Introducing the JRB Ascender Hitch, a new friction hitch!

The JRB Ascender Hitch is being published as a (potentially) new friction hitch, for use by rope climbers. (If this work has been published before, that information is not known to the author, and so please leave a comment with a reference to it.) The friction hitch is an alternative to the friction hitches typically used by climbers, including the Prusik, Distel, Klemheist, Michoacan, Schwabisch, Blakes hitch, Knut, Bachman and others.
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DISCLAIMER: Viewers assume responsibility for their own safety. This video is provided for demonstrational and informational purposes only, and is not considered advice nor instruction. Climbing and related knot tying activities are dangerous and should be performed only with appropriate training, supervision and protective equipment. The author disclaims responsibility for the clarity, comprehensiveness and accuracy of the content, as well as all liability for accidents or injuries incurred. - JRB Tree Climbing LLC
#jrbtreeclimbing #treeclimbing #saddlehunting #arborist #climbing #knots #srt #ropeclimbing #deerhunting #deer

[@mattcarter1797]

I used the JRB Ascender Hitch tied using 8mm GM rope on a 13mm climbing rope (single-rope SRT) to prune dead tree branches 50 feet high. It worked beautifully. Distel, Prusik, Blake's, and Klemheist hitches, in my experience, cannot slide on a single climbing rope when fully loaded with my weight (80 kg). The JRB slides up and down with ease when I push/pull the hitch directly using my hand, but holds my weight without slipping when I hang from the hitch. That's very impressive. Thanks for introducing me to this hitch! I like being able to climb without specialized hardware. It's important, for safety reasons, to be able to climb and descend with just ropes and carabiners in a pinch. There are also cost (and sometimes stealth) benefits to not using ascenders, grigris, etc.

[@jrbtc]

Excellent. As you are likely aware, i don't recommend using a friction hitch as a rappel device. Also, please watch the latest video on this playlist for Tying the 523 JRB Ascender in Soft bridge mode. It's even better than the variant in this video.

[@JDye-youtube]

That’s real nice John. It’s very elegant and moves so easily. I like it and I think everyone else will too. Can’t imagine how much time you had to commit to that, but if your not careful your wife is gonna tie you up using your own creations! Lol.

[@jojomorales9815]

Two Thumbs Up... Thanks for sharing this.

[@user-wc9ny9jm8p]

John you make it look so easy. Thanks for the info. One of these days I will build the nerve to try your climbing method.

[@bradbishop-atfulldraw7491]

Love these John, just what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@timwaldroup9654]

Awesome.. Will try it this week

[@charleylyons6090]

Way to go Sir! I'm inspired and suffering cabin fever so I'm looking forward to buying some of this gear so I can practice before hunting season.

[@jrbtc]

U have fun brother. I try to keep the channel organized by playlist so that you can watch the evolution. This was the first vid on JRBAH, just trying to circulate it and find out if anybody had seen it before. In later vids, i show the 423 or 523 variations, and bridge mode. I'm having a hard time figuring out reasons to use anything else provided that I don't need to tie it every time I use it.

[@garybucher6824]

I think your going to get another 20 views from me before i can remember how to tie this and then the next change in the weather patterns with a north east wind I'm going up in my maple after that big buck ! Thanks for sharing John !

[@lancerudy9934]

Great video!! Thanks

[@jrbtc]

Check out the playlist on this hitch. I am preferring the 523 variant and its possible to tie it in a non jamming configuration too.

[@JayN4GO]

Very good John. You should be doing in person seminars

[@hudsonhomevideos2067]

You have to stop improving so I can stop changing my rope. Lol

[@stevenlcotney5577]

Leave it to JRB to improve the climbing system.

[@gopendranandana6738]

Greater nuts, good one, tanks to teaching something is a Safety and strength thecnics

[@joshsmallwood1]

Live this channel! It was recommended by the guys at Rock n arbor. I’m a bigger guy, 300lbs on a good day. I’m interested in using the JRB ascender hitch I currently using 8mm resctech and wondering if that’s sufficient for this system. And what size and cord I should use for the actual hitch for the 8mm resctech? Thanks again!

