianweilv4479]

this is really good lesson

[@Natur-Bueb]

cool men nice tips thanks from switzerland ;-)

[@nathanwilson3185]

I’ve been using and loving the hollowblock prussik loop, I’m doing enough rope accessy type climbing and rappelling that justifies buying one. Can’t find it in stock yet.

[@CanyonsCrags]

We have them in stock at canyonsandcrags.com

[@hellabull]

Hi Rich! That rappel device your using looks awesome. Can you tell me the brand and model? I assume you can belay with it too? Great video on the VT. Love all the uses for it. Bought mine a long time ago, just need to put it to use now!

[@hellabull]

I just looked through your other videos and found the Kung-fu Totem video. Hilarious! Thanks for putting out good stuff, Rich. Gotta buy a Totem now!

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you for your kind words, Nik. You are correct about the versatility of the Totem. canyonsandcrags.com/product/totem/

[@paulespinoza7172]

Hey Rich How about introducing a duel tandem 8mill. pre sewn system made from the same as your VT Prusiks? I have a need in search and rescue for a better idea. Love your VT Prusiks been using them since taking your course. Some saying "I drank the Cool Aid" Your vids are so useful I use them as teaching aids, Thanks..

[@CanyonsCrags]

Not sure what you mean by "duel tandem 8mm". Thanks for your kind words. Tell all your friends it is really good Kool-Aid. They would like it, too. :-)

[@alvinhamby1779]

Going to get a couple of these things

[@gregspangler5155]

good job

[@stevenbusch9336]

🤘🏼

[@pontspontbriand7723]

Just a quick question? Before you remove your belay device I’ve seen in a lot of videos that people like to tie off a catastrophe not first. What is your take on this as I feel all your trust is going into just the VT prussic

[@paytonmac5665]

Good vid ty

[@laszlopricz175]

Greart Demo!

[@seaotter52]

Excellent teaching. What type of harness? Looks like arborist

[@CanyonsCrags]

Petzl Falcon

[@hunter168168168]

Thanks, I learned a lot from your channel about VT, and I created a tying method for ascend and descend, I name it as Hunter’s Rope Wrench, Could you give me some suggestion if you try it? thanks again for you VT tying methods teaching. You can find the tying method from my channel, there are only 4 KZbin records I created. 2 are hand write for this friction hitch tying steps.

[@CanyonsCrags]

I have not been active with my channel for quite some time and regrettably, not keeping up with comments. I will check out your hitch and give you some feedback if you are still interested.

[@hoggif]

I've found VT getting easily undress when used to climb up. Then it tends to not grab properly on thinner ropes on a brand I've preferred. This may be something to beware, if you do not constantly keep it dressed at one point it may just slip. (I found this out when testing in relatively safe conditions). I never got to trust it well.

[@CanyonsCrags]

Keeping any kind of Prusik dressed is important. We need to stay alert and mindful of all of our gear.

[@elsontv8351]

i like climbing trees, i started to collecting tools and equipment and also rope, i have also hand made rappel rack.

[@rappelriggingandreveiws1358]

great video Rich. I should have a Video of my totem review on my channel soon. I would love to test out a few vt prusics if you are looking for a bit of review from other arts of ropework. it will probably be coming out on my other channel 2 stroke running and repairs

[@ArtworkAnon]

Badass

[@ArtworkAnon]

Great personality, information and production. So cool

[@RhythmMaster53]

Ta-Da !!

[@swaspc7618]

Great tutorial, thanks! For a 6mm Rap Line you will recommend the 7mm VT PRUSIK?

[@CanyonsCrags]

I don’t recommend a 6 mm rappel line, but if you must, 7mm VT would be the correct choice. Experiment with the number of wraps you need to get the gripping that you want.

[@brianrodman1033]

@Canyons and Crags - would using the 7mm version regularly with 10mm to 11mm dynamic and static ropes be a big concession or not something that is likely to have any negative effects on its functionality? If it wouldn’t be an issue for the above diameter ropes I would prefer to have the 7mm model vs the 8mm for its ability to work with thinner diameter ropes. Since there are so many climbing ropes getting thinner and thinner plus the more common use of tag lines (6mm to 8mm) it would make me feel more comfortable having the VT prussik that would best be able to handle thin ropes (if a situation arises where that is my only choice of rope to use). Thank you for the great video explaining the uses and benefits of this great product. It’s pretty exciting what it can do compared to my old knotted cords that I’ve always carried.

[@CanyonsCrags]

I have often used the original 8mm VT on 8mm ropes, but take more care with the way I wrap it. The advantage of the 7mm is that it is more forgiving if you are not as careful with the way you wrap it.

[@theadventuretravelchannel]

9:09 supported entirely by a VT prussik which can easily slide by pressing the top and with no backup? Hmmm. Wouldn't it be safer before taking off your rappel device to at least tie a temporary emergency knot below and clip back to your harness while you pass the knot?

