my Figure Eight rappel method for saddle hunting

[@AMC-eq3jr]

Never gets old. Simple, safe, and classic demonstration. Thanks for sharing.

[@wolvertonjohna]

Best tutorial on this I’ve seen so far. I’ve seen a lot of saddle hunting videos but never one where they take their time and explain and show the process of coming down, stopping, grabbing your gear and figuring out the next move. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Essentially just the repel tower in the army.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. I'm glad you liked the video!

[@andrewvautour1795]

I love how you explained the stopping and starting to gather your gear, that was great and I will absolutely use this method. Now for the negative and please, this is coming from the perspective of a climber and only trying to keep it safe, no hate. Rope on rope contact creates a lot of friction, that is how you are able to obtain a soft lock (crossing the rope over the figure 8 descender once) and then the hard lock (crossing the rope over twice). However, when descending, you should never soft lock and descend at the same time (called creeping) , this creates too much friction on the rope and could cause damage to the rope, even melt it to the point of failure. Now my thoughts are, if only descending 20 or 30 feet from a tree this should not pose much of a problem BUT if anyone uses this method for descending any more than that height, it WILL be dangerous. I just wanted to point that out, again, from a tree saddle, I don't think it will pose a threat but please, people, do not use this method for any serious descending. Please also use a prusik line as a secondary attachment point on the rope, always us a backup. Again, great video and very well explained, thank you.

[@hashtagjustadad5110]

You make it look easy. Thanks.

[@owendobbins1049]

One of the best videos I’ve seen on this topic. Always reference this for others.

[@wolvertonjohna]

Works very well. Slow descent down. Easy to stop and grab gear or shoot if you need too. Taught this method to my kids for climbing out of the tree stand. It’s much much safer than climbing out with nothing anchoring you to the tree. Way faster and easier too. Make sure you use the right rope though. It’s cheap about $29 for 65ft and that is well worth the price for keeping yourself and loved ones safe while climbing out of the stand or for really anything height related.

[@TrappingTheMitten-JohnHowell]

Great method of one handed figure 8 rappelling! I am trying that tomorrow!

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Have fun Bud!

[@stick__shooter]

It's me, Mossy-Back from SH and AT (currently banned 😄) This looks like a good, simple method. I'm creeping my way towards one-sticking and rappelling. While a Safeguard looks nice, I like the simplicity of the figure 8.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy! Take a few minutes and read the comments below that I've got in the last couple years. There's more than a few guys that have ditched their Safeguard since seeing my video...

[@barrybell100]

Single best video I’ve seen on this… thanks

[@adamdowning3892]

That is awesome… Didn’t know you course loop a figure 8 like this, thanks!

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Yea, me neither! I saw 'Nice Guy Dave' from Wesspur do sumthin' like that and I came up with an easier way... Thanks for watching!

[@shannonstone6644]

Thanks for this video I ordered a figure 8 and a rappel rope and tried it I really liked it!

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

I'm glad to hear that you tried it and I'm really glad that you like it! I love this method!

[@ThomasHectorLexusOfTulsa]

I got one of the figure 8's to try. Man I like it way better than the birdie beal that I have. Way smoother to control coming down and not mechanical parts to worry about. Thanks again! Subscribed

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Awesome! I too have a Birdie that just hangs on a hook with a bunch of other random stuff I don't use... This method is sweet!

[@thomashector9455]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 yeah it’s definitely a staple in my system now. Thanks again. What’s the black washer looking thing you use to keep the rope from getting slack and dropping down?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@thomashector9455 Those are just rubber fender washers from the hardware store. For 9mm ropes I use 1/4" ID by inch and a half OD and they work really good. If you go and get some make sure to buy some extras because they will stretch out after being pulled down through limbs and crotches and stuff...

[@thomashector9455]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 awesome. Thanks again. I got some from ace

[@michaelbraswell3755]

@@thomashector9455 The washer can be found at Lowes.

[@BORNAMANN]

Great video i cant wait to try this . love the ankle tether that made me chuckle sorry its the little things i notice.

