Introducing the Saddle Hunter's Hitch

[@mikewarner2742]

Terrific stuff, John. Thanks for sharing with a 74 year old deer hunter!!!

[@jrbtc]

My pleasure. At 85, my dad was still climbing trees. At my age, he was building permanent stands... but they only lasted so long. I firmly believe we are so much safer on a rope. 1st priority has gotta be safety!

[@DM-sq3jm]

Brother, I'm so glad I found your channel. Thanks for everything you've posted for us.

[@jrbtc]

Brother, Your comment embodies my primary motivation : giving ya information and perspective to help my friends stay safe. If i wanted the fastest way to a million subscribers, I would be jumping out of trees instead of explaining ways to make sure that can't happen. Cheers

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I really like the way he explained all of this. Good teacher!!

[@jrbtc]

Appreciate that!

[@frez777]

I think he's a professor!!!

[@frez777]

@@jrbtc clear and concise.

[@Twopennysau]

Tried it today to trim a palm tree - I was a bit concerned that it might not hold as well on the smooth surface - but once I cinched it properly, it was fine. Thanks for the sharing of knowledge.

[@jrbtc]

Thanks for the feedback. Palm trees are non-existent here in Pennsylvania and so I appreciate the methodical testing that I get from my arborist friends

[@bradbailey8907]

Easy looking knot definitely gonna try it next time I practice my climbing.

[@jrbtc]

There's a lot of applications for this. For example, it's the easiest hitch to toss up high above our heads and have it stick on the tree while we secure it.

[@brianbennett8445]

Like the hitch! Especially like that you shared it with all of us. I'm definitely going to pass this on to my hunting buddies. Great step by step tutorial. Thanks again for taking the time to develop and share it with us.

[@jrbtc]

I had to introduce it, because i need it for this kind of climbing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXTq3ljrKyonJo

[@doncook3584]

Like the smaller diameter rope and ease of rigging as well as ease of removing when ready to rappel down plus the concern about side loading goes away. That’s game maker by me. Many thanks

[@davidthompson1529]

Simple. Effective. Well thought out and explained. Great job, John. Subbed you

[@jrbtc]

Thanks. Pls use the website for a map of a growing pool of information. jrbtreeclimbing.com/

[@floridapublicoutdoors9874]

Excellent. As a brand new saddle hunter I'm very grateful for you sharing your experience and innovation.

[@jrbtc]

My pleasure. Your comments and safety are my reward.

[@bjm8315]

Thanks for the video, you are great at instruction, explanation, and demonstration. I personally don’t really see the need for redundancy but having an additional length of rope for maybe hanging a pack is a great concept. If you inspect your gear often, pay attention, and don’t cut corners on the ropes and gear you use, you shouldn’t require redundancy. I’m 165 lbs and not exactly pushing that load limits

[@paulcrave3112]

Mine came out perfect the first time following your measurements. Great hitch.

[@pstanley284]

So impressed with John. What an amazing hitch for saddle hunting. Man. Thank you!

[@jrbtc]

Thx. We are just getting started with this. I needed to introduce the hitch to find out if it had already been published. And I needed to introduce it before I used it. This video shows how I used it first. But I have a number of other applications. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXTq3ljrKyonJo

[@coffelta]

I am not a saddle hunter, but I can certainly see several applications of this knot camping. It’s very simple to tie and untie, easily adjustable, and very secure.

[@jrbtc]

Often, in my videos, I use the analogy that I am providing tools for your toolbox. And these tools can be used in a variety of applications. I'm glad that it helps you. Take a look at the video on a non-mechanical method to attach a platform to a tree

[@stephentrecannelli2622]

John thank you for sharing this with all of us. You are the man. I tried this knot today and really like it. Great knot for us saddle hunters for the many reasons you describe. I like the fact that it seems to grab better and adjust easier than the figure 8 for tether climbing. Also, appears to be safer. I used kernmantle 11.4 mm rope and it was a little stiff but I’m sure it will really shine with the smaller ropes down too 8 mm or so. Thank again fir sharing all your knowledge with us. Take care.

