The Hitch Hiker

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Its funny, Ive been climbing DdRT for 25 years but now when I have to use it it seems so cumbersome compared to SRT. I guess the funny part is how quickly we get used to something...

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Paul, I feel the same way. Can't imagine DdRT day in and day out now.

I've been SRT'ing for many years, but would always work off of a DrRT Hybrid system attached to my SRT line. Now with tools like the HH and RW, there is no need.

BTW, I do not find the HH climbing system to be heavy at all for those who were wondering. Paul has engineered it to be as light as possible.
 
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BTW, I do not find the HH climbing system to be heavy at all for those who were wondering. Paul has engineered it to be as light as possible.

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Chris are you climbing the HH with the spine facing in (to improve slack tending)?
-AJ
 
Moss,

I am also still trying to fine-tune my HH setup with my Croll in order to smooth out my changeover when I get to my PSP (Primary Suspension Point).

Right now the Croll fair leads the HH ok, but I know that I can make it better. Might have to play around with my bridge length and try the bungee over the shoulder trick.

One thing that makes it work though is the Tree Flex saddle that I climb in has a separate central attachment point that makes SRT so much easier. My Croll is always low on my saddle and my bridge length can be adjusted to whatever I need.

Here’s a picture of Paolo’s saddle.
 

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One thing that makes it work though is the Tree Flex saddle that I climb in has a separate central attachment point that makes SRT so much easier. My Croll is always low on my saddle and my bridge length can be adjusted to whatever I need.

Here’s a picture of Paolo’s saddle.

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Makes sense, I'm climbing on a modified Petzl Sequoia SRT harness so I have the Croll attachment point. I haven't tried pairing the HH with a Croll yet, I'll check it out and see how it runs.
-AJ
 
Chris, Jamie told me that they would run the tests this week. As soon as the testing is done we will make them available for sale.
 
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...Right now the Croll fair leads the HH ok, but I know that I can make it better. ...

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Chris, I would still like to see a picture of how this is set up.

The Hitch Hiker can be set on a tether and used as the top ascender in a rope/frog walker configuration. The tethered HH also is a great way to return from a limb walk.

The Hitch Hikers weight, in use, is a total non issue.

Dave
 
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The Hitch Hiker can be set on a tether and used as the top ascender in a rope/frog walker configuration. The tethered HH also is a great way to return from a limb walk.

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That sounds good, say the HH up top and a Croll at the waist. Could include a long footloop off the HH, maybe you're doing that already.
-AJ
 
I agree that for a lot of people weight isnt an issue. I apologize if I came across as discouraging. Just my .02 on liking a lighter system. I have only checked out the HH Tom had, maybe an early prototype.
 
The one Tom has is an earlier prototype however it is very similar in weight to the production models. I for one like durable strong tools. Ever since reading about the Kong ring I have shied away from "light gear". The ring on my bridge is steel, the biners on my hitch climber were Oxans (steel) with a spliced loop between them. I am by no means a big muscle dude but I will gladly carry a bit of extra weight for added peace of mind. Im not trying to be defensive just trying to shed some light on my design. It would have been a lot easier and cheaper to have made the HH out of billet aluminum but it wouldnt have been as durable or work as well, but would have been lighter. To me this was a no brainer because I know what is important to me and that is a tool that will take the abuse that a tree guy can dish out and still be totally dependable.

I often hear people say Wraptors are too heavy. Wraptors carry you up the tree not the other way round????
 
As if anyone needed more reasons why to get a Hitch Hiker...enter "The Walking Hiker". I took the idea of putting the Hich Hiker on a tether from DSMc and ran a bit father with it. It encorporates a Sterling Chain Reactor as the tether and foot loop. No toothed ascender and very, very simple. i only ran it for one day, and WOW, smooth like the Hich Hiker and advances well.
Check it out here: http://youtu.be/yhjrvBKo5Z8
I told myself that I would never post anything on utube...oh well.

Donny
 
Really awesome Donny, thanks for sharing!

We're bound to see more HH videos popping up on you tube as soon as the HH hits the public.

Paul has a great piece of gear for SRT use available very soon.
 
Thanks Chris,
Hey I'll be in your neck of the woods, well Boston area next week for an EHAP workshop.
Are you gonna be able to make it to Baltimore?
 
I got to try a HH to de-rig the masters challenge tree at the PNW climbing comp last weekend in seattle and i loved it but like everyone says its need some type of fairlead, it moved very smooth, even while making large swings. i only got to use it for a little bit but, I was thinking what if you used a very small lightweight loop or very short eye to eye that was on the oxan snap in order to fairlead the hh along? someone who has one, any feed back. Im on the fence to upgrading my original rope wrech to the 2.0 or get a hh.
 
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... i loved it but like everyone says its need some type of fairlead, ...

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I think as the Hitch Hiker becomes available, people will realize all it needs is a well-tuned rope and hitch.

Just like the Rope Wrench, the HH is a hitch-based tool so the transition to its use will feel very natural to anyone that has been climbing with any of the DdRT hitch-based configurations.

However, it is very unique in its function and will take some time on rope by the user before understanding its full potential. For slack-tending and advancing up the rope, the carabiner must move first. Once released, the Hitch Hiker will glide up the rope with whatever method you choose.

Dave
 
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I got to try a HH to de-rig the masters challenge tree at the PNW climbing comp last weekend in seattle and i loved it but like everyone says its need some type of fairlead, it moved very smooth, even while making large swings. i only got to use it for a little bit but, I was thinking what if you used a very small lightweight loop or very short eye to eye that was on the oxan snap in order to fairlead the hh along? someone who has one, any feed back. Im on the fence to upgrading my original rope wrech to the 2.0 or get a hh.

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IME, the lower carabiner fairleads the rope when set up properly.
 
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IME, the lower carabiner fairleads the rope when set up properly.

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Yep, set it up with the "spine" facing in, rope fair leads out from under the top of the steel biner (facing out)

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-AJ
 
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