New guy with questions

Scratch

Scratch

Participating member
Location
Hudson, WI
Hi everybody, I'm new to tree climbing and am hoping to get some answers to some questions I have.

I'm not new to climbing though, I've been rock climbing since I was 15 (now 48) even have a 9' bouldering wall in my basement, and was on our local High Angle Rescue Team for about 5 years.

The main reason I'm interested is I have a tree that's about 60' high that needs a couple branches cut at about the 40' high mark, and I can't quite reach them with my pole saw. For the past 15 years, I cut about 12 cords a year for firewood and could just remove the tree, but don't really need to. Plus I thought getting into recreational tree climbing looks like fun since I live on a 20 acre wooded lot.

But I'd rather try it out before I spend the money on new gear if possible. The most comfortable hanging harness I own right now is a Petzl Calidris, and I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to try using it, instead of buying a new saddle. I also don't have any "arborist" rope but do have 3 good ropes that I'd like to use if possible first. I have a 10mm and 12mm Dynamic rope, and a 12mm static rope. Keep in mind that I have no problem buying new gear and would only like to use this gear on this one tree, just to test the waters. If I like tree climbing after that tree, I will buy a dedicated arborist rope and saddle along with more gear. I've already been looking at the Sequoia SRT, but would rather see if I like tree climbing before I spend the money.

I already have a bunch of gear from my rock climbing and rescue days. Stuff like a helmet, lots of tubular webbing, slings and miscellaneous rope bits for prusiks. A few micro pulleys, Gibbs rope grab, a bunch of locking and non locking carabiners, Petzl Ascension, GriGri, plus a bunch of other stuff that probably wont help much for tree climbing like an ATC, figure 8's, Petzl Stop, nuts, wedges, cams, trolley, climbing shoes, etc...

I also live in a dome home and have a 22' high anchor point on the ceiling of my living room so I have a great spot for practicing. (like yesterday when I tried out a RADS system for the first time)

So my first question is would it be OK to use my climbing harness and rope to try my first tree climb? I'd be doing it SRT using the RADS system, and would be using my Silky hand saw since the four branches I need to cut are only about 3" thick. I could use my static line, but it's super stiff since it's designed for rescue and rappelling. It doesn't bend easily for some hitches and knots, but I wouldn't need it to this first time since I'll be using RADS.
 
Biggest problem with the harness might be the lack of side D-rings to connect a lanyard to. Besides using a lanyard for safety in case you accidently cut your rope, it helps tremendously with holding you in position to make good cuts safely.

What brand and model is the static rope?
 
All my ropes are Bluewater, but I don't remember the model of that one, and the little tape on the ends are gone on all but my newest dynamic.

How about connecting the lanyard to the standard belay loop on the harness? I can see having side connection points on a lanyard would be super helpful for tree work, but think I could probably do with being a little uncomfortable for this one tree. Just want to make sure I'll be safe.
 
You could attach a lanyard to the same point of attachment as your main climbing line. I don't believe it would pass ANSI's 2 tie in rule due to the same attachment point, but that rule is for chainsaws anyways. It wont be quite as stable as using side dees or lower dees, but more stable than just a top rope. Do keep in mind that a silky (and most other brand handsaws) will slice right through a rope that is under tension. When cutting aloft always use deliberate movements and be mindful of your rope. If you would like a second tie in option there are cheaper harnesses out there before you make the plunge on a nice one. Here is one example

https://www.amazon.com/YXGOOD-Trees...=B011K7FUUG&psc=1&refRID=9KPKA2D28DMFAXXAC7AJ

As for ropes, most tree climbers do not want a dynamic rope due to losing progress as you ascend but with only a 40' ascent one time that won't be a real big factor. A bigger factor with old rock climbing ropes is age and how they were stored. I am assuming with the info that you have shared that you would have had them stored correctly and out of UV.

In my opinion I think you are probably OK to use your current equipment, especially if you will have other limbs to stand on while cutting as you would not have to hang in your harness.

You may also find that once you get to a point in the tree where you can climb the tree limbs, that it will be easier to do so and to just tend the RADS system so that there is no slack in the rope system. Being a rock climber I would imagine climbing the tree itself will feel a bit more natural and the RADS system is not the most efficient system out there. This coming from a non rock climber, so I could be wrong.

Good luck,
Justin
 
Jehinten said:
You could attach a lanyard to the same point of attachment as your main climbing line. I don't believe it would pass ANSI's 2 tie in rule due to the same attachment point, but that rule is for chainsaws anyways. It wont be quite as stable as using side dees or lower dees, but more stable than just a top rope. Do keep in mind that a silky (and most other brand handsaws) will slice right through a rope that is under tension. When cutting aloft always use deliberate movements and be mindful of your rope. If you would like a second tie in option there are cheaper harnesses out there before you make the plunge on a nice one. Here is one example

https://www.amazon.com/YXGOOD-Trees...=B011K7FUUG&psc=1&refRID=9KPKA2D28DMFAXXAC7AJ

As for ropes, most tree climbers do not want a dynamic rope due to losing progress as you ascend but with only a 40' ascent one time that won't be a real big factor. A bigger factor with old rock climbing ropes is age and how they were stored. I am assuming with the info that you have shared that you would have had them stored correctly and out of UV.

In my opinion I think you are probably OK to use your current equipment, especially if you will have other limbs to stand on while cutting as you would not have to hang in your harness.

You may also find that once you get to a point in the tree where you can climb the tree limbs, that it will be easier to do so and to just tend the RADS system so that there is no slack in the rope system. Being a rock climber I would imagine climbing the tree itself will feel a bit more natural and the RADS system is not the most efficient system out there. This coming from a non rock climber, so I could be wrong.

Good luck,
Justin
Click to expand...
WOW! at 60 bucks, it might be worth it to just buy that one and try tree climbing with a little more comfort, stability and safety... I'm shocked to see something that inexpensive, and looks that close to like a Sequoia. It might be worth it for the side dees alone! Thanks for the link. Thanks for the tip about the silky too. Mine is a folder so I should have to worry about it only when it's open.

Yes, all my climbing gear is stored indoors on my closet and is in good condition, and yes, I would think that I'll be using the branches a lot and just tending the RADS.

I think I'll just use my climbing rope for this first tree and hopefully... I enjoy it a lot because I love getting new gear!

Thanks for the advice all!
 
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