[@jrbtc]

Thx. This was merely an introduction. There's much more we can do with this, starting with the JRB Hitch Climbing method, and we are going to explore tether systems also.

[@timothymattson3883]

Im liking this, especially to rappel down and then retrieve, following close.

[@jrbtc]

See my video on Tying the JRB Hitch for Rappel

[@jrbtc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWmsg4yalK9gfqM

[@stephencarter7495]

Can't wait for the remote release! Such a tease

[@jrbtc]

The JRB Hitch, here on the channel solved that problem. But i needed something where i could load both sides and with the 2, I can execute a full climb. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWmsg4yalK9gfqM

[@jrbtc]

Watch this brand new video to see this and the JRB hitch in a climb and remote release. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXTq3ljrKyonJo

[@oddjob66]

Thanks for sharing, I’m fully intrigued. Very clear instructions. Curious for further videos.

[@jrbtc]

Appreciated. And have a lot more coming!

[@oddjob66]

@@jrbtc How long a line would you use for a saddle hunting tree tether? I like the speed of the hitch, but doesn’t having twice the line negate the advantage of using thinner line like the Oplux? I assume the advantage of 2 tail ends is that you have redundancy with two Michoacán hitches?

[@jrbtc]

@@oddjob66 that's completely dependent on other factoros such as: 1. The maximum diameter tree you want to use. For example a 3 foot diameter tree consumes 3.14 x 3 = 9.42 ft just to go around it one time. We need to go around it twice, plus have adequate length for our tether. 2. If you ever would need to rappel on it, even if only an emergency. Then of course, you need enough to get to the ground. And so for me personally, i would want all of that and therefore would never cut less than 50 ft of rope for a tether/rappel system. Extra rope is a good thing! It gives us options.

[@nonaeme]

This is a real deal! Obviously retrievable by simply tie a cordelette on the biner and pull once you're on the ground (maybe with a bit of strong pulling). Thank you for this I will definitely be using it at work and in my leisure climbing.

[@jrbtc]

Exactly, the release line can be anything you would like it to be. There are a couple of other videos on the playlist which will demonstrate how easily he can be released after the load has been removed.

[@TimothySClippinger]

I’m using IT RIGHT NOW. EXCELLENT, the insecurity of the linesman falling ALL the time is frustrating, this doesn’t. This is my go to to I climb from NOW ON. Thank you and I will share.

[@jrbtc]

Excellent. Be safe and make sure you have a plan should you completely lose your footing. I just did a video on that scenario and encourage every climber to consider it. Even if you don't normally rappel, you might need to if something pops off the tree and leaves ya dangling.

[@kennethrogers1129]

Hey John, I don’t know if you’ve tried this hitch variation yet, like a combination of highwayman, maverick, and saddle hunter hitch- pass the loop around the three as with the saddle hunter , loop the bight around the doubled rope passing the bight down between the two strands of itself and then up again so that there is a small tight loop either side of the same doubled rope bight, fasten a carabiner through the two small loops, pull tight. Has geometry of highwayman , uses a toggle like saddle hunter. Easy to adjust like a girth hitch but does not slip like a running eye, without weight holds its position , easy to tie and release by working the carabiner as well as adjust same as saddle hunter. Wish I could give you a picture

[@jrbtc]

I am not going to guess at exactly what you described, nor do i have time. If you have an image you want to share, you can: 1. Post in JRB Tree Climbing Facebook group if you're in it. 2. Leave me a comment on the Feedback page on my website. I will reply to you via email.

[@kennethrogers1129]

@@jrbtc I guess we’re all short on time

[@kennethrogers1129]

@@jrbtc did send an email from your website requesting email to respond with picture

[@vendredi2pointzeror-p2.04]

Really interesting and clear explaination!

[@jrbtc]

Thanks brother. Glad to know I am putting tools in your toolbox.

