HITCH CLIMBER System: Everything You NEED To Know (MRS/DRT for Arborists & Tree Climbers)

[@kyleoglee]

Don't be so hard on yourself, this is solid gold for us new guys.

[@Knot-orious]

Thanks! I appreciate you saying that! I just hardly ascend using MRS and was worried someone was going to give me a hard time or accuse me of being a poser. Pretty much nobody did, though haha Lesson learned. Thanks for the support! Many other videos about this topic are very brief and leave out important information. I'm happy that you would consider my video to be a "solid gold" reference for the new climber. That definitely was my goal and I genuinely appreciate your positive feedback. Comments like yours help to give me the extra drive I need to continue making videos like this one! Thanks again! Don't hesitate to let me know if you ever have any questions about anything whatsoever. =-D

[@nate-408]

Nicely done sir. Anyone who has tried hip thrusting knows its difficult. Very well explained thanks for sharing. Subbed.

[@Knot-orious]

Thank you! Hip thrusting sucks hardcore. Just so you know, I might be taking a few months off of YouTubing, so don't give up hope on my channel. Watch my latest content that you might might like and I'll be back to KZbin with a vengeance soon enough! Thanks again!

[@neitzsche5150]

Another informative video. You have a lot of cool toys and your videos inspire me to go out and try the techniques. Thanks for the time and effort you put into these educational videos.

[@Knot-orious]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy that you enjoyed this video! More to come! Yes, I certainly do have a lot of "cool toys." Having a recreational tree climbing hobby ain't cheap, but every dollar that goes into my gear collection, and towards items I need for my channel, is well worth it and the things I buy will typically serve me well for a very long time! Also, I never regret the countless hours I spend filming, demonstrating, planning, scripting, and editing. If each videos helps or inspires even one person improve their understanding or capabilities, then it was time well spent. Not to mention I simply have fun YouTubing and teaching and improving my editing abilities. YouTubing is a symbiotic balance between making myself happy and making my viewers happy simultaneously. =-D

[@TredasTaurin]

Love your Content. Thanks for showing!! 👍

[@Knot-orious]

You're so very welcome, my good friend from Germany! I've been filming some content for MRS/DRT lately since my library is mostly loaded with content for SRS/SRT, and I felt that I should cover the former a bit more in order to make my content more eclectic! I don't typically climb on moving rope systems, so I'm not particularly talented with them. However, I have a complete and thorough understanding how to build and use them correctly and safely! I'm glad you love my content! Thanks for your support and for commenting!

[@TredasTaurin]

@@Knot-orious Thank you for your comment, my good friend from the USA. I use both systems when I climb. Last Sunday, for example, I had to climb to a height of about 35 meters. We could only install the SRT rope at a height of about 20 meters. I then climbed the rest of the height using the MRS/DRT method. Thank you for your last email. I am still processing my answer 😃👍

[@Knot-orious]

@TredasTaurin Yes, that's exactly how I use MRS/DRT...after I've already ascended into the canopy via SRS/SRT. I have zero interest in using MRS for ascending. I use it for work positioning and moving through limbs or limb walking. Mostly for triangulating my positioning! Definitely email me back when you have the chance! I'd love to hear from you!

[@j-jlevy]

Yep.... pretty cool and informative video. Nice job bro

[@Knot-orious]

Thank you very much! I appreciate you and your comment! I did my best! 😊🙏

[@snpActn]

Great job! love your videos. Would have been nice to see how you anchored/got the rope up in the tree aswell :)

[@Knot-orious]

Hey! Thanks! I'm glad that you enjoy my videos! That's wonderful to hear! I plan on making a video pretty soon all about how to set climb lines into trees because I have yet to make a video fully covering that relatively basic, but hugely important aspect of tree climbing. Thanks for the suggestion and for the support!

[@youeyeball]

Cool 😎👍.. thanks for sharing your expertise 🫵😉

[@Knot-orious]

You're very welcome! Thank you for thanking me! I appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your support/for commenting!

[@一人杣夫]

Very detailed explanation, easy to understand and informative. Thank you very much. I have been tree climbing with the MRS Brakes Split Tail System, but I am considering installing the Hitch Climber System. I would like to ask you a few questions. I would like to know the diameter and length of the prusik cord you are using for reference. I am also using 1/2" (12.7mm) 16 strand climbing rope.

[@Knot-orious]

I'm glad you enjoyed my video! Thank you for commenting! As for your question, the hitch cord I used in this video is a Teufelberger EpiCord 9.3mm diameter and 32" length. The length for this setup is too long, but it's all I had in my backpack at the time. The cord diameter is perfect for a 1/2" diameter rope, but I'd suggest using a shorter cord, such as maybe 30". Perhaps even 28" if you can splice it. If you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to ask. The EpiCord also comes in 10mm diameter, which would be another great choice. Both diameters are very supple and work well when tied into most any friction hitch. The 9.3mm diameter is going to bite into the rope harder, which is why I like it.

