Using the Hitch climber

A demonstration on how to setup the hitch climber system for climbing double rope technique.
The 'Hitch climber' pulley is one of the most popular doubled rope configurations in the industry, this is because it keeps your climbing system tidy and inline, and has benefits over using single point attachment pulleys.
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#arborist #climbingarborist #treework

[@zackrowe1]

This is the set up i went with few yrs back. Love it. Smooth ascent.tending of slack. Braking and compact.

[@natoyilively9379]

This is just an observation to those questioning if this is worth the extra gear over a simple blakes hitch or split tail. When I started climbing with this I was like yeah, it's nice, but wasn't sure it was worth the money. Then after using this for six months I went up a tree without it and really noticed how convenient it was to be able to tend slack one handed. It's one of the things you only really appreciate after using a while (long enough you are doing it habitually) then go back to the old method.

[@natoyilively9379]

i just got the hitch climber, 2 dmm ultra o caribiners, and 28" 10mm Ocean polyester hitch cord tied with the standard VT. my second time in the tree, the tape on the splice was able to catch my hitch preventing it from catching. i found if i keep the pulley towards me, when i pull the tail, it pulls the ropes just slightly away from each other, and that is enough distance to prevent catching.

[@TheBuddhastyle]

brilliant videos mate, as a request can you do a video covering all the specific climbing gear you use. cheers

[@cmm8622]

I just tried this setup after doing a blake's hitch with a split tail for a long time.... loving this upgrade so much. Knowing how to climb without the extra "jewelry" is proper, but I don't regret giving this a shot.

[@nedstudios6490]

Years of using the Blake’s. I went to work the Paradise Fire, Ca. And worked for Mowbrays and the introduced this DMM hitch pulley, I was concerned. But! I realized how efficient it was with walkouts and I never looked back. It’s freaky at first but love it

[@ClimbingArborist]

Fantastic piece of kit

[@bransil6764]

I work for Acorn and they all use the hitch climber I still climb on Blake’s and micro pulley

[@justinfuller2054]

How can I get a job with you

[@completehorticulture]

Solid technique brother

[@scatoutdebutter]

Very informative. Thanks!

[@cvictor1983]

Thank you for sharing this video

[@beron02]

I'm glad you added that part at the end. It is definitely something to be careful of when using the hitch climber. Mine has gotten stuck like that and I have spliced end.

[@88mmFlaK]

O-rig is a good workaround to avoid the termination of the climbline from fouling the hitch, with the added benefit of needing only a single carabiner for the system.

[@louishudson2480]

Even though DMM say you shouldn't use a termination knot, I've found that the anchor knot is small enough to work with several different hitches.

[@luisapale3698]

Louis Hudsonydyyysyww Gshhshjsj,xcfvvgbsbfrbjejRarhtttyyh3vvev4vv4vv3v3h4g4g3b3bvhhehwtywhhejejeejejeejee225thBbbdjdjdjdbjej1xrvrvvevbb2tvrhedb2gevvvvvdveveehh1hqu9bbvvvvvv

[@JollyChollie]

Thanks, Very Informative, I Bought the DMM 3-Hole Hitch Climber & the DMM Pinto Pulley Based on your Video.

[@verticalworx9747]

Thanks ...Great demonatration ! ! ! Greetings from germany !

[@Psevdoigrok]

Хорошие видео. Так держать!)

[@Joesdifferent]

Great job

[@EgaoKage]

You CAN use a termination knot, so long as it does not slip / choke. IE; a Yosemite Bowline, Figure Eight on a bite, etc. By leaving a long loop, the bulk of the knot will sit above the friction hitch. The longer the loop, the higher the knots bulk will sit. This won't be as streamlined as an eye-splice would be, of course. But in a pinch, it does work.

[@chamness964]

EgaoKage Side loading the carabiner

[@tomhadlow7309]

EgaoKage h

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Like others who never felt the need to go any further than a split tail and Blake's hitch, along with foot locking, I gotta say that I really like this setup. Yep, my next buy will be this pulley.