[@fredbalster3100]

Excellent knot.😊

[@joeanthony2312]

Clear and concise. I like it.

[@runtimmytimer]

Seems to really be a variation of the munter hitch. I use a munter occasionally to descend from the tree if it's complicated to get up and down. Faster and safer.

[@jonathanchark5291]

It's not a munter hitch variation, but rather a toggle lock variation of a girth hitch. It's meant to cinch around the tree and give you a secure lifeline to climb on and added redundancy.

[@Buckski00buckshot]

Awesome knot, thanks for the info!

[@noodler-g8k]

Got some ideas for this one.

[@jrbtc]

@noodler-g8k that's exactly the attitude that gets problems solved. I can't prescribe every possible use because we all have different use cases. Be safe.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Great new hitch and well explained!

[@jrbtc]

Thanks, much appreciated. I devised the hitch more than 6 months ago but delayed publication until I had enough experience and testing in practical applications. Stay tuned, as I have some neat applications for it.

[@zanetracks6592]

I've been considering alternatives to climbing sticks/steps, but didn't want to have to throw a climbing line over a crotch. Love this idea 👍

[@jrbtc]

kzbin.info/aero/PLETL-PceEXkbOxNPBrpcIFnpl2HUmSrwM I assume you saw the one video on this playlist. I am doing some work to improve it. And I will be putting more videos on this playlist to show you the progress. But job 1 is switching over to the JRB Ascender Hitch. This was my primary motivation for its creation. One JRBAH can attach to my left and right loop in bridge mode. It makes everything a bit easier

[@Backyard.Archery]

Great hitch… I like it… thank you

[@colinbussiere-nichols8524]

Great explanation. Very easy to understand how to tie the knot safely but I don’t understand the advantage of using this over a traditional tether using a spliced loop. Can you explain when I would want to use one vs the other?

[@jrbtc]

Good question. Some reasons: 1. A running loop is generally unstable and prone to falling down when not under tension. SHH stays put. 2. A running loop can't be tied in the bight. Ya need access to one end of the rope and have to pass the entire length through it. SHH can be created with any length of rope. No need to buy a sewn eye... all we need is quality rope. And the wear distribution can be slow and distributed. 3. SHH gives two load lines. There are some applications which need two. See my video on JRB Hitch Climbing for example. 4. There's no good reason that every saddle hunter shouldn't rappel. It's the safest way down. As we create different options for retrievable tether anchors, the need for a separate tether and rappel rope go away. I assume you saw the new video on SHH. The first one was just an introduction. I needed to find out if it had been published before. To date, there's no evidence it has. Link to new vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ6Vg59riMSKps0

[@colinbussiere-nichols8524]

@@jrbtc thank you so much for such a quick and thorough response. I’ll definitely check out the JRB Hitch video

[@jrbtc]

@@colinbussiere-nichols8524 i had some friends who wanted to see how this climb was executed. And i needed to introduce the SHH before i did the climb. I have made some improvements since this was done and will show ya that when i get the time. Specifically, i am using my JRB Ascender Hitch as the friction hitch and have eliminated the hard bottom footloop and the yellow tending loop. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXTq3ljrKyonJo

[@wurdwalkupridedown7829]

I like the idea of this knot and was playing around with it in the yard. I think I'll keep "playing" lol. If the 2 strands slide apart on the tree before taking load, does it lose any integrity?

[@jrbtc]

The manner that our load is placed on the hitch is going to be a little different, loading the upper strand more, but in terms of overall stability, I can't feel any difference when there's some space between the strands.

[@joshkeller84]

I like it. As a hunter with a fear of heights, this would be a great way to make one side a tether to the bridge, and snap the other side into a lineman loop as a backup. And can the carabiner be used to hang gear and still maintain the safety?

