SRT moving around the tree

This my be an old question to some but one that I've been dwelling on for awhile. In my arborist work I've used DbRT to climb and move around around the tree (limb walking) The friction hitch provides comfortable tension to safely move around. In Search and rescue, caving and cayoneering I've used the Single rope techniques and mechanical advantages because these are somewhat linear activities (up and down). What I'd like to know is how you move around the tree using SRT. Or is this just a way to get up the tree. Also any good suggestions for securing the rope to the branch (like a running bowline or ???...) Any good reading or video for SRT specific to tree climbing.

averywynings wrote:

...What I'd like to know is how you move around the tree using SRT. Or is this just a way to get up the tree. Also any good suggestions for securing the rope to the branch (like a running bowline or ???...) Any good reading or video for SRT specific to tree climbing.

You could switch over to a RADS or YO-Yo system after you've ascended into the crown of the tree. There are a few RADS variations but it can be set up so there is no gear change when switching from ascent to descent. Then there is the Omnicender which also provides seamless switchover from ascent to descent.

Here is one flavor of RADS, a Shunt is use up top, there is a tender line on the Shunt that releases it when you want to limb walk or descend. You can use an ID or a Grigri. Go to the \"All sizes\" link above the photo to look at more detail.
Tom Dunlap RADS setup

Jim K's detail of Tom's RADS setup

Yo-yo on New Tribe site, this variation requires taking the upper ascender off to descend
Tengu's Tips - Yo-Yo

averywynings wrote:

Also any good suggestions for securing the rope to the branch (like a running bowline or ???...) Any good reading or video for SRT specific to tree climbing.

The two common methods for securing an SRT TIP:
1. Choke a backed up (Yosemite or other) running bowline or an F8 on a bight and screwlink to the branch
2. Put the rope over the branch/crotch and secure to the trunk at the base of the tree or a nearby tree. The ground anchor method is probably used more often in tree climbing, does not require isolation of the TIP and provides some rescue options for lowering an injured climber.

I don't know of any SRT specific books or video for tree climbing. If you search on the arborist websites like Buzzboard or Arboristsite you can find detailed discussions of SRT technique. Most of the tree SRT technique is descended from either big wall rock technique or caving technique, that's where you're going to find the books and video I think. Check out the Sherrill and On Rope web sites to see various SRT gear configurations.
-moss

The only tool that goes up and down a single line is the Unicender. It works wonderfully smooth!

Lately I've been using the Eddy by Edilrid on my harness for RADS or moving around in the tree. The cam can be 'thumbed' to allow for super smooth limbwalks too. If more weight is on the rope the lever of the Eddy can be used to slack out similar to the Grigri. The selling point for the Eddy is that the lever will lock off/brake if it's pulled to far.

tom thanks for your input

I've seen some of your SRT pics on the web. question how does the eddy compare to the petzl I'D. And do you have have any links were I can check out the product at a good price.

Over the last few weeks I found nothing but good things for a RADS system. I still use DRT when I work a tree, but I working out ways to be more mobile with SRT.

Someone found the Eddy for about $120 or so...look on Treebuzz to find the thread.

The Eddy is about the same size as the Grigri. If you're using the lever to rappel it isn't as touchy as the I'd under low loads.

Just the reduction in size compared to the I'd is reasonn enough to use the Eddy.

If you are considering a purchase, get the Eddy. Everyone who has climbed on mine and is familiar with the I'd/Grigri agree.

Keep working on perfecting the SRT in the tree. You'll find that it is much easier than trad climbing.