[@michaelwarfel8096]

Interested in this setup. What's your take on the option of tachyon vs Hy-Vee. Which has better hand and so on? Thanks

[@jpallen719]

I love these videos, only wish they would zoom in more on actual hardware and knots, so you can really see what’s being done. Thx

[@kareno8634]

True, harder when One is learning. Only wish i had known i would have liked this a lifetime ago. Next life ~ i'll be ready. =)

[@TimothyLindsay4]

Your videos are great for a beginner such as my self you are a great teacher. What rope and eye to eye would you suggest for me using a v.t and triple attachment pulley as you are in this video 175 pounds

[@ClimbingArborist]

Hi Timothy, there are many great ropes out there and it is more about personal preference and feel for each person, a great place to start would be with a Yale 11.7mm rope (various names but same rope) and Yale beeline blue 10mm. As I said there are lots on the market and its about personal preference, other good brands are AllGear, Teufelberger, Sterling, New England, Samson. Climb safe!

[@J93-Racing]

Can you please do a video on your lanyard set up to go with this please

[@CaptainFaffer]

What is the length of the friction chord you use here please?

[@woodchuck9344]

What if you used an extra caribener on the termination knot

[@andrewriley5472]

What if you put a long cow hitch loop or a bowline with stopper knot? Just a long loops

[@mikaelkallio9101]

Tack ska du ha!

[@storyofhabib]

nice

[@bls2935]

Hi there,what size of rope are you using with this climbers hitch?

[@conornichol2665]

what swivel do you use on your bridge?

[@rudychavira5558]

I like that set up, could you show climbing in that set up?

[@tomace194]

What's the advantage from the v.t. to the swabish?

[@pakpukik]

But how and where do you climb with this setup?? You did not show it.

[@godelrt]

Your videos are absolutely great! Quick question, are those double fishermans knots at the end of your prusik?

[@braindead-borderlinefemini2900]

A double fishermans is a bend for attaching two strands of rope to eachother. That there is most likely a scafolding knot

[@sccrdngo]

Is that the treemotion saddle? I'm researching for a new saddle and it looks like that one is pretty comfortable and maneuverable. (currently climbing on a Petzl Avao)

[@JacobAHull-nx6rx]

Yes it's a treemotion

[@Sethhaun78]

That eezo do tool I seen few years back .but can't replace hsndfile or sqaure file .might be good for tiny chains if they make quarter pitch stones.they are pain to sharpen

[@ClimbingArborist]

👍

[@patriotarborist711]

what is the purpose of the paint dots on your carabiners? Is it to mark the opening end?

[@themeatpopsicle]

it's to mark which gear is yours.

[@dhuanabsa774]

It's a bit complex. I've done abseiling from height to bottom, never learned going up with a rope. Must take lessons. Thank. Good video.

[@mahadihassan423]

Whats your sefty cap model?

[@driftandy]

using this today on my training.problem is we use 2 ropes in the uk not 1 anymore.

[@militarycutlawnservices7804]

Question. My climbing rope does not have eye loops. How else would I attach to a biner, that would then attach to the hitch climber, other than using a termination knot on the biner??

[@br-dj2ti]

Hey buddy how are you can you please give me your opinion I'm new to the hitch climber setup what do you think the best rope climbing line is and also the best eye to eye hitchcord millimeter and hitchcord kind thank you so much

[@psychosocial50able]

No termination knots... is that in regards to noose style termination knots or all termination knots including fixed loops which'll keep the bulk of the knot out of the way of the friction hitch?

[@collinc101]

I'm wondering this big time. I ordered the pulley this morning ... I don't use that style of termination knot. I am running an anchor knot. Its widely used for this job because of its low profile makes it perfect for the job.. also I am planning to clip into the bottom and middle attachment points and that should orient the ropes in a way that prevents the hitch catching. I will let you know.

[@collinc101]

Nice demo brother. I ordered the hitchclimber earlier today. Last week I lost the first two feet of my rope. Basically my splice. So I'm doing an anchor hitch. Which I like because it makes for a better monkey fist. At the end of the demo how you explain why dmm said you couldn't run a termination knot, couldn't you just clip into the middle hole then to orient the knot out away from the hitch so as not to inadvertently press down on the hitch and letting you slide?

[@ClimbingArborist]

That is completely your decision at the end of the day. DMM say you shouldn't use a knot because it can, and inevitably will tend your hitch at some point which could be disastrous at worst, or just give you a fright at best.