[@jrbtc]

A small load can be placed on the carabiner. However a significant load can be placed on the other strand. And so just pop in an overhand slip knot and a beaner and you can hang a pack

[@dancovington7273]

Can you "2 tether climb" with this hitch ? What are your thoughts about 2 tether climbing? Love your stuff, John. Thanks. I am learning a lot from your videos.

[@jrbtc]

@dancovington7273 thanks. Sure, you could 2TC climb using any secure anchor, and the SHH qualifies. In my own climbing, I don't ever want to be on a tether simply because it violates my rule about always having a quick escape path to ground. I also want to be able to climb trees that are too wide to hook a leg, and want to be able to pass branches on my way up. A 2TC climber needs a 3rd tether for that and I just don't see any advantages over my hitch climbing method, and I only use that when I can't rope climb.

[@jonbrunt3909]

What if you already have a sewn loop tether rope? can this hitch be utilized with that?

[@jrbtc]

This hitch is formed in the middle of the rope and so it doesn't matter what is on the end. If you have a sewn or spliced loop on the end, that's a great place to put your Carabiner and that way you'll never drop it. Tie it and try it. You will have one strand for load and the other strand will be short and be attached to the Carabiner which is holding the hitch together.

[@rickster6.0]

Great Video John! Would it make a difference if the carabiner was placed from over the bite verses being placed from under the bite?

[@jrbtc]

As long as the Carabiner is being inserted where I specify in the video, it can go left to right or right to left or up or down. At 4:40, i explained what to avoid: having it on the wrong side. It must capture the two strands of the loop that was passed around the tree, not the standing ends.

[@rickster6.0]

@@jrbtc Thanks John! I'll make sure it captures the correct side. Did you by any chance try this out using amsteel? Just curious if it would work with like the 1/4" amsteel winch-line that some guys are using?

[@jrbtc]

@@rickster6.0 No I have not. Amsteel is known to be extremely strong and lightweight, but not reliable when tying knots. Its typically used in lifting applications, not climbing. I am not aware it's used in Arborist systems for example. As such, I have no use for it in my own setup. My ropes and cords are not a place I want to cut weight. After all, my life is on the line and the fact that I have a versatile rope system eliminates the need to carry any sticks or steps to begin with. I will simply appreciate that savings.

[@DrewDiaz]

Outstanding- I’m sure I’ll fool around with this- but observe that in loading one leg you seem to be holding the second running end…

[@jrbtc]

Thx. This video is a general demonstration and not a formal load test. The 2nd running end requires no load in order for the hitch to bind when the other end is loaded.

[@DrewDiaz]

@@jrbtc you get any traction with that monkey beaver link I sent you fir testing?- my FB Stanilas account isn’t my real name

[@The_Fit_ness_monster]

Am I right in assuming I could use a quickee connect in place of the carabiner? This is perfectly what I was looking for to have that double prussic redundancy👍

[@jrbtc]

Yes, a quick Link in place of the Carabiner and placed in the same fashion would have the very same effect. It acts as the Locking toggle. It would just be a little bit more work to put it on and take it off.

[@The_Fit_ness_monster]

@@jrbtc yeah, i would be using this as my tether after climbing up SRT or DRT.

[@jrbtc]

@@The_Fit_ness_monster ok, well consider a few things: 1. You could stay on your climbing rope. For example, i never come off of mine. If it is too far from the tree because it is too high above me, I simply tie it, pulling it to the tree. This ensures that I am always ready for a quick rappel if I needed to execute one, for whatever reason. 2. If you want a redundant tie in, you can add a tether and stay on your climbing rope too. 3. The Prusik is about the last friction hitch I would consider on my systems. Feel free to look here on my channel for options like Michoacán, Double Michoacán and JRB Ascender Hitch.