[@robertlester4569]

Good video. If you like redundancy, throw throw a prusik on the rope below your figure 8, or whatever rappel device you use, and connect to your harness for a safety back up.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Thanks for watching Robert. I tried a few different ways to 'back up' my method. After all monkeying around with them I just feel completely safe without a redundant hook-up. I'm only on rappel for a few minutes and I pay very close attention to my ropes...

[@wendyandwalter40]

I agree with Robert. It takes seconds to set up an auto block, and weighs almost nothing(a piece of accessory cord and a carabiner - doesn't even have to be a locking carabiner). Not sure why everyone is so resistant.

[@reddawng43x91]

Actually above the figure 8 is where u would put it but I wouldn’t use one either way personally, just the figure 8 I feel safe with

[@andrewvautour1795]

@@reddawng43x91 You can place a prusik either above or below your descender, both methods are fine and a personal choice. Personally I prefer above but I have climbed with people that attach below.

[@lonniechartrand]

I would be interested in seeing how you RETRIEVE your rappel rope when on the ground. I like your setup!

[@toravnerflyr6911]

He attached the carabiner to it with the 550 cord and dropped it, then pulls it out.

[@doncook3584]

Last thing he attached was his haul rope behind rappel loop. When down you simply pull and the rope loosens and falls down to ground

[@doncook3584]

Should have removed rubber rope lock. Impedes movement of repel tail. Think he will have to climb up and remove then descend and pull rope down

[@thomashector9455]

I have a birdie Beal that I don’t like because it slides down. I wanted a madrock safeguard but honesty after watching your Video I’m ordering one of these. That’s awesome. I usually hunt with a prusik because the ropeman aren’t rated for 8mm. I like the idea of just attaching the figure 8 below my prusik and blamo! I’m done and can belay down the tree. Thanks for the video.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

My Birdie hangs on a hook on a wall. I have NO desire to buy a Safeguard. A figure eight is less than 20 bucks and is waayyy better.

[@TheSouthernObsession]

I actually sold my safeguard after watching this video but I think I found an even better video using this same figure 8

[@jamessmall2334]

great video. thanks for the idea but instead of carrying the additional tether my plan is just to tie a Distel hitch to my rappel line for going up (just because i like it better than the prussik) and use your idea of rappelling down off the 8. keep going in light and coming out heavy. Thanks again for the vid

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Right on James! Actually I use a Swabisch not a prussic but rappelling from the figure eight is what this is all about... Thanks for watching and I hope you like using this method as much as I do!

[@MexicanMovie]

wow, i'm climbing with 4 Beast sticks and aiders, which is more weight than I'd like to carry for sticks. I wish you could do more videos showing every thing that i need to know to get up and down a tree like you do. So far you made it so simple that even a dummy like me can understand :) I subscribed

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Thanks! I'm glad the video was useful to you! I put this on here just for the rappelling method I came up with. I thought it was worth sharing... I either one-stick climb or use spikes so there's plenty of videos out for that. just be wary of videos from people that don't really know what they're doing and video their first climb!

[@MexicanMovie]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 ok are you familiar with Staggs In The Wild channels video of Scott Hesterly (titled One Sticking so easy even a 13 year old can do it) showing how to 1 stick ? If so i have questions they didn't explain/cover: (1) Are they using a quick link on the tree for the climb rope (instead of carabiner) so that they are not side loading a carabiner ? (2) Do the ropes tend to blow around at ground level in the wind hanging there while you hunt ? (3) Any problems getting your rappel and/or recovery rope tangled when retrieving while hunting large diameter trees with lots of limbs going up like John Eberhart prefers ? thanks

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@MexicanMovie Hello again I am familiar with that video. I would have to watch it again and pay attention to see what Scott is using on his rope. I would take a guess that he's using either a quick link or a Delta link. I climb with my tether so I don't need to worry about any ropes dangling down for deer to see or smell. I know lots of guys climb with their rappel rope buy I doubt many of them leave it all hang out?