[@collinc101]

Right on. There are a few other safety videos from popular climbers that have gone over this that you should actually clip into the middle and your hitch actually won't catch ever

[@motobacktoconstitution4138]

Spider jack is super expensive what is similer system and affordable?

[@miguelsanchez8238]

Will this work with a normal English prusik friction hitch.?

[@two5seven14]

With this setup in this configuration, does the carabiner attaching the sewn eye to the micro-pulley ever accidentally engage your friction hitch and put slack in your line or cause a descent? Seems like the top half of this setup is crowded. Still looks cool and definitely worth playing with but looks crowded.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Not when using a termination eye, but it does it using a termination knot

[@stu4516]

Hi what do you think of the dmm swivel on your bridge I've bin looking at them

[@ClimbingArborist]

They are a good addition, and can be used in multiple configurations but you have to watch for wear depending on the orientation you use the swivel

[@stu4516]

That was my worry I was going to us one with the art lockjack but I think I will stick with the ring

[@dmbadcat]

paused at 0:20 That'd be a cool FPS, but instead of shooting people you tie badass knots and then repel off of buildings and helicopters, then you could lash together ladders, lassos and other contraptions

[@futureboy7653]

What harness is that?

[@ibeattheleaves5005]

Is the rope dragging over the branch at the top with the weight of the climber?

[@henryrisen459]

Yes, unless a cambium saver or similar set up is used.

[@daltonbrondel2403]

i have been using the dmm hitch climber pulley and ive noticed that the end of my climbing line with the biner on the top or middle hole either way it does the same thing the rope or biner both touch my hitch and cause it to slip and i cant figure out why i have 1/2 samson rope and 8mm 30" armor prus prussik usually schwabisch and the dmm pulley and petzl triact biners????? help

[@dredthis9473]

This is a very interesting point that i have been aware of for several years now. I am curious if you ever found a solution or technical answer to this problem with the dmm. For the life of me, literally, i cant believe this risk hasnt resulted in a death and investigation. I have recreated the problem and shown my other teammates, no one is able to figure out a solution. The antecedents are climbing with a narrow tie in point and allowing the hitch to slide down below the top carabiner of the standing end, both occur frequently on any given day.

[@scottishwoodcutters7339]

What kind of knot did you use for your eye 2 eye was it just a fishermans or something else?

[@chamness964]

scottish woodcutters vt. Its a variation of that valintane trace. That spelling is wrong. But I hope you understand.

[@pfv3462]

which carabiners are these or which one do you recommend?

[@ClimbingArborist]

These are DMM ultra O, but I actually prefer the Rock Exotica O

[@UltimateMMAFan83]

I notice you have sewn eye ends on your ropes. Do I need to have that sewn eye to follow this guide/steps? I have a 150' of 1/2" arborplex rope

[@therealbenfudge]

With this setup you need a spliced eye, a termination knot can possibly collapse your prusik.

[@Woodman_Custom_Sawing]

Yes, that's what I took away at the very end. I heard you cant use a termination knot and before I fully processed it the video was ending. I wish he would have said it in the beginning. That's a very important fact. I usually climb with my life line as SRT but use a long lanyard DRT. I was thinking about getting one of these but not sure it will be worth it because none of my roped have a sewn eye.

[@collinc101]

I'm going to run it. That termination knot looks way bulky to me. I run An anchor knot and in the demonstration his knot was only catching the hitch when he had his termination end clipped into the top hole. If clipped into the middle attachment point it will add space between the two and preventing the catch. That's my hypothesis anyway I will update.

[@bball8962]

Put a cArabiner on the descender and wrap it thru itself twice way easier than tying the whole Blake’s hitch

[@sebastianradford9723]

Hi can you use a bowline instead of a spliced eye ? Many thanks

[@joseichosadventures1233]

You can but it not recommended. The friction hitch is to close to the knot and cause it to slide your friction hitch down. A bowline knot is also not recommended because it not a cinching knot like an anchor hitch, Fishermen, or a buntline hitch. I use a buntline hitch

[@carsonnew8051]

what kind of climbing rope are you using here?

