Friction Hitches in Tree Climbing

Talking Trees with Lily and Jad . Welcome to Talking Trees , your daily journey into the world of arboriculture and tree climbing . In today's episode , we dive into the fascinating realm of friction knots .

All right . So today we're going deep on something that's pretty vital for any arborist out there Friction hitches .

Absolutely . It's a topic with a lot of depth and , honestly , one that I think deserves more attention than it sometimes gets .

We've actually got a pretty good spread of sources for this deep dive Articles , forum discussions , even a blog post and a YouTube video .

Oh really , that's great . I'm always curious to see how different people approach and think about friction hitches .

Yeah , so we've got JRBTreeClimbingcom Always a good starting point , right .

Definitely They've got some really solid information on their site .

And then there's some good stuff from the ARB Talk forum .

Ah , arb Talk , Always a lively place for discussion .

And , to top it off , we've got some visuals from the Notorious YouTube channel .

Okay , nice . It's always helpful to see these hitches in action .

So you know , the goal here is to really unpack what makes these hitches work , when to use which one and how to get the most out of them for professional work . Even just skimming these

Oh , absolutely . It's like each hitch has its own personality and purpose .

Okay so JRBTreeClimbingcom kicks things off with a pretty straightforward definition . They call a friction , hitch , a slide and grip knot .

Makes sense , right . It moves along the rope until you put weight on it . Then , boom , the friction kicks in .

But they also make this point that friction hitches are not rappel devices . They even say they can jam under the full weight of a rappel . That kind of gave me pause .

Yeah , no , that's really important to understand . They're not designed for that kind of force . I mean , think about it You're relying on this tiny little knot to control your descent .

It does make you think twice about how much trust we put in these things .

Right . That's why it's so crucial to understand the limitations of each hitch . You know when a rappel is involved . You need to distribute that weight . Use techniques like a munter hitch or a foot break .

So it's about layers of safety , not just depending on the hitch alone .

Exactly . Think of it like a safety net . You don't want to rely on just one thing to catch you if you fall .

JRBtreeClimbingcom actually goes into how to choose the right hitch based on what kind of climbing you're doing .

Oh yeah , that's super important . Not all hitches are created equal , you know .

Like with double rope technique , they list out a bunch the Longhorn Agile , the Jerebee Ascender , the Longhorn Zenith and the Agile Hitch . Seems like you've got more options with DDRT .

You do , because with DDRT the weight is distributed across those two ropes , so you've got a wider range of hitches that can handle the load effectively .

But when you switch to single rope technique , things change right .

They do With SRT . All that force is concentrated on a single line , so your hitch choice becomes even more critical . Jrbtreeclimbingcom really narrows it down . They mainly recommend the Longhorn Agile and the JRB Ascender hitches for SRT .

Interesting . And then there's this thing about the head and not . Jerrytreeclimbingcom recommends it as a top choice for a rappel backup . I always found the head and a bit fiddly to tie , to be honest .

I can see that it can take a bit of getting used to .

So what makes it so good for a backup ?

Well , for a backup , you want something compact , strong and incredibly reliable under load and the head and really checks all those boxes .

Okay , yeah , I guess if you're only using it as a backup , you don't need to tie it all the time .

Right , it's that , set it and forget it . It's kind of hitch . You know it's going to hold if you on anything .

Oh , that makes sense . Yeah , and JerryTreeClimbingcom does mention that releasing a stuck friction hitch can be tricky , especially with the head and being so strong . They say it's important to have a plan .

Always good to be prepared , right ? I mean , we've all had those moments where a hitch just doesn't want to budge .

Speaking of preparation , that makes me wonder do you have any go-to methods for releasing a stubborn hitch in the field ?

Well , sometimes it's as simple as shifting your weight or changing the angle of the rope , but sometimes , yeah , you need a bit more finesse . We might have to dedicate a whole other deep dive to just that . Uh-huh , maybe , but for now let's move on to something that really caught my eye in the Jayabrewtreeclimbingcom article the longhorn loop .