[@jrbtc]

I took advantage of your great question to improve the level of detail on the website. Please take a look at the information here and adjacent pages. But the bottom line is that I can't recommend 8mm rope for a single rope application for big fella like yourself. It's not just a matter of strength. We gotta consider the ability for a friction hitch to hold and be reliably broken under load, even in wet conditions. If you are using a single rope system , consider a 11mm rope with 7 or 8mm cord. jrbtreeclimbing.com/content/rope/

[@kennethrogers1129]

Thinking of making up a hitch rope- 50 ft of ECW 11 mm, And 40 foot (compact 5-2-3’s and 2, 5-2-3 soft bridge) of ECW 9mm cord, do you think the 9 mm cord is too thick? Wespur says it’s a good combo?

[@jrbtc]

I prefer 8mm cord on 11mm rope. I just bought some 8mm Armor Prus cord to test. You'll like that.

[@michaelfitzhenry6788]

Great videos BIG FAN 👏 👌 👍

[@bsdiceman]

my Dad says, "Super Impressive."

[@zanetracks6592]

Using your remote release knot for my 8 mm oplux rappel line is a huge improvement. Also tried about every friction hitch with 6 mm sterling for a back up knot and the only thing I've found that works consistently is the JRB ascender hitch. 👍

[@jrbtc]

That's good to hear Zane. When i came up with these knots the genuine thought that goes through my head is this: "the gang is gonna LOVE this once they understand how to tie it". Regarding the JRB Ascender Hitch, i use the non jamming if i need it really small. Otherwise i use this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXecoHp-hqmceKM

[@djunk747]

Something that apparently releases the rope, under load, easier than Blake's hitch? Nice! This is gonna be really useful.

[@jrbtc]

Try the 423 or 523 JRB Ascender Hitch. There's a dedicated video

[@rdrx4]

i'm likes n subcribe, good job

[@paulcrave3112]

Good system. So do you have your hitches pre tied to your climbing rope and just drag all of that over your limb when you put your rope in the tree to hunt? If so, how does all that go through a crotch? Do you attach the carabiner after setting the rope in the tree?

[@jrbtc]

Hi Paul, I am doing my best to organize the channel by playlists, separating buckets of relevant information growing over time. On the JRB Doubled Rope climbing method, you'll find vids with details on how I rig it into the tree. Attached is one which goes over a lot of details. But yes, i put the friction hitches on once and don't remove them unless i am inspecting or replacing. It can't get hung up in the crotch because of the way its rigged. With 8mm ropes and an appropriate diameter cord, i have never had one fail to pass through a crotch. But it is possible. If we were using arborist diameter stuff like 9mm cord on a 12mm rope, that's much more likely to present a problem passing through the crotch. Although i haven't found anything that beats the performance of a JRB Ascender Hitch, it's definitely lot to tie. I am currently testing and will soon show you an alternative hitch that is close in performance but much easier to tie. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJzVgZmVaseqd80

[@gooberdooberwunderb]

Does the cord for the friction hitch need to be made out of special material like dynema?

[@jrbtc]

If you're using this for a climbing application, you'll want to buy products from reputable sources which are appropriate for the application. I have recommendations on the shopping-list page on my website: JRBTREECLIMBING.COM. Dyneema has a relatively low melting point and so it is not typically used in the creation of cords for friction hitches. However, i have tested cords with a Dyneema core and they worked great. I just don't allow slack in the system and don't rappel on friction supplied by the friction hitch.

[@The_Fit_ness_monster]

I got my ropes in today and tried this hitch with 9mm RIT cordage on 11.7 mm Samson hyperclimb using it for SRT and it’s out of this world awesome🤘🤘 I’ve struggled so much trying to figure out the perfect way to SRT without mechanical devices, I’d say you can mark this one down in the history books JRB👍

[@jrbtc]

Very cool. What is your foot attachment method? I assume you have seen my video on the Garda hitch footloop? Because that would work for you.

[@The_Fit_ness_monster]

@@jrbtc i used your method, bull hitch with webbing on 2 lookalike biners with garda hitch, i tried it srt with JRB hitch and also DRT or JRB climb method with meech on both ropes and no friction in crotch. Ive watched your videos over and over and it was a dream come true to finally put it in action today🤘 currently selling the mechanical devices i had planned to use lol

[@jrbtc]

@@The_Fit_ness_monster That's nice to hear. In fact, it's basically my reward. The method will spread organically ... and we'll both say we were here at the start... cheers!

[@The_Fit_ness_monster]

@@jrbtc awesome stuff! I was thinking I have knot cards kind of like flash cards with animated instruction on how to tie diff knots, it would be awesome to have one with the JRB hitch and double meech, that would be huge.

