It's so awesome to stand above the top of the tree like that! I've only ever done it once on a big conifer like that, and I loved it!
I had to ask where it was because the countryside looks a lot like the part of Vancouver Island where I am.
Of course, if you come out to the PNW, you will make the short jaunt into Canada to see me, right? I've got a guest room you can use, too, and besides, I've known you longer than Burrapeg has!
Greetings, Tree Lady! I have a home-made portaledge that I hardly ever use, and an inexpensive gathered-end hammock that I use on most climbs.
The portaledge can't be beat for actually camping in the canopy, but it is heavy, bulky, and a bit of a pain to set up (all of which is on me, since I...
One thing I find very amazing about tree climbing that you might want to mention: it is quite common to realize during a climb that you are exploring a place where no other person has ever been. It is pretty hard for hikers, rock climbers, cavers, etc, to do that these days!
I use bonded nylon thread with a weight of Tex 70. I think that's the heaviest recommended thread for a home sewing machine. It works great for webbing, 1000 denier Cordura, leather, and the like.
Aw, that's nothing, TREEfool is probably camping in that weather!
Seriously, though, that's hardcore, Bob! I will never again complain about climbing in our cool, damp winters! Hard to believe, but the temperatures in this part of Canada are more similar to north Florida than Ohio, never mind...
Oh, I know full well what a RADS configuration is, my point was just that if you are using it with the footloops hanging from the upper ascender, then it is a sit-stand system without mechanical advantage.
Using a Microcender for belay backup is a suggested use by Petzl, not me! There is...
I have the RADS system rigged like you describe, with the footloops hanging from the top ascender, therefore it is a sit-stand system without mechanical advantage. I think the mechanical advantage only applies when you are hoisting yourself up by the downrope, no?
Catching falls is definitely one thing Microcenders are supposed to be for (when climbing rock, anyway), because suggested uses include backing up a belay, and self-belaying when top-roping. One of the advantages claimed in that application is that the cam is toothless, therefore it will slip a...
So, is it essentially a RADS set-up you're using it in? When I use the Microcender in a RADS system I still have a tether attachment so it acts as a back-up for (in my case) the Grigri. Maybe I'm being too paranoid?
I guess I'm making it (potentially) life-supporting by using the tether. I...
Brocky, I'm interested in seeing how you use a Microcender in that system. For some time a Microcender was my upper ascender of choice for either a treefrog or RADS setup, but I learned that Petzl says not to use one on a tether. This has made me reluctant to use it that way anymore, although...