Oh yeah , the Longhorn Loop . They explain how it's like the base for a whole bunch of hitches like the Longhorn Agile and the Longhorn Zenith .

It is . It's a really clever concept . It's kind of like you know how the Prusik knot is the foundation for so many techniques .

The Longhorn Loop is like that , but for a whole new family of hitches . So JRB has basically taken this one loop and used it to create a bunch of specialized hitches , each designed for a specific purpose .

That's right . It's a testament to their innovation and not design , I think , always pushing the boundaries .

Okay , so let's talk about some of these hitches in action . The Longhorn Agile seems to be getting a lot of praise . Jrbtreeclimbingcom calls it the best overall for SRT , ddrt and even for tether lifeline use .

It's a very versatile hitch for sure , and it's got a lot going for it .

They highlight the non-jamming design , how easy it is to tie and its self-tending ability . Yeah , that's a pretty impressive resume , but I'm curious what makes those features so important , especially for professional arborists like us .

Well , take the non-jamming feature , for example . That's absolutely crucial for SRT , because you've got those higher loads on a single rope .

A jammed hitch in that situation could be a real problem . Right , it's not like you can just easily switch to your other line , like you could with DDRT , exactly .

And then the ease of tying is a huge advantage when you're up in the tree and time is of the essence . The quicker and more efficiently you can tie your hitch , the better .

And what about the self-tending aspect ? What are the real world benefits of that ?

Well for tethers or lifelines . Self-tending means you can make adjustments without having to constantly fiddle with the hitch . It adds an extra layer of safety because you know the hitch is going to adjust smoothly and reliably on its own .

So it's like having a hitch that's always looking out for you .

Exactly . It's a great feature to have .

So if I'm looking for a versatile , reliable hitch that can handle a range of situations and keep me moving efficiently , it sounds like the Longhorn Agile is a strong contender , but JRBTreeClimbingcom also mentions the JRB Ascender

They do . It's another really solid option , especially if you need a hitch with a smaller profile . It's incredibly stable .

Okay , so smaller profile , super stable . When would you choose the ascender over the Agile ?

Well , think about situations where you need a hitch that's going to stay put for a while , like in an adjustable bridge . The ascender is really good for that because it holds its position really well , even under load .

So each hitch has its own strengths , depending on what you're doing .

Absolutely , and that's why it's so important to have a good understanding of the different options out there , right ?

And that takes us to the ArbTalk forum . Lots of discussion there about the nut hitch . People seem to love its simplicity and reliability .

The nut is a classic , isn't it ? It's been around forever and it's still a popular choice for a lot of arborists .

They were really praising its grip and the fact that it's self-tending , and again that small size seems to be a big plus .

Yeah , the nut .

And then of course , there's the Blake's Hitch . Both the ArbTalk Forum and Recoil's blog mentioned it . I've got a bit of a soft spot for the Blake's Hitch myself . I know it's been around forever , but it's always felt reliable to me .

The Blake's Hitch is a true workhorse , no doubt about it . It's been a staple in the arborist's toolkit for generations . Reliable , easy to tie , it just works .

I do sometimes find it a bit bulkier than some of the other hitches , though . Have you found that ?

I can see that it's not the most streamlined hitch out there , but it's got one unique advantage .

What's that ?

Well , the Blake's hitch works really well on rope that's the same diameter as the cord you're using to tie it .

That can be a lifesaver in situations where you don't have a smaller diameter cord handy . That is pretty handy . You know , Requail's blog actually brought up something that got me thinking . They said that how well a hitch performs can be really different depending on whether you're using DDRT or SRT .

Hmm , yeah , notice that too .

They specifically mentioned that it's especially noticeable when you're using a rope wrench . Do you know why that is ?

Yeah .

Because in my head a hitch is a hitch , you know .

Well , not exactly . The thing about the rope wrench is that it doesn't distribute the weight as evenly as you would with a second rope in a DDRT setup .

Oh right , because with DDRT you've got two points of contact sharing the load .

Exactly , but with a rope wrench . All that force is concentrated on a single point , and that can change how the hitch grips and releases .

Ah , I see . So the same hitch might feel completely different depending on how the weight is distributed .