[@hungryhungarian6148]

+Carson New samson

[@Sethhaun78]

Do you like that tachyon rope.never tried it???

[@ClimbingArborist]

Yes

[@valentinbrito7315]

what length prusik do you use

[@ClimbingArborist]

it all depends on the cordage you use and the hitch you tie.

[@forrestmoore5795]

Surely, by the method of connecting both your rope and your lanyard to the hitch climber pulley you are effectively only attached to the tree via one point- the bridge of your harness, making the (rather long) bridge a point of extreme vulnerability to the climber!?! Otherwise, seems great...

[@nedstudios6490]

Yes. And please. Don’t call me Surely

[@isaacbautista9619]

don holiday what if you don't got a double split tale rope.

[@ivantorres636]

It's doc holiday jack ass

[@arkology_city]

I'm having a hard time finding 100+ foot bull/safety rope with a professionally secured eye on the end. Would 1/2" polyester also be the preferred material?

[@347firedude]

treestuff.com or sherriltree.com your answer to all of your climbing needs. they offer two types of eyes. large and tight eye both spliced into the rope. and the sell rope by the foot as well

[@jfreeman1314]

You mentioned the VT...So what about the WT or the XT?

[@ClimbingArborist]

It's personal preference, you can use any of those hitches

[@mrtree1368]

I'm glad I learned how to climb old school and get it all done without these complicated techniques. I'm sure they have Thier uses but it can be done without all that stuff clipped on to you

[@himhim3344]

Ok boomer

[@br-dj2ti]

Of course it can be done we all did it for years with just a Blake's hitch hip thrusting but why not make a hard ass job a little bit easier if you can with the newer stuff I use a Blake's hitch for many many and many many years now I use the newer stuff and it saves my body a lot

[@chuckd5855]

Don't take this the wrong way, I haven't climbed in a few years and technology/techniques are bound to change, but looking at that set up I'm hard pressed to agree that it is any more effective or tidy than say one carabiner, a couple of half hitches, and a blake's hitch. Having a pulley is nice but I found it was just another thing to carry up a tree with me to get caught on things while working, one more expense, and ultimately one more thing collecting dust at the bottom of my duffle bag. It looks like it would work just fine, but what would be the reasons to go spend the money on a second biner, and a three point micro pulley when simple rope work will do the same thing? As for positioning, again.. more options are always good, but my lanyard, and life line virtually always could be rigged in a way that would allow for comfortable work positioning. What would compel me to go out an buy new gear I've previously never needed? The rig looks great, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it wont work, it looks like it would work just fine, with the exception of the warning at the end of your video. What are the real benefits to the system? Smoother? Faster? Safer? I'd wager I can tie myself in faster than it took you to assemble all of that.

[@chamness964]

Chuck D Well I have the same system. And tending the slack is so much better than tending slack with a Blake's hitch. One hand motion on tending slack. Rather than 2 hands with the Blake.

[@chuckd5855]

Shawn Stick Chamness fair enough. If the system works for you then there is no reason to stop using it. different strokes for different folks. When I climbed I tried a variety of hitch minding pulleys. for my taste I found that for the extra setup time (I know... it doesn't take long, I'm just talking about my impressions) it didn't offer vastly more performance than a system I was already very comfortable with. I ended up with three reasonably expensive pieces of gear that just went unused after a month of trial. I suppose it boils dow to what system you are accustomed to. if you've spent a lot of time with just a hitch, then slack management becomes second nature. The same can probably be said about other systems, with familiarity comes fluidity and speed. If I'd spent as much time incorporating pulleys into my system I would have gotten faster and more familiar with it. Either way, be safe up there! And while I'm at it, although it seems like I'm complaining it isn't actually about this video. I thought the video itself was very well made and a great instructional aid for people who want to know about this system. I suppose I just prefer to keep my system simple, and to take as little up a tree with me as possible.

[@MJ-kf8zl]

@@chuckd5855 I can only agree wit all your saying

[@ecopsych101]

Can you pick a location thats not next to a freeway!!

[@jaredlange5079]

How can you climb a pine tree without a top rope and without SPIKES?????

