Knee ascender set-up

simplyarbor

simplyarbor

Location
Bend, Oregon
Looking for some advice on setting up a knee ascender. I've tried searching to no avail... My idea is a petzl basic or rope man, set up with a running bowline foot loop. My only problem is how/where to attach a bungee tether (i'm assuming?) to tend the ascender. I only SRT with the rope wrench, so trying to stay minimalist. Any better ideas, input, advice is appreciated. Pics are great to, Thanks!!
 
Buy the book 'On Rope'

The systems were perfected decades ago...the components we have available get better and better!

Jerry Beranek has a nice setup...search the archives for his posts.
 
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Just saw the beranek system on wesspur, knew I had seen a set up somewhere... Ok, disregard unless someone has any real slick set-ups. Thanks tom!
 
If you dont already have a petzl basic, buy a petzl croll, around the same price, same function but more versatility if you want to use it as a chest ascender.

You can attach the bungee to your lanyard, chest harness, ring on bridge, whatever works.

I made a foot loop just like the foot ascenders use, with a loop on the inside of the foot. That clips to a cord tied to the croll. When I am not using it I still keep the 'foot harness' on and it is not in the way at all.
 
I know this is probably going to get burned but I use an adjustable bungee tether that I put around my neck. Everything is made with materials that would easily break under any load so I see no concern for choking hazards or anything like that. Again this is what I do and recommend others to try it out and see how they feel about it.
 
Thanks for the input. I will probably go with the croll, seems like a no brainer in terms of versatility. I like the separate footloop idea, sounds simple and unobtrusive. I am certainly not against a neck tether, especially on a fairly clear ascent. I'm currently thinking of connecting to bridge ring, as I want as little clutter as possible.
 
I use a petzl basic with a simple chicken loop for my foot. The length of the strap connecting them is just long enough for the ascender to be even with my knee. Then I use a stretchy velcro strap (like that found on the sawpod or silky leg saw) through the top eye of the ascender and secure it around and above my knee.

no bungie, not need to remove the whole assembly, just take it off rope and go to work. I'll see if I can't get a picture tomorrow.
 
i knee a forum to keyboard fight in, lets start with, why does the middle of your leg need an ascender? i understand hand and feet .. chest can be usefull but knees? whats next elbows?
 
Its just called a knee ascender because thats where it floats. search ropewalker on youtube... it enables you to walk up the rope using both feet and not your arms.
 
Nice setup Jack. The thing I like about the footloop/boot harness is it stays on and the knee ascender separates.

My setup looks similar to yours except I have a croll in place of the CMI and the strap coming off of it terminates to a biner which connects to the foot loop/boot harness.
 
I am using a small whoopie sling style loop attached to a basic. loop is made out of tenex with one adjustable eye for my foot. The other end is tied to a quick link that hooks to the ascender from there I have a bungee that attaches to my bungee that advances my chest ascender. The system works great my only addition to make it better would to be to use chest roller.
 
Thanks for the pics! I like the ideas. Never thought of capturing the ascender to the knee with as strap, pretty minimalist. Should be able to set up something killer now
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Looks Like Single Jack's knee set up is close to mine. Only real difference is I use an elastic strap on the upper that wraps around my leg just above the knee instead of the rope and snap he shows. I tried non-elasticized straps, buckles and slide but that didn't stay in place well enough.

By having the top strap you eliminate the need for a tether bungie.

CMTB With out having the ascenders for each foot separated and independent of each other (like a knee asc or Mitchell type upper ascender) the feet cannot pass each other on the rope. That would make it like walking up the stairs with the lead foot going up to the next step and the following foot going to the same step.

A mid ascender that you move by hand (much like a Mitchell) does allow some foot bypass but not necessarily a full stroke.

Another main advantage with a knee ascender, depending on how it is attached to the leg, is that you don't have to take it off and stow it when not climbing. It stays in place, outta the way, until you need/want it again.

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