[@The_Fit_ness_monster]

@@jrbtc ill look in to that, and i often wondered is the prussic was a bit over rated, i mean it works, but sometime i do stay on my climbing line (sometimes the hieghts get to me) but they kind of get in the way a little and are restricting somewhat while bowhunting. One question i had was whats a good rope that is static enough for SRT but also has good knot characteristics to be able to DRT, sometimes idk which one ill be doing until i get to the tree and depends on how good i am with a throw-ball that day, it can be a pain carrying 2 80’ lengths of rope so to cut down to one i could potentially do both with would be awesome. A little context i use a grigri+ and hand ascender during srt and drt i do it old school, im not heavy (168# most days).

[@jrbtc]

@@The_Fit_ness_monster discussion on rope options might better be in a different forum. There's a Facebook group by the same name as the channel if interested.

[@TheMichiganShow]

What’s the minimum length suggested of the tag end of the rope?

[@jrbtc]

In a life safety application, we always want to be conservative, so over a foot, typically 2ft. I will typically tie my Carabiner on the end of the rope, which acts as a stopper knot and prevents me from accidentally dropping my Carabiner.

[@TheMichiganShow]

@ thank you John, I appreciate that. I was guessing more around 3’.

[@AskTheKid]

Any reason this shouldn’t be done with a dynamic rope? Are you concerned with waring the rope while moving it up and down the tree?

[@jrbtc]

I prefer static rope only because Dynamic rope is going to stretch more and that will cause more drop at the carabiner, but if we set it as snug and horizontal as possible, under normal loads, the drop is just annoying but doesn't affect its ability to hold. Not concerned about wear. We will know when our rope needs replacement

[@zacharyolsen4303]

Can this be adapted to enhance an existing tether with a sewn eye, not a rope folded over, for preventing it slipping on the tree if there is any slack in the system?

[@jrbtc]

A conventional sewn eye tether could be used to form the hitch, loading one strand only, however the eye would serve no purpose. Also, it would likely not be long enough, with 2 strands going around the trunk. Get started by learning to tie it, and we'll go from there.

[@mattdole6445]

Maybe a silly question- Could this set up be used in place of climbing sticks? Run aiders off prusik knots and a linesman belt while climbing to stay safe on the tree. The heaviest things would be the platform and rappel line. Thoughts?

[@jrbtc]

Absolutely. That is what the JRB Hitch Climbing playlist is all about. However when we use a Saddle Hunter's Hitch, we can only advance maybe 4ft between moves. But if we use a Maverick Hitch and a Pole, we can move as long as the pole reaches. It takes a little while to climb to 25ft on just a series of SHH hitches. Stay tuned as I plan to demonstrate that as soon as possible

[@stuartbaker3326]

You're awesomene, man! Can i come take a class with you? Lol. But i actually would. If you aren't already, you would be a great instructor

[@jrbtc]

Thanks. I do my best. Cheers

[@TheGunsmi7h]

Ok, so I have something you can test. Just to make the most use of what we carry, can you hang a pack from that carabiner? If you were to take the load off of the hitch with a pack attached, would this pull the hitch apart?

[@jonathanchark5291]

Don't attach anything to the carabiner toggle except for a retrieval cord. Excessive weight on the distal end of carabiner toggle will cause the hitch to slow loosen up if constant pressure from your body weight is not applied to the two standing ends of the rope.

[@bobbyproctor2971]

Tried the remote toggle using fiddle stick in conjunction with saddle hunter hitch. Released easier than when using stone hitch. Not sure how secure hitch is with remote toggle.

[@jrbtc]

Do not attempt to replace the toggle shown in this video with a fiddlestick. That's not demonstrated and would lack the stability required for life safety. There are ways to make a variation of this hitch with remote release but that information not included in this video and is undergoing testing before dissemination or using it in a life safety application.

[@willjenkins6417]

Thank you

[@joshholmes]

Thanks for sharing! I'll be trying this out. Curious, have you done a load test where you test to the weight rating on the rope to see how much load the hitch will take?

[@jrbtc]

i don't personally have the gear to test that properly and safely and measure it with a climbing rated rope. Incidentally, climbing rope doesn't have a "weight rating". It typically has an MBS rating, mean breaking strength, and dynamic ropes don't even have that.

