Tree Climbing Systems: Progressions in Doubled Rope (DdRT)

Basic progression of tree climbing systems in doubled rope, moving all the way from closed systems, to eye-to-eye hitch systems and the Hitchclimber pulley...
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." - Ernest Hemingway
Climb High, Work Smart, Read More.
- Patrick

[@davidpalmer3015]

This video is about the most efficient 13 minutes of climbing knowledge for a beginner to watch. Very well done...thank you.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Thanks brother, appreciate it

[@Bythirteen]

Awesome. In the last year, I went from a Blake's Hitch to Hitchclimber and now I'm on a ZigZagPlus... every step of the way playing around and experimenting with different ideas and new approaches... it has been a true pleasure to learn every step along the way and appreciate the evolution of the craft.

[@littlejonnyschannel]

I'm not one to leave Comment's however... out of like 75 - 100 "how to video's" I watched on climbing/cutting Tree's, I find this to be 1 of the best personality explained vertical video's on the subject at hand I come across! Don't get me wrong, there's alot of great video's out there but you own this 15 minutes for sure! Great performance my friend! I'm interested to see what else you have on here!

[@richardcodling4661]

Best explanation I've seen. Started climbing in 97 and still using the same system! I keep thinking about upgrading, but worried that after so many years I'd mess it up and fall out of the tree! Lol thanks for all your great work, can't wait for your next video. Stay frosty brother.

[@danvankouwenberg7234]

I started in '99 and I'm the same way. It was a big deal when I sprung for a split tail haha. No I have all the stuff to go SRT. Nervous to start but these videos help alot.

[@youtempleton461]

Aha! 3 holed hitch climber pulley only with a spliced eye rope termination or if wanting to continue down the KZbin arborist rabbit hole and investigate the M-system. At long last I understand why some use a simple micro pulley for slack tending and some use the hitch climber pulley. Thank you so much for consicely illuminating this!

[@christopherderycke3603]

great video. Ive been climbing 18 years. I started on a Prussik then a Blakes, pulley system, hitch climber and finally settled on a zigzag. learning all the time

[@joshpomponio2993]

It’s hard starting out because there r so many different systems trying to figure out which one to go with vids like this help thanks brother 👊

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Glad I could help... - Patrick

[@OTEP1234567891011]

What you describe at 11:40 I learned the hard way one day climbing a black walnut. About half way up, I'd say 30ish feet, I took a good 5 foot slide when my foot ascender kicked out. Luckily I grabbed my hitch and glazed the shit out of it and it stopped me. Talk about a scare. Any time I tie a fisherman's as my termination for DrT I connect it to my ring instead of the hitch climber. You offer good advice. Keep up the good work.

[@Frontireadventures]

I'm really enjoying your videos. Being 66 years old and somewhat new to tree climbing, im sifting through tutorials to make this simple. I have 40 years forestry and tree experience, but i need a wee more climbing teaching to be comfortable. Only basic 30 to 50' single stems.

[@mvblitzyo]

So super glad I can go back in time find a educational video that I knew you post so I can teach or so new climbers a system they never Hurd of. Thanks Joe from California

[@TreeCamper]

I've been climbing for a few years and I still like to watch these videos of yours. It's just good to have a refresher and see it all. Sometimes we get stuck in our ways and it's just nice to cover the basics again. Thanks, bud.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

I appreciate that! - Patrick

[@smallchunkaground2071]

I'm glad I found this channel. You go into much more detail than most which helps tremendously. I'm new to climbing and learning a lot from your channel and years of knowledge.

[@corytoddmusic]

Thank you for this! I've been learning what I can about tree climbing online over the past few years (for trying recreational one day) , but I'm still trying to fill holes in my knowledge. For example, I couldn't find an explanation of what a "split tail" is anywhere... and here it is - answered in a concise explanation of climbing system set up! I look forward to watching more. Thanks again. Stay safe!

[@Anumser]

man I'm from Brasil and I learn a lot with your videos! I would like to thank you!

[@scatoutdebutter]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to share your knowledge, experience, and depth on this particular subject, Patrick! Keep staying safe!

[@briananderson6758]

Fully old school guy here. Thanks for helping me update myself!

[@edsantos8610]

Your videos are top tier man. Appreciate the knowledge.