[@martindejaen3337]

Capo 😎👍🏻 thanks

[@toneaddict]

climber wannabe here. you should be VERY famous. tqvm for sharing

[@domvaleri7955]

Looks awesome, would you recommend using for a linesman/tether on a regular sticks and platform setup ?

[@DBSLAW88]

Great video. Thankyou. Am tying a rope off to my ceiling fan to try this...

[@SNIPERSTRAPPINGPLACE]

When youre moving your foot loop up the rope, could you not run the foot loop rope up through the ascending hitch beener as a pulley instead of having to drop the rope each time?

[@jrbtc]

Absolutely, you could. If you're using a thicker or stiffer rope, you might find that this helps you. When I am taking slack out of my foot loop with my arm, I am also lifting my leg at the same time so as to leave no weight on it. And so I don't find it necessary and tend to go with the easiest and fastest option with minimal complexity. But it's a great question and I encourage safe experimentation. That's how we got here and great questions like yours are what is making it better.

[@jayfranklin14]

Finally! Very nice! I look forward to trying it

[@bsdiceman]

seems great. I would like to tie this hitch. how did you devise this?

[@jrbtc]

There is an entire playlist dedicated to the hitch. And more coming. I devised a hundred protottpe friction hitches based on experiments and testing. This one was the best.

[@bsdiceman]

@@jrbtc I watched the whole playlist last night. Thank you for sharing, I would love to link up with you one day as I live on Long Island.

[@toddw9518]

John, I tied and tried the 523 Hitch today and tonight. I really like the way it releases when a load (me 210lbs ish all suited up) is applied. Is seems to be a bit difficult to advance it UP my rope. Your videos show that is should be relatively easy. I have 6mm sterling acces. cord around 8mm oplux. Could my 523 be tied too tight or something else...?

[@jrbtc]

That is an aggressive combination of cord and rope, particularly if you're using a SINGLE rope for your entire body weight. As far as I know, Sterling doesn't recommend anything less than 7mm for life safety applications. My first suggestion would be that: 7mm Sterling does work on 8mm rope despite the 87% ratio. 2nd, be sure you're using the carabiner handle. 3rd, tie it as a 523 in soft bridge mode (see video on that) even if you're only exposing one load loop. 4th, be sure you're not rappelling on the friction hitch. If you are, you may need to tune it as you start your next climb. Tune it by ensuring that the proper amount of Slack is in the hitch and exiting via that descending load strand off of the upper helix. I would need to actually see it in order to say more. Facebook is better for that and you can post that in the group: JRB Tree Climbing.

[@LuisSanchez-lu4cu]

Looks very kool. I tied it and tried it. It doesn't do anything my current hitch doesn't do. I only use 28 inches of cord, half as jrb. I also only use a single line and one stick. Jrb is kool and works but I guess I'm out because of the basket weaving and amount of cord used to do it. Otherwise nice. Good luck.

[@jrbtc]

Cool. Hand on a second though cuz i am not aware of any other friction where you can put in a handle and it can take a load even when there's no load on the strands. And so do you SRT climb with yours with a handle? And how do you yet yours to take load on 4 strands? I am not aware of any other hitches which have those properties.

[@manjichromagnon5480]

It's a bit like the stitch hitch

[@jrbtc]

Yes, I am familiar with it but only from Saddle discussions. I don't believe the Stitch hitch has been recognized by the IGKT. If you're aware of who or where the author or publication is, pls reply. Differences include: 1. This can take load on 4 strands, not two. 2. The JRBAH carabiner handle is removable without untying. 3. Can transform from 2 strand to 4 strand loading (bridge mode) without untying. 4. This can be used in self tending applications, see separate video. 5. Lastly, i have not tested side by side, but i don't recall Stitch is easily broken under the load of your full body weight, such as in an SRT application. All I can say is that nothing breaks as easy as this. Cheers

[@diamondrock1970]

Thank you very very much sir for this great information this information really is save time and money I love it God bless you you and your family keep doing what you’re doing we do need people like you Saul from California

[@jrbtc]

That's appreciated. I have a ton more to show you. We're just getting started. Cheers

[@apexpredatoroutdoors8308]

Excellent, brilliant work. I was planning to develop such a system for occasional instances. I love that it requires no metal parts, as quiet is key for my purposes. Thanks for sharing!