[@MexicanMovie]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 I ended up getting a "Rescue 8" and that's the greatest ****ing thing ever because it is so easy to tie off in the dark.... without your video I'd have never even considered it, so thanks a lot !

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@MexicanMovie hahaha That's awesome! I'm glad my video helped you out. I figured a few guys out there would like how I was rappelling. That is the only reason I put this channel together...

[@brianstull6095]

1:15, do you need to take off the ankle bracket before you climb or after you repel?

[@ethanpendergrass493]

If your going to hang hands free back that figure right up with a prusik. Cheap insurance. Say you slip and smash your head and accidentally let go of the rope with no back up on you’re in the dirt. I keep a prusik on no matter what and just tend it down as I rappel.

[@doncook3584]

I respect your opinion but if you’re that klutzy hunt from ground

[@tomfleisher90]

Thanks for sharing!! This will be my rappel method this year.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Tom I'm guessing you tried it and liked it? I'd like to hear what you think...

[@tomfleisher90]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 Yes sir. Tried it and liked it immediately. I’m just going to back it up with a schwabisch hitch for added security. I love this simplicity of the figure 8. Oh, and I will probably buy another just in case I drop one, lol.

[@stevesoutdoorworld4340]

Cool system thank you!

[@zakhu4971]

Hello from iraq with you well done thank you so much for this information

[@mikeochs5457]

So glad I found this video!!!

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hey that's great! I hope that this method works for you!

[@mikeochs5457]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 I’m going to give it a shot this week because I have the figure 8 and was debating on getting a mechanical decender

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@mikeochs5457 Honestly Mike, even if you do spend the money on a mechanical decender you'll probably end up going back to a basic Figure 8. I did...

[@JDye-youtube]

Doesn’t get any better than that! Awesome video…. 2Sloe

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Thanks 2Sloe ! Have you tried it yet? If not, you should... It's super easy and smooth and it works great!

[@JDye-youtube]

No, but you got me want’n one reeeal bad! Already been lurking on Amazon….Damn you! 😂. I was looking at one with the bent ears. Any thoughts on that version?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@JDye-youtube Yea my thoughts on the bent ears is 'don't bother'. I've tried a handful of 8s and a plain Jane normal 8 is perfect. My favorite is the Black Diamond Super 8. I think I bought all the ones on Amazon that were 17 bucks with free shipping... 😆

[@rikertvonfulton16]

Where do you get the rubber o for your rappel line? And what is the steel link that you secure your rappel line? I am new to saddle hunting and want to rappel out of stand. I bought a figure 8 and 30 foot of good climbing rope. I don't plan on being above 20 foot. I have some rappelling experience as a firefighter and military service.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy The rubber things are just rubber fender washers. You can get them at the hardware store. Different size ropes will require a certain size washer so get washers that are nice and snug so they will work... The "steel link" is a Quick Link. You can Google them and lean all about 'em. Buy climbing rated stuff! Thanks for watching!

[@scotthustedde2568]

What the rubber stoppers u use on repel rope

[@rmwallis5943]

Great video! Thanks for posting

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

I wouldn't call it great that's for sure but the rappelling method works good...

[@rmwallis5943]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 What tape are you using on all your metal?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@rmwallis5943 I use 'vet tape' and hockey tape and Stealth Strips. It really depends on where I'm gonna put it which one I use... I like all three, they work good.

[@timwaldroup9654]

Great video.. Will be using this idea

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

It's super easy! Not much more to say... I hope you like it as much as I do.

[@yanceylott9843]

just a question... for those that are concerned with it slipping through their hand couldn't they tie into a prussik above the figure 8 and slide it on way down to have the double security without having to tie off tag end as some suggested?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Yes a person could use a back-up like you say. For those folks that need a redundant hook up for everything than go for it. Myself, I do not feel it's necessary for my intended purpose. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@XxtwichedxX]

There's another mode for the figure 8 that'll do just that

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@XxtwichedxX OK... Are you gonna keep us in suspense or show us???

