There is also a half hitch around the foot method
This is for the right foot,
Point toe down locks it:
Point toe up to lift foot up, when you're getting off the ground hand tend it, once you have a few feet of rope below you it tends itself.
It can be combined with a Pantin or any foot ascender for two leg power as shown starting at minute 2:49 in this video (using the half hitch loop on my left foot):
Direct link to watch video full size
Used with the Pantin the loop is self tending within a couple of feet after starting to ascend.
-AJ