[@jrbtc]

Thx. 'My pleasure to share and give ya options... be aware this is a NEW knot and so we're exploring it together. This was the introduction but there are now 3 vids on the playlist, which you should be able to find on the channel, link below. Make sure ya watch #3. The 523 variation is my primary hitch now, 6mm cord on 8mm rope. kzbin.info/aero/PLETL-PceEXkYzZVteVwc0REz37uDr7-_C

[@apexpredatoroutdoors8308]

@@jrbtc understood. My decisions are mine alone. I have been using/ developing a two tether climbing system that is great for, we'll say ideal trees, but not for those where your's is well suited. Now I'm thinking about a possible hybrid with relatively little additional gear. Great channel !

[@mikewarner2742]

John, I think that you have just showed me how to keep deer hunting from the trees even tho I just turned 75!! Big, safe, thank you!!!

[@jrbtc]

If you can walk up the stairs, you can climb a rope. Cheers and thank you.

[@igorjilinski2681]

Excellent job!

[@jrbtc]

Try the 523 in soft bridge mode. Link on this page: jrbtreeclimbing.com/content/favorite-knots/

[@davidmedick5530]

I would prefer your method over a mechanical device. I'm not a gadget kinda guy. Keep it simple and cost effective.

[@jrbtc]

Thanks. Now your comment was on the introductory video, and in case you didn't see it, further down on the JRB Ascender Playlist, you'll see the 423 and 523 variations which i prefer especially on thinner ropes. That's what i am using in this system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJzVgZmVaseqd80

[@jhuntley575]

That's amazing

[@turnstyles7485]

Looks like a great hitch, but it is still unclear how to attach the carabineer. Maybe a follow up video with a carabineer of a brighter more contrasting color would make it clear.

[@jrbtc]

Yes, this was an introductory video. I followed up with additional detail on this playlist. The 523 variant is the one I use the most. And the Compact JRB Ascender enables my newest hitch climbing technique. kzbin.info/aero/PLETL-PceEXkYzZVteVwc0REz37uDr7-_C

[@betterlocation]

what is your background sir? your speech pattern indicates you're an engineer of sorts

[@jrbtc]

Pls appreciate that in public forum, I prefer not to provide a full resume, but I will confirm I am a degreed engineer. On the ropes, I like to think of myself as just someone who enjoys applying a mix of passion, experience, science, creativity in trying to find new solutions for old problems. We're having some fun while putting new tools in the box, just trying to reduce risk for our fellow climbers. My goal is to someday look back and know my efforts have prevented some broken bones or lives, even if i have no idea how many. Cheers.

[@kennethrogers1129]

I’m very interested in how you finish a climb positioning yourself between two crotches, a split tree trunk, often would like to hunt out of a large tree with such split stem/trunk…. with the friction hitch points on your bridge one to one crotch one to the other, how do you move to one side or the other for your final hunting setup, I guess you end up climbing a little more on just one side of the rope, and then you throw another tether ?

[@jrbtc]

No tether for me and no platform... i like to use what the tree provides. I like to stay several feet under my TIP giving more freedom to maneuver. I like a crossing branch under my feet, allowing 180 degree change in direction

[@erburns1124]

I too am using predator rope for DRS climbing. How are you using it in this video?

[@jrbtc]

In this video, the Predator rope is being used for a demonstration of the JRB Ascender Hitch on a 'Texas-style SRT configuration. It is attached to the tree via a canopy anchor and the footloop is my own design, video here on the channel. Note that this is not my preferred method of climbing, which is the JRB climbing method, a parallel, stationary, doubled rope system, shown at the end of this video. The Sampson Predator is a great rope though, and useful in many systems and methods.

[@erburns1124]

@@jrbtc I like the ascender hitch you demonstrate in this video and I already have the predator rope. This is my first year trying saddle hunting and am like a sponge right now. Just looking at different systems. You are a great source of information

[@kennethrogers1129]

great method,

[@pantherlefty]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but do you back up your JRB hitch like you would a Mad Rock Safeguard or other belay/rappel device?

[@jrbtc]

Not a stupid question. The answer is yes. In the JRB Climbing system or an SRT variation of it, the JRB Garda Hitch footloop has 2 purposes: 1) its a footloop for ascending 2) it provides a 2nd and independent point of attachment for our bridge. Find the video for JRB Garda Hitch footloop.