[@XxtwichedxX]

I wish I had the link to the video it's another saddle hunters page

[@kennethrogers1129]

yes , or put one below

[@jesseburk1986]

thanks great video

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Thanks for watching!

[@digitaltrip420]

How do you get the rope you repelled down off the tree?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy If you watch the video again you'll see me hook up a small carabiner and some paracord to my rappel rope. By attaching that little line behind the knot in my rope It will allow me to effectively release the girth hitch around the tree and pull the rope right back to me. I hope that makes sense, it's actually very simple to accomplish but I'm not that great with trying to explain things... (that's why I made this video) lol

[@reddawng43x91]

Canyon c-iv??

[@doncook3584]

Saw this first on another channel. Agree if you’re rappel line is girth hitched to tree why risk any noise you can avoid. Other channel recommended prussic loop as backup but if the line failed 100 backups do you no good you are going down. Could your fig 8 break, suppose. I’m good taking that risk

[@MarkBeetham]

The prussic is to back up your brake hand not the equipment. If you get a surprise or a sting or something and momentarily let go of the rope with you brake hand then you will hit the ground very quickly. A backup prussic will hold the rope if you cant for any reason.

[@doncook3584]

@@MarkBeetham thank you

[@reddawng43x91]

Anything can break! Ur plane could crash on a flight and u can be struck by lightning! Everything is chances!

[@doncook3584]

Valid

[@mattfleming86]

​@@doncook3584 or a widowmaker limb/stob falling from above you.

[@paulcrave3112]

Yeah, that’s slick.

[@corwinasher3513]

Will this work with any figure 8

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy I have a handful of different 8s and it works fine on all of them.

[@jessemcgowan2418]

How do you get your rope back?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy Check out the little carabiner and cord I attached to my rappel rope. That is my pull down cord. Once I reach the ground I use that to undo the girth hitch and it brings my rope down...

[@jeffbauer3119]

do you stealth strip that ankle monitor?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

I do have one strip of hockey tape on the battery... lol

[@jeffbauer3119]

Lol

[@jeffbauer3119]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 where'd you get that stopper that you use in lieu of a gear tie for your quick link?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@jeffbauer3119 Jeff, they are rubber fender washers from the hardware store. Another guy asked about them and a description should be in the comments below this somewhere...

[@chevyz71ish]

Do you use the green carabiner & paracord pull rope to remove descend rope from the tree once on the ground?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

yep During the hunting season i have a lil' carabiner on each end of my rope. I hook my bow up to one end and the other end to my saddle before i climb and when I'm ready to come down I lower my bow with one end before I rappel down... I like it - it's pretty slick. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesmarsee3297]

I would swap out that paracord for Dynaglide it is strong and has hardly any stretch to it.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

I have 4 or 5 of the 30' paracords from EWO so I'm good on pull down ropes... I recognize your picture/avatar from the forum. I watched a few of your videos, you got some really nice bucks to chase after. I hope a couple made it.. Good luck this coming season.

[@pstanley284]

What type of silencing tape is that you put on the carabiners and figure 8? Looks cool. Thanks!

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Paul Those are Stealth Strips. They are great for keeping things quiet and camo'ed up... I use camo hockey tape on a lot of stuff too.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hey Paul, I had to watch that video again to remember which figure eight I was using at the time... lol That is the hockey tape.

[@LynnJynh9315]

Has anyone tried Plasti-Dip for their carabiners instead of Steal Strips??

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hmm, sounds like a good idea...

[@michaelomalley44]

What is your climbing method?

[@aleksandrhall]

Nice footage, what camera?

[@gregmccloughan2429]

How did you climb up the tree

[@B_r_u_c_e]

Thank you.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Right on buddy. Thanks for watching!

[@ryanwindham2997]

What kinda of rubber grommet?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Ryan Those are just rubber fender washers from the hardware store. Read below in some of the other 'comments' and I give the sizes I use for different ropes... Thanks for watching!