[@calebhorn9115]

I really like this hitch John! If I am using a tether and separate rappel rope setup, how long should the tether be to properly incorporate the Saddle Hunter's Hitch in a one-sticking setup?

[@jrbtc]

It depends greatly on the diameter of the tree. The circumference is 3.14 x diameter and you go around twice. On a 2 ft tree, that's over 7 ft plus a tail, plus whatever ya use for your tether. My channel is organized by playlist, and so make sure you have watched the remote release option video for this one and the JRB Hitch. I have concluded we don't need two ropes. I sit on and rappel off my JRB Hitch and retrieve it from the ground.

[@timothymattson3883]

Looks like this could be used with a second tether and then like 2TC climbing?

[@jrbtc]

Actually i believe the climbing method i will publish nexr is superior because it's a zero slack system. 2 tether requires slack in your tether to advance it. And some fancy footwork to hold on. And can't bypass a branch either.

[@jrbtc]

Tim, in case you didn't see it, here's the climb. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXTq3ljrKyonJo

[@jeremywitt940]

If I want to use this as just a regular tether not to repel on want length rope would you recommend thanks for any input

[@jrbtc]

Jeremy, I always like to error on the side of longer ropes, whether it's a climbing rope or just a tether. It's also highly dependent on the diameter of the tree. What's the largest diameter tree you will ever need to tie into? Let's say it's 24 in: the circumference of it is Pi x diameter = 75 in. Twice around the tree to form the hitch is 150 in. Assume you consume 12 inches inside the binding portions of the hitch and you want a minimum of 2 feet on the short side and 6ft on the long side. 150+12+24+72 = 258 in or 21.5 feet. Now if you wanted the short side to be a backup for the longer load side, ya might add even more. Go big! I am also going to show you how to rig it specifically for a tether so you have a one handed operation.

[@ryanpamperin4439]

Why would I use this over a traditional tether?

[@jrbtc]

This video was merely introducing the hitch. The applications are many and include: 1. I needed to introduce the hitch before introducing how i can climb on it. Link to video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXTq3ljrKyonJo 2. It's tied in the bight. So any safe rope could become a tether no matter the length and with no loop on the end. 3. You get two load lines, not one. This can be used for many purposes. The most obvious is it can give you redundancy for your frictional point of attachment to your tether. 4. There are variations not yet published for things like a gear hanger snd tether in one. And remote retrieval. But step one was publishing it to find out if it has another name or was previously published.

[@dfm-jv7ry]

A couple of questions: 1) how long is your rope that you are using in the video? 2) do you always use the redundencies by using two prusik knots? (i like the idea of redundencies) and 3) what type of rope are you using in this video - dynamic/static, lb. strength, diameter? Thanks for this video. It is very informative, and for a new saddle hunter I truly appreciate the redundencies - that and i am 59y/o and like the insurance of a second connection point.

[@jrbtc]

The length of rope that one would use to Fashion this hitch is dependent upon a number of variables including the diameter of the tree and the length of the strands and what they will be used for. In this demonstration, I was using 100 feet of rope, specifically Sterling Oplux 8 mm, and obviously I did not need all of that rope for this demonstration. In terms of the connection to the Rope, there are multiple options which were not detailed in this video. I also am a fan of redundant connections to my ropes and you can find other examples of that here on this channel. This video was merely an introduction of the hitch, and we will explore applications in future videos. In the meantime, I'm certain you would be interested in some of the other content on the channel including the climbing methods.

[@antonioherrera8202]

Awesome. New subscriber

[@lancerudy9934]

What size rope do you use to climb with.😊

[@jrbtc]

For the JRB Doubled Stationary Rope climb, I love an 8mm rope. For single rope systems, although I am fine on 8mm, recognizing that not everyone has the same strength and weight profile, a 9 or 10mm rope seems ideal. Check out my website for specific recommendations and discounts. jrbtreeclimbing.com/

[@timothymattson3883]

If I use this to replace my current tether method (eliminate need for a eye or loop), and not intend to rappel on it, should both tail ends be of equal length? Hope that makes sense.