[@pantherlefty]

@@jrbtc Thanks! When you get to hunting height, do you back up your hitch when you're standing on your platform/ROS?

[@jrbtc]

@@pantherlefty a backup or tie off is always a good idea. As a minimalist, i simply leave my garda hitch in place and typically keep one foot in the loop too. It's my backup. If my friction hitches slipped or failed, i am safely on the Garda because it is attached to my short bridge as well.

[@pantherlefty]

@@jrbtc Much appreciated! Thanks for the help!

[@bongsky622167]

Please demo the foot loop. Thank you.

[@jrbtc]

The footloop is detailed here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZrVgaCHjtqYjbM

[@lancerudy9934]

Will it work when the rope is wet from the rain??

[@jrbtc]

Yes, but realize that the hold of any friction hitch is affected by how much natural friction is present between the cord and rope and that will vary based on the cord and rope in use, including materials, diameter, condition, as well as conditions such as water or even ice. In my own testing of my own systems, i will soak the rope and cord in a bucket of water for hours then test it. In some cases, i will need to add a turn. So a 423 becomes a 523 or a 523 becomes a 623. Please see the other videos on this playlist for details on those configurations.

[@Nihilimus]

Genius. So easy to tend. Beautiful.

[@jrbtc]

Thx. For tending, make sure ya see this one too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoqtf6KPd6p_fKM

[@matts1408]

Is this climbing system safe to use on a single rope? I'm wondering because in my particular situation, most trees do not have strong crotches(most trees are pretty straight with few branches). I plan to feed the rope around a small branch, tie an alpine butterfly, feed the rope through, and then climb the same way (using the ascender hitch and garda footloop) on a single rope rather than double.

[@jrbtc]

Matt, the determination of if a climbing system is "safe" is ultimately going to be the responsibility of the climber. There are many factors. I like a thicker rope and thicker cords for SRT, such as the one I used in this video. We can SRT climb using this hitch as i demonstrated. You also can use my Double Michoacán for it. Remember that I don't like to need to do any knot tying at the climbing site; I want it already rigged. For a canopy anchored SRT system, that means you'll need a rope long enough to slide the friction hitch out of the way and back into position when you are ringing your anchor. And make sure you have your redundancy in place: you're redundant Bridge clips into the small Loop in your Garda hitch foot Loop.

[@TradBowEd]

I added this knot to my climbing system. The Blake’s hitch i was using often jambs on me. Thanks for the step by step on the tying, needed that for sure.

[@jrbtc]

In a moving rope system? Are you manually advancing your friction hitch? Or have it tended for automatic progress capture?

[@TradBowEd]

@@jrbtc I am a saddle hunter. Ascend using the single stick method. I hang on a Blake’s hitch, On descent i form a Munter hitch and release the Blake’s hitch. Since i am usually in the dark, i don’t want to re-tie or untie, to reset my gear i slide the hitch back up to my caribener. Looking forward to an eAsier time doing that

[@jrbtc]

@@TradBowEd yes i completely understand... Blake's hitch is more typically used in systems such as MRS (AKA DdRT or DRT) where the hitch is only seeing HALF of our weight. Giving 100% of our way to a friction hitch is a true test. And so now that ya have the hitch tied... find the other video here on tying the 423 and 523 variant... and tie that in BRIDGE mode. U will be amazed at how easy that moves even with 100% of your body weight on 8 mm rope.

[@TradBowEd]

@@jrbtc ok I will do it

[@TradBowEd]

@@jrbtc Thanks JRB! you know I am gonna try that. So happy I bought extra rope. Tell me, what are the diameters of ropes that you are using? I think that I have 8 with 6.

[@guloguloguy]

THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, JOHN, FOR DOING THESE AWESOME, USEFUL, AND EXCELLENT DEMO VIDEOS!!!... ("SHARED"!!) THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!! I HOPE THAT YOU MAY SOMEDAY ALSO PUT TOGETHER A BOOK/EBOOK, ON ALL OF YOUR EXPERT ARBORIST TIPS, TRICKS, ADVICE, KNOTOLOGY, AND WISDOM!! YOU'RE THE BEST!!🥨🥨

[@jrbtc]

Appreciate that. Cheers

[@Mrtheoldteacher]

Have you tried it out in rain or snow?

