Skip to content
Artwork for Talking Trees
Talking Trees · May 14, 2025 · 19 min

Friction Hitches in Tree Climbing

In this Tuesday episode of Talking Trees, we dive into the world of friction hitches, essential tools for climbers that provide control, safety, and flexibility during ascent and descent in tree work. We discuss: How friction hitches function by gripping the rope under tension while allowing easy adjustment when unloaded Popular hitches like the Prusik, Blake's Hitch, Valdotain Tresse (VT), JRB, and Longhorn, and how each performs under different climbing systems (Ddrt and SRT) How to match hitch cord material and diameter to the main rope to ensure optimal grip and performance Situations where friction hitches are used, from ascending and descending to serving as rappel backups or lanyard adjusters The pros and cons of different knots in terms of slip resistance, tendency to bind, and ease of tying/untying Mastering friction hitches is fundamental for safe, efficient, and adaptable climbing, whether you're a seasoned arborist or a recreational tree climber. Background information: Friction Hitches - JrbTreeClimbing.com Knut - Friction Hitches - Arbtalk | The Social Network For Arborists TOP TEN FRICTION HITCHES - FOR CLIMBERS – Reecoil Top 10 FRICTION HITCHES for CLIMBING for Arborists & Recreational TREE CLIMBERS! Send us Fan Mail Support the show Buzzsprout free episodes without subscription all episodes with subscription https://talkingtrees.arboristika.cz/ HeroHero all episodes with subscription https://herohero.co/talkingtrees Arboricultural academy https://arboristickaakademie.cz Podcast is created using AI tools.

0:00-19:55

transcript

No transcript — this publisher did not publish one.

show notes

In this Tuesday episode of Talking Trees, we dive into the world of friction hitches, essential tools for climbers that provide control, safety, and flexibility during ascent and descent in tree work.

We discuss:

  • How friction hitches function by gripping the rope under tension while allowing easy adjustment when unloaded
  • Popular hitches like the Prusik, Blake's Hitch, Valdotain Tresse (VT), JRB, and Longhorn, and how each performs under different climbing systems (Ddrt and SRT)
  • How to match hitch cord material and diameter to the main rope to ensure optimal grip and performance
  • Situations where friction hitches are used, from ascending and descending to serving as rappel backups or lanyard adjusters
  • The pros and cons of different knots in terms of slip resistance, tendency to bind, and ease of tying/untying

Mastering friction hitches is fundamental for safe, efficient, and adaptable climbing, whether you're a seasoned arborist or a recreational tree climber.

Background information:

  • Friction Hitches - JrbTreeClimbing.com
  • Knut - Friction Hitches - Arbtalk | The Social Network For Arborists
  • TOP TEN FRICTION HITCHES - FOR CLIMBERS – Reecoil
  • Top 10 FRICTION HITCHES for CLIMBING for Arborists & Recreational TREE CLIMBERS!


Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Buzzsprout


HeroHero



Arboricultural academy


Podcast is created using AI tools.

links6

more episodes

All episodes