Precisely , and that's why recoil really stresses the importance of experimenting . They say you need to understand how your chosen hitch is going to behave with your specific gear and techniques .

Because what works great for one person might not work as well for someone else .

Exactly , and they have a great motto practice low and techniques , because what works great for one person might not work as well for someone else . Exactly , and they have a great motto practice low and slow , especially when you're trying out a new hitch or a new technique .

Speaking of practice , they also had some great advice on just the practical stuff , like keeping your hitches clean to make them last longer .

Oh , absolutely . It's easy to overlook the little things , but they can make a big difference in the long run .

They even suggested using rings or something similar to prevent your gloves from snagging on the itch .

Yeah , those little snags can be annoying and they can slow you down .

And get this . They talked about using a small ring to reduce sit back .

Hmm , interesting . I haven't tried that one myself .

Yeah , I'm curious about that too . And then something they mentioned that I think a lot of people don't even think about carabiner orientation .

Apparently , how you position your carabiner can affect how smoothly the hitch runs it can , and it can also affect how easily the hitch releases . It's all about the details , isn't it ?

It is Okay . So we've talked about some of the heavy hitters in the hitch world the Longhorn Agile , the Nut , the Blake's Hitch but our sources also mentioned a few less common ones that piqued my interest . Have you ever heard of the Distel ?

The Distel yeah , I've come across it a few times . It's not as widely used , but it's got its fans .

And then there's the VT , or Valdetane Tress . It's got a cool name .

It does . I've heard good things about it , but haven't had a chance to really experiment with it myself .

And then there's the Michoacan , another one that's kind of under the radar .

It seems like there's

Right and then Notorious on YouTube , throws a few more into the mix .

Oh yeah , what did he have ?

The Ficus Hitch , the Penanga and the Catalyst Hitch . Some of these are pretty unique . I have to say I was impressed with the visuals .

Oh , I bet Notorious always does a great job of showcasing the beauty of these knots .

It's like they each have their own personality , wouldn't you say ?

Yeah , absolutely , and that's what makes exploring the world of friction hitches so fascinating . It's a blend of practicality , ingenuity and even a bit of artistry .

It really is . So we've covered a lot of ground here , talked about some of the fundamentals of friction hitches , looked at a bunch of different options and even touched on some of the things that can affect how well they perform . It's amazing how much depth there is to something as seemingly simple as a knot . Two , I want to get your take on something .

I'm all ears what's on ?

your mind . Well , with all this variety , it's clear there's no one best hitch . It really depends on the context , your experience and even your personal preferences . But what do you think of the most important things for a professional arborist to consider when choosing a hitch ? What are the things that make a hitch stand out in your toolkit ?

That's a great question . It really makes you think about what matters most . For me , it boils down to a few key things Reliability , efficiency and safety . A hitch that performs consistently , allows for quick adjustments and adds an extra layer of security those were the winners in my book . But it's also got to feel good in your hands .

Yeah , I get that . It's like developing a relationship with your gear , knowing how it's going to behave in different situations .

Exactly , and that comes with practice and experience . The more you work with different hitches , the more you understand their nuances and how they perform under various conditions .

Speaking of conditions , we touched on how those can really affect a hitch's performance . How those can really affect a hitch's performance . Recoil's blog had that great reminder to practice low and slow , especially when you're trying out a new hitch or technique .

Oh , absolutely . I remember one time I was using a hitch that I thought I knew really well , but the rope was damp and the angle was a bit different and it created a lot more friction than I was anticipating .

Oh , wow , so it really threw you off .

It did for a few minutes . Yeah , it took me a bit longer to get the hitch moving smoothly and it definitely made me realize the importance of being adaptable and always having a backup plan .

It's a good reminder that , even with all the knowledge and experience in the world , there are always going to be surprises when you're working in the trees .

That's part of what keeps it interesting , right ? It's about constantly learning and refining your skills .

So , given that unpredictability , what are your thoughts on having a go-to hitch versus experimenting with different options ? Is there value in sticking with what you know , or is it important to keep exploring ?