[@danblacksher6289]

What rope are you using for tether and repel rope?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Dan I have a bunch of tethers and rappel ropes but that day i was using a Stering Oplux tether and a Sterling Canyon C-IV rappel rope.

[@17hmr243]

i know nothing of climbing !!! But i see the rope rubbing when ur going down, life span of rope doing that ?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy I'm sure after time this method will wear your rope faster than a 'normal' figure eight rappel but it might take a coulple years???

[@brianbbb7931]

Where do you get that rubber piece from.?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Those are rubber fender washers. You can get them at the hardware store. Make sure you measure your ropes so you buy the right size A nice snug fit is best…

[@DAMITBANDIT]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 What size is your rope and what size rubber washer do you use? That would give us a starting point in case we have a different size rope.

[@farleyskennelsandoutdoors6499]

What brand figure 8 is this

[@dakotasams9460]

What knot did you use for the quick link?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Sorry for the delayed response but I use a Bull Hitch for most of my quick links. They work great and are nice and streamlined.

[@freelancenerd4804]

Thanks!!!

[@austinebert3065]

Do you have a link for the rubber stopper on your rope?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Austin. I don't have a link but all those are is just rubber fender washers from the hardware store... They sell different sizes and depending on what diameter rope you are using you'll need to get the appropriate ID (inside diameter) and I like getting the 1 1/2" OD (outside diameter) ones. They are really cheap and they work great. If you are gonna get some buy extras because they do stretch and wear out after a while. (quite a while) Thanks for watching! phatkaw

[@tl2135]

What kind of carabiner is that to rappel?

[@DixieOutfitter88]

What are you taping you figure 8 and carabiners with ?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Andy I use Stealth Strips and hockey tape. Depends on where I'm putting it which one I use... I like both!

[@anthonylosi5887]

What do you use to ascend up the tree with the one stick method, without having a madrock? Do you use the figure 8 for that too? Or a tether and prusik or something like that? I plan on using the safeguard and my repel rope at all times except where I will need my lineman’s belt to get around limbs. Ascending/Descending with the madrock and basically deleting the need for a tether. Unfortunately madrock’s are almost impossible to buy right now. Looking for a way to ascend safely using my repel rope….

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Anthony I climb with a separate tether with a Swabisch hitch. I put plenty of effort into climbing with my rappel rope and I just don't like it. For me it's way nicer to not worry about my rappel rope 'till I'm ready to come down...

[@tz444]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 I would think this would also help incase you dropped your stick and was under pressure of your tether. I guess you would then use the rappel rope to self rescue?

[@atubeviewer4942]

38 seconds in - "Those rubber things work really well", what is the name of the rubber thing?

[@GreenPowerFarm]

What did you use to go up?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy I climbed the tree using the one-stick method. My saddle, my tether and 1 climbing stick... Thanks for watching!

[@tl2135]

Where do I buy the figure 8 device?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

I buy my climbing stuff from reputable arborist or climbing stores. NOT Chinese junk!

[@tl2135]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 lol

[@michaelklein3244]

Question. Not related but could I use a kong ergo carabiner as bring biner that connects to my sadegaurd or is it not shaped correctly ?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Mike I just tried out my Kong Ergo on a Beal Birdie and it worked fine. I'd guess it would be OK on a Madrock too.

[@davebatykefer]

What knot are you using to attach rope to quick-link?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Dave I've been using the Bull Hitch for my quick links and delta links and for the mini carabiners on my pull up/down ropes. It is very strong and doesn't come loose.

[@sspice8934]

Hi, great video. What is the name of the ring (clamp) that connects your rappeling rope around the tree

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Steve I think you're referring to my 'quick-link' ? The one I was using the day I made that video is an 8mm Kong quick-link...

[@reddawng43x91]

Lol

[@keithstrausbaugh8230]

Just ordered rope and figure 8 for this method. What knot did you use for your quick link? Is it an anchor hitch?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Keith I didn't see this till just now or I would've got back to you sooner. I use a Bull Hitch for my quick links and carabiners. It works great and is very strong! Thanks for watching!