[@trimbaker1893]

Thank you. I like the way you explain/show these vitally important systems. Nicely done. George.

[@oscarfigueroa5744]

Straight to the point! Welldone!

[@jontaylor917]

Thank you for such a clear, concise, easy to understand explanation of the spectrum of DRT systems! Super helpful!

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Glad it was helpful! - Patrick

[@ibkg]

this video was very helpful thanks for helping us new climbers out

[@ianbarnett6027]

Great explanation. Thank you.

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

Yes it is Really good! I go between a split-tail & a self tending prusik by using the end of my Split-tail to atrach to the prusik on the working end of the line when i want a long bridge. I like using my HitchClimber Eccentric cuz I can use a short bridge & the shape of tge Eccentric is built great for pulling the slack out from below. Recently I've been using a micro-pulley that is a Petzyl Pinto where I can use a sewn eye to eye with it & hide the 2 sewn ends in the beckett of the Pinto so I don’t actually have to incorporate a DMM Oval into the setup. . Every 🌳 is different & I've found the flexibility more functional.

[@tomasandersen367]

Thank you for this great video. You told and showed it in a good way ...Cheers from Denmark

[@AnomadAlaska]

Thank you. So much to learn.

[@tedjohn441]

I taught my self to climb at age 50. I started with the blakes hitch . Being the tool junky I am I used all of the systems including mechanical SRT. Bust I will always have a use for a double rope system. If you are just learning you should start with these methods. They help you to learn to tie and dress knots and they also give you the confidence in your rope. And that is something you will always need your life hangs from it.

[@melandaverywilliams3288]

This is very true, I did a tree job yesterday, I got both my throw bags caught in the canopy, so I climb with just my flip line til I got to the top and got tied in. That was scary, if I have my safety rope on me as I go up in gold!

[@tedjohn441]

@@melandaverywilliams3288 Getting throw bags stuck is a b(*&h I have tried to break the throw line that doesn't work out most times. I like to use an air cannon like the APTA. I made one out of PVC it needs some improvements but once you get the hang of aiming it they are a dream.

[@ScottEmmert1980]

Love this video! You're and great teacher . Thanks for all the great content!

[@TheCikpiah]

im grateful for this video..im zero knowledge, so this is very informative

[@adamogrady9874]

Brilliant video

[@mvblitzyo]

always great information Joe

[@gheeshin]

Excellent, thank you very much.

[@austinholm-mcrae2777]

Great informative video. Nice work

[@Billster1955]

Thanks Patrick

[@garyhenion9459]

Great stuff Thank you

[@airtact933]

Muchas gracias!! he aprendido mucho en este video!! Thanks 🙏👍!!!!

[@justinrutan1795]

Thanks bro, always love your videos I’m a newbie and they’re always informative and a big help, looking forward to the next one

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Awesome, thank you! - Patrick

[@GroverGee]

Thank you so much! Been just using a split tail for 10 years.

[@furllyman]

THANK YOU !! VERY VALUABLE

[@troytreeguy]

That was great Patrick, Be well

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Thanks Rob! All the best... - Patrick

[@robertbrown9237]

👍you are a great teacher love you're videos thanks keep up the great work

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

thanks man

[@imaphxaznative]

That's adorable how your son helped you with the videography and said, "It's really good 👍" @ the end. So as you go up the rope the end on you gets shorter and the other gets longer compared to the branch you're hanging from?

[@tuberider1171]

Great stuff looking at the evolution - here's some time stamps stepping folk thu the progressions for those looking for easy references 0:56 #1 Moving from closed system to open (we did that back then) 2:27 #2 Introduction of a micro pulley for slack tending 4:00 #3 Eye to eye friction hitches tied to the pulley 9:46 #4 Hitch Climber pulley, allows for only one carabiner to the bridge

[@chtclimbing]

Very well done Sir. Respect.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Many thanks - Patrick

[@chtclimbing]

EducatedClimber 🤙🏼

[@Gwoko303]

My favorite part of using the triple attachment pulley over a micro pulley is how it holds the system up at a nice working hite well hip thrusting. Great video!

