Hot take: I used to climb with a taught rope hitch for everything, but after a near miss with a slick limb in Portland last fall, I switched to a mechanical ascender for primary support.

Honestly, the old way felt more connected to the tree, but the new gear is faster and feels safer on wet wood, so what's the better call for a daily climber?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_tara1mo ago

Portland last fall was a real wake up call. I still see that slick limb in my sleep. The mechanical ascender is a no brainer now, even if the hitch felt more pure. Speed and safety win out every time for daily work.

averywilliams1mo ago

Wait, you were still using a hitch on wet Portland wood last fall? That's wild.

charles_kelly431mo ago

Ever have a hitch just slip on you in the rain? Happened to me on a maple last spring. Scared me straight. I loved the old school feel too, but that's just pride talking. My mechanical device is on the rope every single day now. No way I'm going back after knowing how slick it can get. The peace of mind is worth the trade off.