Single line footlocking question

[climbhightree]

I recently started footlocking alot more. And I prefer doing it on a single line (so I dont have to worry about ropes slipping individualy etc). But my big complaint is backing up the ascender.

I been just using my knut knot above the ascender and clipped into it's top. But this adds a lot of drag on the ascender and makes it hard to footlock smoothly. Is there a better knot to use? or a better way to backup the ascender?

At this point I am not looking to invest in, or use, the frog climbing system (or others like it). Just looking for a good backup for single line.

 

[Kevin]

Have two attachment points from your saddle, one that supports your weight on the ascender and one a little longer that remains on the hitch and can only get tension if the ascender fails.
You could use a loop runner to extend your hitch and remove it when you get where you're going.

 

[Blinky]

You could use a version of a footlock prusik from your harness to the rope above your ascender.