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Right on! - Patrick

[@chaseaspen8904]

Agreed but you don’t need a ripple attachment pulley. I have a two attachment pulley that works exactly the same and less than half the price. Of course there is the added Benefit of using the third hole for work positioning but i just use my 2 in 1 lanyard for work positioning

[@davidsicard2651]

Thanks, very informative

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Glad you enjoyed it! - Patrick

[@dragan3290]

Awesome video! I'm learning all the time! I had to subscribe! Cheers from Australia just subbed.nice work 🙂👍👍👍

[@ericjane747]

Thank you

[@nsyahoo2759]

Thanks for that

[@theone9564]

Cool video I'm just starting.

[@ruffryder13]

awesome. I'm a noob, but know I want to do DRT. Seeing the progression to more hardware etc helps to make sense of all of the options.

[@AnxiousCowboy]

How do you figure out which method to start with? Too much information out there to figure out where to start haha

[@melandaverywilliams3288]

Good morning, I am just starting out, I have bought several items and you have helped me pick what I need to get going. I’m 46 and I am LOVING getting up in the trees trimming and cutting. Keep posting videos for us beginners

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Good luck to you! What else could I cover in a vid? - Patrick

[@melandaverywilliams3288]

Like how to go over a limb and a double line system, and walking out the tie a limb off.

[@melandaverywilliams3288]

Thank you for your reply

[@Dazrena]

I would love a video from you on drt/mrs limb walking. I'll second that.

[@alonsogarcia1990]

Great video man

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Glad you enjoyed... - Patrick

[@scatoutdebutter]

Watching again. Your careful and thorough teaching skills are much appreciated!

[@tedjohn441]

P.S. Great video Patrick!!!!

[@karlquist8118]

Thanks for the great video. What length is that 10mil eye to eye that you used tying the schwabisch hitch?

[@bonsaidevelopment1016]

Great vid! Years of SRT and figuring I should learn DdRT (hear it's best for work-positioning, especially limbwalking and such) Will say that I'd ignored the Hitchclimber, considering it a price-gouge item (like 4/5 pro arborist items, it seems), but now seeing that I've gotta say I'm not even sure how comfortable I'd be *using* the thing...doing it "the right way" makes it so that the pulley is the main strength member of your system (so unless it's an >8k MBS pulley, that means it'd be weaker than my climbline, and my hitchcording), I can kinda see "how nice & convenient" it is but any lil pulley does that (mine were like 12 and $14, IIRC, one's a CMI too :) ), am all for putting my true life-support 'biner through my pulleys SO LONG AS the hitch is sitting inside the 'biner as well, but putting different, *adjacent* force vectors onto a pulley - a pulley that's clearly designed for forces on 1 plane, not lateral forces - as the center of your life support seems risky to me...but then again I've never heard of people breaking them (though I can't imagine *how* such stories would really get out in the 1st place, since they'd probably be catastrophic)

[@erichailperin-lausch262]

Happy Sunday!

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Same to you Eric! - Patrick

[@TreeCamper]

I use the top connection point for clipping in my neck tether when I'm on the wrench.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

That works! - Patrick

[@dprevish100]

I’ve been starting out and struggling with the VT prusik/hitch climber system w/out a spliced eye climb line and was wondering how to manage the bunched area ...now I see that I should be just clipping in to the bridge...I’ve had no problems yet if I use the middle hole (top is way to close), but was concerned as I’ve had to mind my prusik. Now I’ll use the bridge, thanks!

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

I have seen people use long loop knots to extend up above the hitch, but I would stick with a cinching knot... with a big loop knot your carabiner can rotate freely and could side load... just my opinion... - Patrick

[@ethanfink7962]

I went from the closed system with one rope with the Blake's Hitch directly to the hitch climber pulley eye to eye system, so this is great content to see the progression for DRT. I've learned a lot from your channel over the past year. Is that a double overhand termination knot around the biner? When I was on the closed system, I would tie two overhand knots, one on top of the other, around the saddle dees. What would you recommend to tie in that instance? Thanks for the great content!

[@davidfitzgerald4367]

Very helpful and well presented. Is it fair to assume that these progressions are to make life easier ie less physical? I'm in need of a little help as I head for 59!

[@turtlezed]

You the man ‘arry...( Frank Bruno)

[@robertstroh4803]

Deadfishpoter, I don't think Jerry is going do anymore printings. I couldn't find one,except digital one from Educated Climber.

[@ozzymoncrief1554]

If you have a spliced eye on one end of the rope can you still set it through a friction saver remotely?