[@jrbtc]

If you are loading one strand only, then one strand could be short, say 12 inches, but should have a stopper knot at the end. Just long enough to allow adjustment, and the stopper ensures it can't get pulled in. A double overhand knot is a good stopper knot. In future videos, I will demonstrate this and other options.

[@claytongood1108]

Which friction hitch are yoy using on the running line in this video?

[@jrbtc]

Michoacán. Go to this playlist and look for the Michoacán vid AND the Hunters bend video. kzbin.info/aero/PLETL-PceEXkZzHdTEJTyYQn3v1XqIF0KF

[@ErikKloeker]

Looks like a less good version of the Connecticut Tree Hitch which climbers have been using for a long time.

[@jrbtc]

The Connecticut hitch is weaker and less stable than SHH. Connecticut relies more on the friction provided by rough bark. Tie it on a smooth pole and run your side by side pull test that way. If you haven't tested them, ya probably should before saying what's "less good".

[@ErikKloeker]

@@jrbtc I have tested the CTH with a load cell and a slow pull test to failure. In the tests I conducted, the rope always broke before there was a failure or any significant slippage in the hitch. Among the tests I conducted, one was around a smoothly textured plated steel Crosby anchor shackle (coefficient of friction of approximately 0.15), another was tested around a coarsely barked pine tree approximately 16 inches in diameter. I've never seen the knot you're describing as the SHH, but it seems like an overcomplication of an already completely functional hitch and safe hitch in the CTT. In what ways is the CTT "weaker" or " less secure" and in what applications would the SHH version make it any more safe?

[@jrbtc]

@ErikKloeker I find it superior in lengthwise pull applications, like a saddle hunter experiences, specifically when we are tossing it up above our heads and getting it on the tree and attaching it to ourselves where we will sit for several hours, and the hitch will see cyclic loading and pull in various angles. Especially on a smooth barked tree, the additional resistance in the SHH gave it better performance and stability than CT. I did that testing several years ago and have no plans to repeat it. Also, I came to the conclusion years ago that the CT hitch couldn't have been submitted to the IGKT. Because it's formed the same as the Toggled Bight which has been in Ashley's Book of Knots for a century.

[@ErikKloeker]

I don't think anyone is claiming to have "invented" the CTT. Indeed, it's been listed in ABOK for quite some time and has many names amongst many different user groups, as many knots do.

[@jrbtc]

@ErikKloeker I learned that this basically one of the main purposes of the IGKT. If we had it, there would be no Blake's Hitch. It was already published as the Prohaska. Same with the Hunters Bend which was already the Riggers Bend. What most call the Fisherman's knot is a Poachers knot. Cheers and thx for your input. Always good to chat with ANYONE who knows their knots and tests them too.

[@honestjoe1408]

Do you find that if both tails of this hitch are connected to two bridges, both on the same bridge loops, there is an adequate amount of redundancy? Obviously the onus ultimately lies with the user, but you seem like a pretty safety oriented guy, so it'd be nice to have your thoughts on the matter.

[@jrbtc]

It's really a math problem... a failure mode analysis... and so IF you're in a strong tree with a good rope, then you only need to worry about your attachment to that rope. And being connected on both sides of this hitch would greatly improve your reliability. So yes. But then you need to consider it in the context of your larger system. For example, do you need to move this hitch up and down while being connected to something else?

[@jrbtc]

Not sure how this comment got lost... sorry for delay... i do like two points of attachment on my ropes via separate bridges. Of course, that does not eliminate all single points of failure. For example, the bridge loop itself. But i accept that the tree and the saddle are not going to break and so given that the SHH gives me multiple opportunities for two points of attachment, it opens up lots of possible rigging options

[@davidjohnston5436]

Ok, but you don't give me a real reason to use it. How about including the remote release?