[@CanyonsCrags]

Thank you for the questions. You're not wrong. Adding a catastrophe knot clipped to your harness is rarely a bad thing. But in this scenario if the VT did slip, it would come down on top of the knot. Which creates a new problem for me to solve, but it wasn't a catastrophe. VT being "easily slid" depends on how tight you tied it. Sometimes it requires quite a bit of force to release. Caveat: I would never do this without a catastrophe knot if my Prusik was made of anything with a lower melting point. Big advantage with the Technora sheath of the VT Prusik.

[@cliverbm]

Muito bom!

[@estmars]

your voice only comes through the left channel of headphone or speaker... what happened.. great info thanks well put together... funny how yhour always smiling just before you start talking...lol

[@johnmcgrath8111]

Wasn't that last knot a distal hitch and not a schawbash? Nice video! Like that VT

[@CanyonsCrags]

I referred to another variation of an asymmetric Prusik, not a variation of the Schwabisch. You are correct that the second variation is a Distel.

[@alexdematanecoursdekayak1030]

11:22 If you go down, full weight on the VT, it will build heat and potentially break the rope, isn't? Aluminum radiate the heat faster, so it's safer, but rope on rope will keep the heat inside longer. I would only do this super slow to let the rope cool off.

[@CanyonsCrags]

Interesting hypothesis. Fortunately not true.

[@alexdematanecoursdekayak1030]

@@CanyonsCrags I've never used this product. Where can I find the data sheet?

[@tomlynch9706]

It under extreme bombing can glaze, it be nearly impossible to actually damage. The glaze can make for undesirable behavior. Typically in arborculture we can drop ~50' as fast as we want. However we add additional friction, look up a rope wrench or other friction systems. That said it will burn you hand unless great care is taken. Without the extra friction the hitch can get so hot it can completely lock up and be nearly impossible to release once cooled.

[@bonsaidevelopment1016]

Also @3:20 when you were trying to show *how* to tie an actual VT hitch, you did tie it right (from what I can see) but you don't say aloud (and people would certainly miss it) that, after your 3 wraps with the top leg, the back&forth braiding you're doing with the two legs needs to be "opposite order", meaning for either leg it is never "under" the other if was "under" it on the prior pass, each of those braids has to have the legs' orientation opposite from the opposing braid otherwise the friction between your 'biner and those 3 wraps on the standing rope won't be remotely as useful.

[@ACAcanyoneering]

Thank you for your input.

[@jenseng7353]

I would love your review on beal escaper.

[@alexdematanecoursdekayak1030]

VP is nice looking, but for cheap climbers, can we just take a regular 8mm static rope and tie one '8 loop' at each end? Saving 90% of the price in the process?

[@CanyonsCrags]

Cheap climbers who don’t understand the difference between Technora and nylon or polyester would be risking their lives to save a little bit of money. Unfortunate.

[@alexdematanecoursdekayak1030]

@@CanyonsCrags What material Technora is made of? What is the glass transition temperature or melting point?

[@CanyonsCrags]

@@alexdematanecoursdekayak1030 Technora is an aramid fiber. It does not really melt. It starts to char at around 950 degrees F.

[@alexdematanecoursdekayak1030]

@@CanyonsCrags Thank you for the precisions. We learn new thing everyday.

[@nicod1886]

At 11:20, you descend the rope with only the VT. How far would you descend without potentially burning the hitch? On either a tensioned line or a regular un-tensioned line... I want to use the VT to rappel only 20ft to the ground. Would you feel comfortable doing that? Thanks and awesome video btw!

[@CanyonsCrags]

I never "rappel" with a VT. There are devices made for that. I use the VT to accomplish things that a rappelling device can't do. One of those things might be descending a rope that is under tension to rescue someone who is stuck on that rope. In which case, distance is not really a concern. The VT has a Technora sheath. It won't melt, but will get hot.

[@nicod1886]

@@CanyonsCrags yes, this would be used in emergency situations only (and nothing to do with rock climbing). I believe your VT may be able to play a significant role in a market that it’s never been introduced to (combined with something I’ve been thinking about). I’m based out of Ann Arbor, MI and would love to speak with you some time about it. If you’re interested and had the time of course. Thanks for the response and I hope to hear from you!

[@CanyonsCrags]

@@nicod1886 Now you have me curious about the application you have in mind. If you prefer a private conversation email me at canyonsandcrags @ icloud . com

[@nicod1886]

@@CanyonsCrags Email sent my friend! Let me know if it didn’t transmit somehow and I am appreciative for your time!

[@kmacdough]

@Climbers, anyone know how dangerous it is to drop gear on this as a VT knot? e.g. would knocking a quickdraw onto it be enough to disengage the knot? If not, what would. it take?

[@CanyonsCrags]

Can I assume you are asking if something comes down on the top of the hitch, which is its release mechanism? If yes, the answer will start with, "it depends". If the hitch is loaded and an unloaded quickdraw comes down on top of it, seems unlikely that would be sufficient to release it. If the quickdraw is connected to an anchor and the top of the hitch moves into it, not sure what would happen. A carabiner is big enough to pass over the hitch without having any effect. But I could imagine possible scenarios in which something loaded or anchored could encounter the top of the hitch to release it. If the encounter is temporary, the hitch might slip, but would grab again once the encounter ends. If the encounter is uninterupted the hitch could continue to slip.