[@RagedContinuum]

bump I want to know the same thing - Would prefer to rope up and chunk down without spikes in my situation

[@michaelmongeon9737]

Where's your Haas ascender chest harness and get off the ground and up the tree .SRT is faster then Drt.

[@Troglodyte-gz4fm]

there's always one..........

[@KingdomFreedomMinistries]

Seems like too much equipment. I'd rather stick to the old school simple technique. Main safety line and lanyard. But hey, everyone should do what's BEST for them! Very informative videos though. Definitely the real deal 👊

[@ClimbingArborist]

Using old school techniques can get the job done well and get the job done safely, but the industry and the equipment is evolving. It is evolving to make us more efficient, equipment is designed to make climbing easier with less tree on the body, so in my opinion keeping at the forefront as the industry evolves is better for you as a climber.

[@vking5665]

There are heaps of these rigging videos but no one actually demonstrates the climb to show the rig in action .... WTF .... For the absolute beginner at least they looked like they knew what they were doing... while standing on the ground.

[@oldsoul5688]

could you please find the way climbing a tree in emergency, for those who have no equipment, only a rope, and escape those who chase you, or hide on the tree, cos rarely they would look up, and when you establish this, (for non muscular women), how to get down safely? please...

[@braindead-borderlinefemini2900]

Thats a very weird scenario

[@Suicidekings_]

A gun... You're thinking of a gun...

[@francois-xavierdessureault8039]

this is an insane scenario. you could, with a single and long enough rope, make yourself a harness and climb dDRT with a Blake's hitch (and even double your system using the other end of the rope, to get to a higher anchor point or pass an obstacle). I've done it up a few feet just to test it. I'd never use that if I weren't already in a life-or-death situation. Not so fast either. It's uncomfortable, impractical, and you do have to be in shape. You need pulleys if you want to make climbing easy, and then it's going to be that much longer to get up a tree.

[@Nerudah]

Lmao!

[@Nerudah]

All that info and yet you don't climb?

[@virgilgraham3052]

M

[@victorhernandez1565]

Rope acces

[@arycave]

There is very important notice at the end. You cannot use a term knot on your climbing rope. Which actually sucks.

[@TheToolnut]

You could use a bowline with a big loop and a Yosemite finish.

[@TheLoobis]

3:30 WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!

[@sentinela8775]

This dude needs to reset.

[@mungobestmage]

replying super late here but oh well. basically when you climb with your pulley AND termination end attached to ur bridge, when ur ascending and u pull on ur climb line ur pulley has no tension on it and will go slack. this causes the pulley/hitch and biner to kind of just flop over and can be a giant pain in the ass trying to get it straightened out while climbing.

[@christianarcos4333]

Is this better than a pinto?

[@ClimbingArborist]

For the purpose of a climbing system I would say definitely better!

[@Treeesmith]

Zig zag

[@Johnnyreengo]

That harness looks like it’s about to castrate you

[@RiggerHippie]

1:37 separate the 2 side plates...not sheaves

[@stihlman4102]

i been doing tree work for 25 years and that looks like a mess...the simpler you keep it the better off you are......

[@sentinela8775]

I'm very glad I'm not learning.

[@joecostu1571]

All advertise same but. None of them climb.??? Want. To. See. Them. Climbing

[@user-ki3he4iu4b]

ich Suche den job des Krans in der deutschen nation der ukraine

[@christinapankey1415]

I've climbed for 30 plus years and all that crap is a waste of time

[@max88nielsen]

Now your life depends on the pulley, because you use it as a connecting point. Im sure thats not rated or approved to that use. So you are showing beginners some very stupid and dangerous !

[@ClimbingArborist]

The pulley is rated and designed with this exact purpose in mind. Please don't comment things like this if you haven't even bothered fact checking or are unfamiliar with arborist equipment.

[@max88nielsen]

Thanks for correcting me. @@ClimbingArborist . My bad. I wasn't aware of the pulley being rated as a that. Hope you accept my apology. I didn't do my homework. Just saw you used a pulley as connection point. Didn't notice which kind. Great video. Sorry !

[@christinapankey1415]

Climb up the in remove tree all that crap I'll be in it removing it while your fucking around with all that crap it's heavier and when you add shit it's just more room for failure a line and carabeaner is all you need