[@jrbtc]

Of this particular hitch, I have done some wet testing but not in snow. However, over the years, and on multiple friction hitches, I have done a lot of it and can summarize my findings by saying that the presence of water will generally decrease the friction between a rope and cord. Webbing is affected even more. The amount of change varies based on the actual products in use. For example ropes which have dry treatment will have less change in friction. Although my tests of this particular hitch held, that doesn't mean another combination wouldn't experience slippage. When slippage does occur (I have experienced it on Bachmann and Michoacán), it's generally a very slow creep, not a total failure. In all cases, as climbers, we should be prepared for the possibility that our primary friction device (whether its a hitch or mechanical) could slip or fail for any reason, at any time, including wet conditions. If you look closely at the 3 climbing demonstrations in this video, you'll see that I am tied into my climbing rope in 2 places and I can recover from a friction hitch slippage or failure. In every case I have experienced, when a normally sound friction hitch experiences creep in wet conditions, we simply remove it and put it back on with one more wrap. I have never had to do this in the canopy, but I have rehearsed it. It's quite simple. Just don't drop it, and always carry a spare length of cord. In fact, I have been carrying 6 ft of spare cord in my bag for 15 years and never needed it yet. Ice and freezing rain is a different story. We need to protect from having our friction hitch get frozen on the rope. I have experienced that and again, the redundancy in the climbing system will help us recover. These points are General in nature and not specific to this hitch but I thought I should pass them along for you or anyone else who reads the comment.

[@jorgenmalmstedt5473]

@@jrbtc Thanks for answering! Yes often the hitch (Michoachan) starts with a slow creep, but I've also experienced that it locks competely. Always in rain. Well since I'm an old fart, I like hitches. But a year ago I purchased Rope runner pro and we get along pretty well. But there is this fascination, to do this job without mechanical devises. Don't know why. Ceep on the good work!

[@Outdoorguy57]

I really appreciate your knowledge of knots and hitches! I'm using this JRB Ascender Hitch, instead of a Figure 8 with a Prusik auto-block. This hitch will require less mechanical devices and become less weight at the same time. I'm using the 2TC climbing method for bowhunting. I will now use your ascender hitch for my upper tether line, instead of a Ropeman 1 and a carabiner....then having to switch over to a Figure 8 and a Prusik to rappel out, at the end of the hunt.

[@jrbtc]

Excellent. I prefer the 523 version, as described in the later video on the playlist, and now I am using the non-jamming variant as well. I like to think that I'm just providing you with some tools for your toolbox and you can figure out the best application for them.

[@Outdoorguy57]

@@jrbtc I actually use 5 wraps on the top of this hitch. I seems to bite and hold a little better. Again, I can appreciate all of your knowledge. However, I will only use what will apply to my climbing situation. The only time I climb, is for bowhunting.

[@jrbtc]

@@Outdoorguy57 this is the first video on the playlist. And so make sure you watch the others. Particularly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKaaqH2DlNqrqtk

[@Outdoorguy57]

@@jrbtc You'd be laughing your azz off, if you'd seen me struggle tying the hunter's bend knot. I have always used a square knot, but thought I'd give this one a try. I got it figured out, finally. hehehe I did watch the video you recommended. Very educational!!!

[@jamesgillies3710]

The JRB hitch looks to be a very useful and safe: SRT or DRT system, Can't wait to try.

[@ShutUpAndListenYouIdiot]

Thanks John, can’t wait to try it!

[@SteinVarjord]

Really nice knots. Logically good construction. I’m a sailor, no climber, but looking for alternative ways to climb sailboat masts when solo. It needs to be both safe and fast. You’re sometimes in a hurry to fix something and absolutely don’t want to spend any more time up there than absolutely necessary. The waves means one gets beaten up by the mast. :-) I think single line system and rope walking technique. Foot and knee ascenders seem good. The mechanical climbing systems, like RopeRunner, look great, but I prefer the simplicity and reliability of knots. It’s also lighter and cheaper. Since the distance climbed and descended are minor, compared to real climbers, rope wear should not be a problem. I’m having fun exploring various alternatives, and your new knot is easily the best I have found. I’ll also look into the JRB climbing system. I don’t know what it is about yet.

[@jrbtc]

Whether your on a mast or a tree, the same basic rules apply. Just make sure you're aware of the manufacturer recommended anchor point and method for your vessel. In a tree, if we go with a basal anchor, we put double the load on the tree crotch. The same is true on a boat if we are going over a pulley up on the mast.