New to climbing any equipment recommendations?

[zebedeeclimber]

I recently got involved with tree climbing with a friend who does this for a hobby.

 

I have been really loving it and would like to do it more. I have been using a rock climbing harness which is not ideal and is very uncomfortable. Very little padding and not really designed for tree climbing.

 

Could anyone recommend a decent harness? Also how did you get into arboriculture? It is something that has always fascinated me but more so now.

 

My climbing has been done using 10.5mm dynamic rope and a cambium saver using a pulley to reduce friction. Connected to the harness using a double figure 8 rope and then a Blake's Hitch to a Carabiner on the friction side.

 

Thanks for any help and Hello!

[Steve Bullman]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. Sounds like you are doing a lot wrong here, dynamic rock climbing rope for starters, which isn't designed to cope with the heat that friction hitches generate. Not sure exactly your set up, but a picture would help? Seems like the fig 8 is unneeded really and is more a throwback from your rock climbing experience? Regarding harnesses, theres loads out there and really your budget would be a good start in determining what would be best for you.

[zebedeeclimber]

Yes this really is a transition from rock climbing. Totally different but I like it enough to get proper gear. I guess using rock climbing rope to try it all out saves any expense in the event I didn't like tree climbing.

 

I could get a photo - does the forum allow pictures from new joiners? My harness is an Edelrid rock climbing harness. The rope is Beal 10.5mm dynamic rope and the friction hitches come from abseiling.

 

I bet that sounds terrible - but like I say I could very well have disliked climbing trees!

 

Listing all that I am sure I should now run for cover in here - sorry dudes!

[Steve Bullman]

Yes you can post pics.

 

To be fair I climbed on beal topgun 10.5mm with a petzl shunt for a couple years. Its not out of the question but not recommended. arborist rope has an outer core of polyester which is less abrasive to heat than the nylon sheaths of rock climbing rope, which really comes into play when using friction hitches.

[zebedeeclimber]

Thats is the exact rope I have used. The Top Gun II DryCover.

 

But obviously now liking the tree climbing so would like to invest in the equipment to do that properly and comfortably and of course safely. I am not so worried about gizmos - although things like the Spiderjack look very impressive! Keep It Simple really.

 

The system I use is the rope over a pulley suspended on a webbing cambium saver - one side connected to the harness via a double figure 8 - the other rope connected via a Prussik/Blakes Hitch and a second Prussik to use for lifting up with the foot.

 

I would also be interested to learn how others here got into arboricuture too.

Edited February 7, 2016 by zebedeeclimber

[zebedeeclimber]

In terms of budget I have been looking at the Petzl Sequoia and the Tree Motion.

 

I would also like proper arb climbing rope spliced.

[Steve Bullman]

I have owned the petzl sequoia and tree motion, currently climbing on the tree motion. They are both nice harnesses. Tree motion probably the more comfortable of the 2, but slightly too bulky for my liking

[zebedeeclimber]

Do you think it was dangerous using dynamic rope to try tree climbing before buying dedicated equipment?

 

I like it. I like being up in the canopy. It's a nice close to nature feeling.

[zebedeeclimber]

The Petzl Sequoia seems to come in two versions. A standard and an SRT. Probably a dumb question but coming from a rock climbing angle, they both appear to look the same. In online pictures at least.

[Steve Bullman]

Do you think it was dangerous using dynamic rope to try tree climbing before buying dedicated equipment?

 

 

 

I like it. I like being up in the canopy. It's a nice close to nature feeling.

 

 

Just be aware the wear factor and inspect the rope regular