[@salimufari]

I couldn't help but notice how the tending pulley as installed side loaded the split tail biener.

[@seechadfarm6271]

If the carabiner is oval shaped, does it matter if you rotate it around after it’s attached to the pulley? If so, is it a safety issue of some sort?

[@cmm8622]

Hey boss, what length you recommend on the prusik cord, i see 28-32" options. Awesome video 🙏

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

28" is my favorite. 10 mm for larger lines, 8 mm for smaller lines

[@oscarbermudez9584]

Where did you get all the gear?

[@Surfbeagle381]

Hey there I am a wannabe climber and I was wondering if you need a bunch of mechanical devices for SRT like Rope Runner or Rope wrench why can’t you just use friction hitches and ascenders?

[@salhernandez3426]

What are the benefits or how does it make it better than the Blake’s hitch?

[@eguielquinones5876]

How long is the prusik cord????

[@robthompson1399]

Another great video, but no o rig !?? That's gotta be the best oh the hc pulley !

[@kokkinias]

Hey thank you so much. How long is the prustik please

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

I like a 28 inch hitch cord

[@kokkinias]

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM. Oh thank you so much 🙏

[@derpherpp]

do u have any video showing how u make that middle ring bridge for your harness. i got a Cougar saddle and it doesn't have the middle ring bridge.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

I'm not sure if you can put a ring on that saddle, it requires taking the bridge completely off, threading the ring onto the bridge, then re-attaching the bridge. Some saddles are not designed for this. On my saddle, the bridge is just a piece of rope that I have tied on, so it's easy to take off... - Patrick

[@derpherpp]

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM thanks for the reply, its looks like i can add a ring to the bridge. do u have any commendation on rings

[@deadfishporter]

This video is basically my climbing progression. I now climb 90% srt with the rope wrench but some situations ddrt is faster to get set and climbing. Climb high and read more 🤘 (Still waiting for another update on the new printing of Jerry's book)

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

New printing is proving to be more difficult than I had envisioned.... still working on it .... :) - Patrick

[@marcofemto9417]

I still prefer DRT/MRS over any type of SRT. Simpler and less expensive gear

[@cunninghamjb]

New to climbing so this is a newbie question. For the hitch climber with the "fancy" pulley, could you use a non-spliced rope if you used a figure 8 with a big loop so the knot was well above the prusik? Hopefully the question makes sense.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Yes for sure. Lots of people have good results with an anchor hitch onto a smaller carabiner like a DMM PerfectO, clipped into the middle hole

[@kennethtork9425]

I'm not a climber but when your doing a double rope system shouldn't you use a figure 8 on the tale of your rope?

[@worawitrang1685]

Dear sir I am a beginner tree climbing so I have something to ask you as shown below. 1. I weigh about 68 kg . How big of climbing rope diameter for me ? 2.How big of pusik rope diameter to fit with the climbing rope in the first question ? Thank you in advance .

[@Billster1955]

About half way through this video you mentioned using a 10MM eye to eye prusik cord with 1/2" climbing rope. How long should it be? I see they typically come in 24" and 30" lengths. My climbing rope just arrived and it's Yale XTC Fire 1/2". I also have a Hitch Climber Pulley I can use with it. Thanks in advance for any help Patrick.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

my standard eye to eye for 10 mil is 28 inches

[@Billster1955]

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM does anyone you know sell that length or would I have to make my own? Thanks for your speedy reply Patrick.

[@Billster1955]

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM I found it, www.gmesupply.com/friction-8-and-friction-10-eye-to-eye-prusiks?item_id=AG-AGDBPTV10-28

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Bill, if you're in the states, I recommend Wesspur Tree Equipment Patrick

[@Billster1955]

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM thanks Patrick. I'm familiar with them. In fact they have short pieces of rope which I bought. I plan on making my own backup lanyard.

[@rerolley]

Sounds like you have a new production assistant...

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Indeed....she wouldn't stop touching the camera :) - Patrick

[@gustavogarcia1084]

you forgot to mention the self tending Blake's hitch with a cord an accessory carabinee and a micro pulley.. that would be the third system on the progression

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Yeah, I could have mentioned that setup.... I always saw that as more of a novelty... Cheers brother... - Patrick

[@javiercruz5659]

1st