[@Knot-orious]

I take that back. At the beginning, when I use the Blizzard hitch, the length of 32" is probably just fine. Sorry, I have a lot of videos. Just rewatched to make sure. But if you use more compact hitches, a 30" might be better. But I love 32" cords because I can tie more complex hitches and thicker hitch cords eat up more length when tying a hitch. You often need more length in your eye to eye when using thicker cords because of this. Sorry for the confusion.

[@一人杣夫]

@@Knot-orious Thank you very much for your kind advice. It is very helpful. I ordered a Singing Lock Φ10mm 80cm prusik cord and a DMM triple attachment pulley 2 for the pulley. I am very much looking forward to receiving them. Once I get used to the hitch climber system, I will try the SRS rope wrench.

[@Knot-orious]

@@一人杣夫 That so great! I'm always happy to help! Let me know how everything goes! Do you own a rope wrench yet? Anyways, good luck and be safe up there! Start low and slow! Practice the motions on the ground before you take it at height. Have fun!

[@一人杣夫]

@@Knot-orious Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I don't have a rope wrench, so I am going to purchase one. Is the rope wrench ISC?

[@RC-Heli835]

Knotorious this is really neat! Have you tried SRT with a 3 to 1 pulley, 2 prusiks and a blakes hitch? You have to descend on a figure 8 unfortunately. I'm sure if its out there you know about it already. LOL!😃

[@Knot-orious]

Can you provide me with a link to a video that shows or describes this technique? I've climbed SRS using s 3:1 and a foot ascnder before, but it's not very efficient. For every 30 feet of rope one must ascend, they must pull 90 feet of rop through the system. But it's very physically easy...just slow.

[@RC-Heli835]

@@Knot-orious For some reason it keeps getting taken down. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYDTZ4mkmNhmiLM

[@Knot-orious]

I meant to watch this but I forgot. I'll try to remember tomorrow or later on this week.

[@RC-Heli835]

@Knot-orious Ok its a pretty neat system and probably not near the cost of a 400 dollar climbing device. It gas a nice Raggae tune that I can't find the name of also!

[@jonkeith2624]

I never really like using the pully for terminating your rope to I like to put it back to your harness I just feel like the pully a weak point of you do it like that you can use a termination knot of some sort the lanyard thing is useful especially if your rope walking I true drt man will foot lock up the tree a lot faster and easier on yourself if you keep your feet higher like try above your hit hitch or at the same level it by easier to thrust up but if you want to get into I definitely foot lock your way up the rope

[@Knot-orious]

If you use something like a hitch climber pulley, it would be pretty strong and I wouldn't say it's a weak point. I think I understand what you're saying, though, about eliminating the pulley and terminating it to your bridge/harness instead. And, yes, foot locking would definitely be much faster. I honestly hate MRS/DRT, and climb almost exclusively SRS/SRT, so I'm not very good at the former since I rarely climb that way. Thanks for your suggestions, advice and observations. I appreciate them!

[@Sethhaun78]

Did you have dentist work done?

[@Knot-orious]

No, I have not. Why do you ask?

[@Sethhaun78]

@@Knot-orious looked like pain..been there many years..have all new false teeth now

[@Knot-orious]

Nope. My teeth are far from perfect, but I have no pain in my mouth at the moment. Thank goodness. Definitely overdue to see a dentist, though. I should probably get ontop of that before I encounter difficulties. I just really, really hate dental work.

[@philosborn1840]

@@Knot-oriousI have found to floss and brush daily keeps my dentist’s mittens out of my wallet. LOL

[@Knot-orious]

@@philosborn1840 While my dental hygiene isn't always picture perfect, I do a pretty good job of religiously brushing and flossing (although, I am guilty of not flossing as often as I probably should be) haha

[@Sethhaun78]

You can run hit hitchclimber without splice useing second hole instead of top hole...with anchor bendknot..and michocan..done before or adding extension and or raiseing it tge standing end difernt ways...also guys use quikies

[@Knot-orious]

I just can't recommend to people that they use a termination knot because, typically, it is dangerous. Although, admittedly, I've done it myself several time in the past (even in a few of my videos). I just want my content to provide the safest possible information for my viewers. Hopefully you understand.

[@philosborn1840]

I seen others tie and clip the rope end to an other attachment on a climbing belt.

[@philosborn1840]

@@Knot-orious even though the manufacture illustrates for the rope end the spliced rope end that is to be connected to the middle hole on the becket, it is still too close to the brake.

[@Knot-orious]

@@philosborn1840 Yes, this is certainly an option for anyone who has no other option but to use a termination knot. I am aware that there are safe ways to climb with this method using knots, but couln't advise that anyone use the original setup in a way that has not been approved by the manufacturer. Thanks for your comment.