I think it's a balance . You know , Having a go-to hitch that you're confident and proficient with is essential . It's your reliable workhorse , the one you can rely on in most situations .

Right , like your old reliable friend .

Exactly , but there's also immense value in experimenting with other hitches , understanding their strengths and weaknesses and expanding your toolkit .

Because you never know when a different hitch might be the perfect solution for a unique challenge .

Exactly . It's like having a whole set of tools at your disposal . You wouldn't want to just use a hammer for every job , would you ? No way .

You got to have the right tool for the right job . Speaking of which , jrbtreecliningcom had their whole section on choosing the right hitch for the task at hand . They recommended the Longhorn Agile , jrb Ascender , longhorn Zenith and Agile Hitches for doubled rope technique .

I think they're spot on For

Right , like we talked about earlier .

But with SRT , where all that weight is on a single line , you really need to choose a hitch that's specifically designed to handle that stress .

Both the Longhorn Agile and the JLB Ascender are excellent choices for SRT . And what about those less common hitches we discussed earlier , like the Distel , the VT and the Mishawakin ? What advice would you give to someone who's interested in exploring those options ?

I'd say go for it Research , practice and experiment in a safe environment . These less mainstream hitches often have unique characteristics that might make them ideal for specific applications or personal preferences .

So it's all about finding what works best for you and your style of climbing .

Exactly . The key is to approach it with an open mind and a commitment to learning .

That's a great takeaway Stay curious and keep learning and remember . It's not just about memorizing knot configurations . It's about understanding how these hitches interact with your climbing system , your gear and your own movement .

Absolutely .

We briefly mentioned the distal , the VT , Beltatain , Tress and the Michoacan . What can you tell us about these more specialized options ?

These hitches often appeal to arborists , who are looking for something unique , something tailored to their specific needs or preferences . The distal , for example , is known for its compact size and its ability to be tied directly around a carabiner , which can be advantageous in certain scenarios .

And then we have those truly unique hitches showcased by Notorious on YouTube the Ficus hitch , the Penanga and the Catalyst hitch . They were almost works of art , weren't they ? What struck you about those ?

I love how Notorious highlights not just the functional aspects of these hitches , but also their aesthetic appeal . It's a reminder that even in a field as practical as arboriculture there's room for creativity and artistry . The ficus hitch , with its intricate weaving pattern , is a prime example . It's not only functional , but it's also visually stunning .

It's like each of these hitches has its own personality , its own story to tell .

Absolutely , and that's what makes exploring the world of friction hitches so captivating . It's a blend of practicality , ingenuity and even a touch of artistry .

It's inspiring to see the innovation and creativity within the arborist community . We've come a long way from those early hitches , haven't we ?

We have , and it's exciting to think about what the future holds . With new materials and techniques constantly emerging , the possibilities for hitch design and functionality are endless .

I can't wait to see what new knots and techniques emerge in the years to come ,

Yeah , what are your top priorities when you're choosing a hitch for your work up in the trees ?

Is it that smooth tending ? Is it about finding a hitch that's compact enough to fit in those tight spots ? Or maybe it's all about how quickly and easily you can tie it when you're up there on the job ?

Or maybe it's something else entirely . You know that feeling of knowing you've got a hitch that's going to hold no matter what .

Exactly . We've covered a lot of different hitches in this deep dive , each with their own strengths and weaknesses , but ultimately , the best hitch for you is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences .

So tell us , what makes a hitch stand out for you . What are your must-haves ?

We're all ears . Share your thoughts , your experiences , your go-to hitches and why they're your favorites . Let's keep this conversation going . So thanks for joining us for this deep dive into the fascinating world of friction hitches . Hopefully we've sparked some new ideas and given you some things to think about the next time you're gearing up for a climb .

Absolutely . And remember keep exploring , keep experimenting and keep those knots tight .

Thank you for joining us on today's episode of Talking Trees . We've unraveled the mechanics behind friction knots , exploring their slippage and grip principle , their role in safe tree climbing practices and how they're best used alongside other safety measures , from comparing various types to discussing their applications in DSRT and SRT .