Training book

Will

Will

Location
Canada, Ont
Hi guys & gals,

New rec tree climbing enthusiast here. I've got my gear on order and can't WAIT for it to arrive as well as spring. My method will be SRT and rope walking.

I did a search and didn't see threads on this so sorry if I missed it..

Since I just spent a lot of money on climbing gear, money is tight but I want some good reading material.

I'm looking for a best bang for your buck book on climbing. As I'm just doing it for a fun, rigging and felling isn't as important but if the book had some basics it would be good to.

What would you guys suggest as the number 1 book to have and why?

Thanks!
 
Thanks guys.

I have read through this forum as well as the SRT forum. I've also watched countless YouTube videos, many of which multiple times. Mostly from Richard.

I'm looking for something to read while up in the canopy, especially when I'm tree camping.

I've heard of Jeffs books a few times but in comparison to TCIAs one (joezillas suggestion) which would be better?

Does one contain all information - more in depth or do each have mixed info?

Cheers guys
 
I'm a new rec climber as well. I have Jepson's "The Tree Climber's Companion," and it's a good overview of climbing techniques and skills. I think it could be organized better, and it seems to skim over some important points of knowledge. You could read it in a day or two and there's only a few pages dedicated to SRT.

You'll see "On Rope" recommended frequently. It was written by spelunkers and covers a wide array of rope uses. I think it's a bit outdated and too expensive for what you get out of it. Both of these books could use a splash of color in the diagrams to help with clarity.

I have the "Best Practices for SRT" coming in the mail, so if you can wait a few weeks, I'll give you a brief review.

Maybe consider some of the instructional DVDs like the "Working Climber" series. I've never watched them, but it's hard to comprehend some of these techniques without seeing them.
 
To me, one of THE best bargains for rope climbers is 'On Rope'. The book can be found used for less than $10! There is a lot of foundation type info in the book.

At the time The Companion was last updated SRT for tree workers was in its infancy. That guy in the pic...heheheh...was working his was through adapting and adopting equipment and skills mostly by himself. In the following years SRT/SRWP has become much more advanced and codified

For SRT the best book out there is TCIA's BMP publication

You have access to 13 years of archived discussions here on TreeBuzz too
 
Tuebor said:
I'm a new rec climber as well. I have Jepson's "The Tree Climber's Companion," and it's a good overview of climbing techniques and skills. I think it could be organized better, and it seems to skim over some important points of knowledge. You could read it in a day or two and there's only a few pages dedicated to SRT.

You'll see "On Rope" recommended frequently. It was written by spelunkers and covers a wide array of rope uses. I think it's a bit outdated and too expensive for what you get out of it. Both of these books could use a splash of color in the diagrams to help with clarity.

I have the "Best Practices for SRT" coming in the mail, so if you can wait a few weeks, I'll give you a brief review.

Maybe consider some of the instructional DVDs like the "Working Climber" series. I've never watched them, but it's hard to comprehend some of these techniques without seeing them.
Click to expand...

Thanks.. I'm in no rush to get them so ya I'm interested in what you think of "Best Practices" as a few people have suggested it.. It's clearly geared toward SRT which is a good thing. However TCC is highly reviewed, and I can get all 3 of Jepsens books for under $50 so that's not bad.

Tom Dunlap said:
For SRT the best book out there is TCIA's BMP publication
Click to expand...

Are you referring to the book "TCIA Best Practices in Arb. (SRT)" the one Tuebor suggested, Tom?

I am looking for a book with colour and of course a lot of pictures to go with the info. I learn better from viewing, but I want something to read opposed to a video series. YouTube is my best bud when it comes to watching any videos.

Does either TCIA Best Practices in Arb. (SRT) have info on felling a tree/rigging or do you have to get their Rigging book for that?
 
The TCIA SRT BP book isn't about felling/rigging.

The best source for that info is ISA's series: Art and Science of Practical Rigging. They show up used occasionally.

I have a global search for a few books at Abe Books:

http://www.abebooks.com/

If copies show up at any of their subscribed booksellers you'll get an email. Act immediately if the price is right.

Yes...that's the SRT book. There are some base anchor illustrations that I'm not fond of, they're too complicated. Overall though, you can't go wrong.
 
Best Practices for SRT arrived yesterday. Just starting to read it, but flipping through, I would say this is a must have if you're starting out SRT. Lots of pictures and diagrams, nothing extraneous like "On Rope," although if you find that for $10, I would get it too (I shelled out $61 for mine).

You say you want to read in the tree? Best Practices is spiral bound, so you can flip the page all the way around and don't have to hold it open. And that's a nice feature to have with knot books too, if you're shopping for one.

Nothing on rigging or felling, and pricey, but the money is going to the TCIA and not some publishing house. I would definitely recommend it, but I'm just a rookie.
 
Tuebor said:
Best Practices for SRT arrived yesterday. Just starting to read it, but flipping through, I would say this is a must have if you're starting out SRT. Lots of pictures and diagrams, nothing extraneous like "On Rope," although if you find that for $10, I would get it too (I shelled out $61 for mine).

You say you want to read in the tree? Best Practices is spiral bound, so you can flip the page all the way around and don't have to hold it open. And that's a nice feature to have with knot books too, if you're shopping for one.

Nothing on rigging or felling, and pricey, but the money is going to the TCIA and not some publishing house. I would definitely recommend it, but I'm just a rookie.
Click to expand...

I appreciate you getting back to me. I think I will get it. The fact it's mostly about SRT is the selling feature as that's what I'm using. As much as I like the cheaper alternatives there isn't much of a point if I'm not gaining the knowledge I need. Felling/rigging would have just been a bonus..

Yeah, when I'm up in the canopy chilling for a few hours or when I'm tree camping it will be nice to have something to read.

Thanks again
 
Hi Will, I happen to have the Tree Climbers Companion in paperback and DVD, I don't need both so if you want the DVD, let me know. I do refer to the paperback quite a bit, but I've only watched the DVD once. It's set up just like the book, with chapters and a lot of photos. Send me a PM, if you're interested.


Dave6390 in WI
 
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