Page 37 of Jepson's Tree Climbing Companion describes "Alt Lanyard" technique which is a perfect way to climb backed-up with hands and feet on closely spaced branches. Thanks to Deitley over on the TCC board for mentioning this.

Jepson describes using two short adjustable lanyards which can be alternately placed over branches as the climber ascends.
-moss

Yes. When doing steel tower work, a similar system is used.
Simply clipping bar over bar as you ascend the structure. If you “oops” there will always be at least one hook clipped-in to hold you.

Doing steel work has a tendency to look more macho than climbing a tree but a tree is always a more frightening climb. . .
On steel I know my fall arrest gear will not fail, I know the tower will not fail (unless its old infrastructure), I know it’s O.K. to feel safe... But when in a tree, you never know the true health of the branch your tied into until you get into the tree and inspect it. I am always a tad leery when on a high climb (50+ feet) in a new tree.

A tree has NO safety rating, None, Nada!
I know I am not the first climber here to get up into a foreign tree and do a close inspection on the TIP and shudder upon realizing that is was partially hollow on its blind side. As usual I digress, sorry. Back to the meat of the topic. . .

As for the “incredibly large pine” I spoke of earlier, it turns out that it measures at a not-so-incredible 60 feet tall. But it is still much too dense to attempt a roped climb.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze34r7e/Pine2_260x195.jpg" border="0" />
Seems that tying-off after you get to your working height is the only practical option on such a tree.

Hmm. Looks like a fir or a spruce. If it's a fir then 60 feet tall is pretty respectable. I used to climb an arborvitae in my yard in Connecticut that looked like that; from the top you could see about 10 miles down to LawnGuyland Sound. We have balsam firs around here with that kind of form, maybe should try an alt lanyard climb on one some day. Maybe in the summer; if you climb one now you're likely to get a neck full of snow...

I like the sound of this discussion... would love more info on the possibilities and limitations on this _style_.. I'm freeclimbin' anyway still but would love to find out more about this

cold in Iowa
slinsghot

Originally posted by slingshot
I like the sound of this discussion... would love more info on the possibilities and limitations on this _style_.. I'm freeclimbin' anyway still but would love to find out more about this

cold in Iowa
slinsghot

Freeclimbing is the way we all first climbed trees as kids. It remains the most accessible form of climbing. But... you are limited to trees that have close enough branches so you can reach them with your hands and feet. This means that most of the trees on the planet are not available for you to climb because you can't get to the first branch or once you do you can't move from there. Most importantly without any rope back-up you can get into a life threatening situation very quickly.

I started this thread because I'm interested in looking at "free climbing" technique with secure rope back-up. As I mentioned previously freeclimbing _style_ uses different movement and technique than strict rope climbing _style_. They are complementary but distinctly different ways of climbing.

If you search on Bareroot in the TCI message board you might find some pretty interesting photos of freeclimbing pushed to the limit. I think there is a way to find a middle ground, experience the reliance on your arms and legs and yet have a safety back-up. It is best to be tied in at all times whenever you are in a tree.

Free climbing is very limited compared to the kind of rope and harness technique usually practiced by rec climbers but it is an interesting niche in the world of tree climbing.
-moss

I hear what you are saying that's also why I was looking at this thread.. I think there has got to be a way to experience the "freeclimbing "_style_ with the added safety of back up. The chances of me going all over to climb are slim anyway, and most tree's in my area would be easily accessable by even a short length rope, but not always totally needed when in the canopy. I wan't to be safe and my kids to be as well when doing this but still love the "FREE_style_!!"

At work.. not climbin'
slingshot