[@Knot-orious]

@@philosborn1840 It certainly is a very close quarters, streamline system, and the splice does end practically right up against the friction hitch (or "brake"). Despite this, if you a climber uses a spliced or sewn termination, there isn't any real risk of these terminations accidentally releasing the friction hitch. As shown in my video, I always use a DMM Perfecto, which is smaller than average sized oval carabiner, to connect my splice to the pulley. This further reduces the already miniscule risk/chance of the splice somehow contacting and releasing the hitch since it is even farther away from the top of the hitch than if a standard size carabiner were to be used.

[@brandonlanham7841]

You need to teach these techniques to people who can actually climb and have the endurance to do so. You dont have any of these attributes but knowledge. You should not be climbing trees anymore. You're out of shape and cannot climb trees and cut the way that's needed. You need to only be a teacher now to people you hire. Period.

[@Knot-orious]

I'm allowed to be out of shape and then get back into shape, which is exactly what I'm doing. But thanks for offering your suggestions. I climb recreationally, so I'm only ever responsible for myself. I do this for fun and because I love educating people. Period. I work for myself and hire nobody. I run this channel on my own and I'd say that I am more than capable of improving this channel and my own physical fitness. You say I should only be a teacher. That's all I am. So I guess we're on the same page. But I won't stop climbing. How else will I get back into shape and maintain my abilities if I stop climbing?

[@daveoseas]

Subject: Kiwi Dave, a question Howdy. Hoping you are well and safe from awful storm on eastern coast... Query. When cutting limbs that are towards horizontal (or even vertical) what steps do you take to ensure saw isn't grabbed as limb falls. Internet is a tad confusing... Tia. Cheers, Dave

[@Knot-orious]

If you're cutting a limb that is completely vertical, to where there's no obvious fall direction, then I'd suggest cutting a small face cut in the direction you want it to fall down, and then make a back cut from the opposite direction while pushing or pulling the limb in the desired fall direction. If you make this back cut quickly, and if the limb is small enough to help control its fall direction into the face cut with your hands, then the odds of getting your saw stuck are pretty small. If you're dealing with a really big branch, then you can do the same thing, except first climb up about 10 feet above where you want to make your cut and tie a rope to it. This will help you create enough leverage to direct the limb into the desired direction, and the face cut will help make the limb easier to tip once you finish the back cut. Am I making sense? I'm not exactly a seasoned pro with a saw, but that's how I would go about it.

[@daveoseas]

@@Knot-orious thanks for commenting. I'm aware of basics... just id like to know more regarding saw being grabbed. In 40 yrs it hasnt to me... a neighbours red wood grabbed his saw, twice...

[@Knot-orious]

Getting your saw grabbed and pinched to where you can't remove it or run the chain is pretty rare so long as your cuts cause whatever you're cutting to drop to the ground or break off. When it does happen, you either need to use some rigging to pull the piece to the ground or use another saw to try and finish the cut, then remove the pinched bar once the piece finally drops. There's no real protocol for how to handle a seriously pinched bar to my knowledge. You sort of just have to figure it out haha

[@Knot-orious]

One helpful way to release a pinched bar is to hammer some wedges into your cut. That can sometimes help you get your bar out or allow you to run the chain and finish the cut so that the piece will drop.

[@daveoseas]

@@Knot-orious yeah nah!! My issue is... when a log is falling, the falling piece grabs the saw... in the last moment of the cut. Rare. But nasty when it happens...

[@networkengineer.online]

Thx. Keeping my hopes up that I can get as comfortable as you are with rope/tree climbing. A good presentation of your non-preferred method.

[@Knot-orious]

You, sir, are very welcome! Thanks for thanking me! Very pleased that you enjoyed my presentation! Getting comfortable with rope/tree climbing comes about though only one singular process and that's: practice! Even though MRS/DRT is *definitely* not my preferred method, my obsession with tree climbing has led me to learn about every single method and technique that my one brain can possibly absorb and master! And even though my MRS/DRT climbing demos will typically look pretty terrible compared to my fast and skilled SRS/SRT climbing abilities, I feel obligated to share as much of my knowledge with my community as I possibly can! I would suggest finding a style of tree climbing that appeals to you the most and then focusing ALL of your mental and physical energy towards mastering it, and using it to become more and more comfortable at height! Once you've done that, then it's time to find another climbing method and master it as well! All of my knowledge has taken nearly five years to accumulate and even I have still only truly fully mastered a few methods (all of them SRS/SRT). Although, technically, anyone who masters the use of an adjustable lanyard has mastered a form of MRS/DRT, and I can say I have certainly done that! Just keep your own obession alive, never stop learning, and PRACTICE! If you do those three simple things, you WILL become as comfortable as me someday. I promise you. Thanks for commenting and for the support! =-D