Leather vs. Conduit

if you use an overhand, you will not be able to release the knot, preventing the rope from sliding through the conduit. Pull it up w/ a slip knot then pull the knot out when the conduit is in the position you desire on the branch.

As I always suggest, get Peter Jenkins' video - tree Climbing Basics - It's ALL in there.
http://www.treeclimbing.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=18&category_id=17&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=91

Baker wrote:

if you use an overhand, you will not be able to release the knot

I think it could be argued that an overhand knot is a slip knot (TCC page 30), but OK, I like the more descriptive term "slip knot."

Davej wrote:

Baker wrote:

if you use an overhand, you will not be able to release the knot

I think it could be argued that an overhand knot is a slip knot (TCC page 30), but OK, I like the more descriptive term "slip knot."

You and Baker should have a tree climbing discussion show on one of the cable news networks!

In the slip knot's construction a bight is slipped through an overhand knot but... all knots have elements/components of other knots in them. To avoid confusion "slip knot" is a good name. An "overhand on a bight" looks superficially like a slip knot, that's the most common error I've seen with new climbers installing sleeves.

When you tie the slip knot make sure that the unlocking part of the slip knot bight is the same as the tail of the climbing rope below the knot (or the knot will not release). Easy to check before you send the sleeve up.

Slip knot is such a versatile knot in tree climbing, I constantly use it as a third hand while I'm climbing.
-moss

Leather works great for me.