[@ScreamingReel500]

What is the diameter of your rappel rope, 8mm, kernmantle? Is that the Sterling Oplux tether you anchored to the tree? Thanks.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy I have a bunch of different ropes but yah, in that video I was using an Oplux tether and 9mm Sterling Canyon C-IV for my rappel rope. Thanks for watching!

[@ScreamingReel500]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 Thanks.

[@reddawng43x91]

9mm

[@tzzzz20]

What rappel rope are you using. Also what rope on your one stick?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hey Tony I just now saw your Question. Sorry 'bout the delay! My rappel rope I was using that day is Sterling C-IV and that is Sterling Oplux on the stick... Thanks for watching!

[@stevegermain1222]

That is way cool

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

If your a saddle hunter and rappel down from the tree this is a super simple war to get down...

[@jasonsandefur9307]

Not to get too personal but how much weight are you decending down the tree on the super 8 with a soft lock wrap?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy I weigh around 155.

[@jasonsandefur9307]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 Just making sure it didn't take 250 to make that system work so well. Like it.

[@matthewbrown7475]

What kind of figure 8 are you using?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Matt My favorite is a Black Diamond Super Eight. They're less than 20 bucks!

[@toddw9518]

Nice, what figure 8 are you using?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hello I have a handful of 8s but I like the Black Diamond Super Eight the best. They're only 20 bucks too!

[@morgantroutster]

At the 39 second mark you mentioned that rubber thing that somebody gave you an idea for on the forums, what is that? Thanks

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hey Kevin Those are just rubber fender washers from the hardware store. For 8mm ropes I use washers with 3/16" Inside Diameter holes. 9mm ropes I use 1/4" I.D. 10mm ropes I think were 5/16 or 3/8" I.D. ? INCH and a half Outside Diameter

[@morgantroutster]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 Thanks! I'm going to give em a try!

[@cdbsniper]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 does it have enough movement to drop the rope when you get on the ground or do you slide the washer down before you rappel?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@cdbsniper The Washer is just a rubber fender washer. They are flexible and pull right through the quick link once you are on the ground and tug on your retrieval rope...

[@17hmr243]

to time stamp second only- add zero 0:39 : punctuation colon and so on for min like 3:22

[@andrewbodine5663]

which figure 8 is that?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Andrew Hey I didn't see your question until just now or Id'a got back to you quicker. I'm using Black Diamond Super Eights and I mostly use PETZL carabiners.

[@zakhu4971]

hello from iraq with you well done

[@dustinhamilton7886]

You do realize it good lock with two wraps. But shouldn't rappel with lines crossed like that. Both wraps should be undone to do full rappel. It will create twice the heat. And BTW you could climb with rappel rope and tie into it with the figure and and then rappel. Js.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Dustin Thanks for your opinion. I have full understanding on what you say. BUT,,,, With just one wrap it is only a 'soft lock' and will creep on me. I don't want to be creeping down when I'm taking my stick or platform off the tree on the way down. I' also prefer rappelling with the one wrap for a couple reasons, I have COMPLETE control of my descent speed with only FINGER-TIP pressure needed. It slows things down that way and while in the woods I like that! I can keep scanning my surroundings for deer or bears or turkeys or limbs that might be in the canopy under me and I don't a 'branch wedgie' coming down... lol Another reason is that it's only one quick move to get from the double lock to the 'soft lock' or back again. Super Simple. And as far as the heat, I'm only climbing to 35' or less, so any heat generated by those heights is minimal and my ropes are high-end, rated climbing ropes designed for this type of activity... I have also tried climbing with my rappel rope and I have multiple reasons for going with a seperate tether... With just a friction hitch and a carabiner on my tether, I have less things in my way going up the tree to clang off of my climbing stick or to step on. I also prefer hanging/hunting with a tether and not my rappel rope because my tag-end just hangs nice and straight down out of my way instead of leading to a pouch or drop-out bag or my pack. (depending on what type of method I carry my stuff in that day) I really don't care for hanging from from my rappel rope and switching from hunting mode to rappel mode either. It's easier FOR ME to already be safe on my tether and then attach my rappel rope when it's time to get down... Dustin, I don't know if you are a saddle hunter or a rock climber or an arborist, but if you go out and actually TRY any of 'my ways' you might like some of them? It's worth a shot and that's why I took the time to share these things. Thanks for your input. I appriciate it! phatkaw