[@jrbtc]

I plan to publish a remote release option after more testing. Also testing some other options. Your safety is more important than anything else. Currently, the JRB hitch is my preference for remote release until such time that i publish other options.

[@kennethrogers1129]

what concerns me is how are you attached to the tree while tying this hitch, or any other hitch, your garda hitchis not supporting you, your climbing rope is not in a crotch or tied, your lineman’s rope will not hold you without another point of support, as in a two tether system I can use my foot loop tether with a lineman lanyard to secure me in the tree while attaching a ring of steps or a platform, or adjusting my top tether for hunting setup, so how are you remaining tied in the tree ? I am assuming apparently mistakenly that you are tying this hitch with your JBR climbing rope,but obviously that is mistaken as you are not dead. Pleae explain… I like the hitch, but confused as to how you make the transition from climbing on the JBR system to using your rope to tie this hitch and hunt. I guess you are tying this after setting up a platform and using your lineman rope. Otherwise, yes you would be a pile of broken bones at the base of the tree, be safe brother!

[@jrbtc]

The circumstances by which different climbers might engage this vary greatly with their climbing method. In JRB HITCH Climbing, which is different than my normal method, i climb up a tree with no sticks, then rappel off a JRB Hitch. I have a playlist for that method and I will be adding content to it this season. I also demonstrated here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaatf6yNia2FrM0

[@kennethrogers1129]

Excuse my ignorance , I now realize the utility of this hitch and am working on a two hitch climbing method a foot loop or leg loop and attachment to bridge on each hitch. Also as a transition to an improved position up in the tree after climbing

[@kennethrogers1129]

It would be great if the saddle hunter hitch was compatible with a pole, be nice to climb on the saddle hunter hitch after setting it at climbing height with a pole, or with a transition , hitch climbing

[@Nihilimus]

Hey, I really enjoyed the video, but I've seen that knot before in this video by Ryan Tilley: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKGbXnqgf8ZrapY He refers to it as the Connecticut or tree hitch if I'm hearing him right. Edit: Ah, I've missed the additional step you included in your hitch, so they're not identical after all.

[@jrbtc]

Hi JT. Yes, the hitch some incorrectly call the Connecticut Hitch is actually the Togged Bight ABOK #312, 317. This has 2 more crossing points per side and much better cinching. I have learned that the IGKT is there for this very purpose : when someone thinks they have a new knot, they should submit it for review. I have done it several times. This video would have been taken down if it didn't pass that scrutiny. For example, it bothers us all that the Hunter's Bend is also the Riggers Bend. If the IGKT was in the loop or in existence, that wouldn't have happened. It would just be the Riggers Bend. Feel free to pass that along. Cheers. And thanks.

[@-vi2ys557]

Nice but time consuming

[@jrbtc]

Surely you don't mean that tying the hitch is time consuming. It's 5 seconds at normal speed. This was not just a knot tying video. It was an introduction of a new knot, also submitted to the IGKT. The review team encouraged me to supply all available details. I can make a (brie knot tying video later. Thx if that's what you're suggesting.

[@reddawng43x91]

Pointless

[@jrbtc]

Before the SHH, nobody had a way to rope climb a tree without using a throwball. Also, are you aware of another hitch suitable for life safety that takes load on either strand? Using SHH, i can climb a tree to rescue a hurt climber and lower him to ground all with one ropw. Also, are ya awarw of anything which can be tossed up way over our heads and affixed to the tree nearly as easily?... we have an army of stick climbers who are getting in trees without a tie in. Someone sold them a lineman's belt... Someone sold them a tether... but neither are actually what they needed to be safe.

[@AskTheKid]

Initial impression: game cjanger. Is this still your go to or recommendation for saddle hunters? Thanks

[@jrbtc]

It depends on the situation. This is the easiest to toss up high and get it to stick and get it set. But it uses a lot of rope. See the comparison here: jrbtreeclimbing.com/content/trunk-anchors/