[@dustinhamilton7886]

I'm no professional. But I've been around thus stuff for a min. Just not good practice to rappel on crossed lines like that. I know it works. I've know how to lock an 8 off like that since I was in the scouts. Nothing wrong with it and it's the ordered method of many rescue folks and arborist and some that do short rock climbs with a rappel. Not worried about the heat it produces during a short rappel like this. Just what it will do to your rope and 8 over repeated rappel in this manner. So please keep an eye on your equipment. Check after every rappel. That being said their are other ways to configure an 8 to add more friction for a slower decent. Like a double wrap and such. I'm sure theirs tons of videos out the on it. And you are still capable of locking it in the same manner. But once you are unlocked and being to rappel again then you should undo both wraps. Even the highest grade equipment has failed people due to not checking their equipment and improper use. Just be safe. Good hunting.

[@IRONHQ]

What’s the difference in rappelling this way vs a munters hitch? Both have ropes touching

[@mckenziemccloskey596]

nice vid!!

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Thanks!

[@Captn_Cor]

I don’t understand why you would need to rappel out of the stand? Are you implying that you are not using anything to climb into the tree, therefore you need to rappel out? I use a few sticks, climb up the sticks, connect to the tree and hunt. When setting the sticks I use the linemans method. ( loop around tree to opposite hip ) Also, how do u get your rope back when you get to the ground? Just curious

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Corey You know, those are really good questions you asked. I have a few reasons I rappel from the tree. First is because I climb using the one-stick climbing method and a tree saddle. One-sticking DOWN is not my cup of tea. Rappelling is faster and easier and safer, and waayyy more fun. If you watch the video again you will see me attach a small carabiner and a length of paracord to my rappel rope. One I get to the ground the paracord is use to release my rope. Thanks for watching and check out more saddle hunting videos. It's a great way to hunt!

[@paulcrave3112]

What’s the rubber thing that works well that you got from another guys video?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Those are rubber fender washers. They keep the girth hitch and delta link from drooping down the tree when the rope isn't weighted. For the 9mm Canyon C-IV I'm using a 1/4" Inside Diameter and 1 1/2" Outside Diameter washer works perfectly.

[@michaelomalley44]

Do you use I stick or multiple sticks?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

@@michaelomalley44 HI Mike I'm hooked on one-sticking! I LOVE IT!!!

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

That's simply a rubber fender washer from the hardware store. They work really good for holding your tether and quick link where you need it to be on the tree. Below in the comments I gave the sizes I use for different ropes to another fella. Check it out. Pretty good info...

[@michaelomalley44]

@@phatkawsadventures7975 when you climb what do you use when hanging to retrieve your stick? Do you use your tether and a rope man?

[@marcinhibner9507]

That set up is as strong as the bark on the tree especially on none pine or really dry pine :) not proper lol and when it snows or rains all the best on the bottom eeeeeee lol.

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

I'm really curious about your knowledge of climbing gear! EVERYTHING I am connected to is climbing rated! Anybody that knows ropes will recognize what I'm using... Take a hike dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@reddawng43x91]

Bro! You know Nuthing about climbing obviously 😂

[@DogFacedPonySoldier-p9i]

is that stealth tape on your gear?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Howdy I use Stealth Strips and hockey tape on all kinds of my gear...

[@bumbadum87]

What rope are you using for you rappel rope retrieval?

[@phatkawsadventures7975]

Hi Mark EWO (Eastern Woods Outdoors) sells 30' lengths of paracord with itty-bitty carabiners on them for 3 or 4 dollars. I have a bunch of them and I like 'em a lot!