I like the idea of clipping a throw weight to the end of the climbing line as an alternative to monkey fists and throw lines. If you're using a biner to clip, don't you still run the risk of snagging? Could the weight be hard-tied to the figure eight loop using a figure eight follow through, for those of us who don't have spliced eyes? Cons?

Re: Joe's tale. I couldn't agree more with the advice to calm down, take stock, and laugh. Setting up for a group climb yesterday, I found myself getting impatient with the fast approaching start time and the bunches of kids who were wandering around in my vicinity for another nature class. Insead of using clove hitches to attach the climb rope to the throw line, I opted for the quick overhand knot to the weight. Of course the weight got stuck in both directions on the top of the limb. Only then did I settle down and focus.

My point is, in addition to calming down and taking stock of all your options (and bringing options with you) after a problem arises, it's not a bad idea to practice a little preventative medicine and have your attitude adjusted prior to taking off. I know it would have made things easier for me yesterday.

I personally use a shorter throw line and bag to advance in a tree. It is fast and accurate. If I am in a tree that can snag my lines more, I will carry several throw line rigs up in a bag. The lead climber should always carry up extra gear in the event of snags. Clipping your other end of the rope to harness is always good too. It can be used as a second rope in a pinch.

Treeman, how do you go about putting the throwline back in the bag after each toss?

I carried a small pouch with a 50' throwline and weight in it for a while. It seriously could take 5 or 10 minutes to stuff that thing back in there. It was too much of a pain...I had to get rid of it!

Nice idea....clipping the end of your rope to the saddle! I sometimes go up a tree KNOWING I am going to use the tail end...this might be one less step to worry about!

love
nick

Nick wrote:
Nice idea....clipping the end of your rope to the saddle! I sometimes go up a tree KNOWING I am going to use the tail end...this might be one less step to worry about!
---

nick-
Funny hearing that, because every time I climb I expect and plan to use the tail ends. I suppose one could argue pros and cons...

Are you not normally flipflopping from end to end? Or do you use a long and a short?

No, I don't flip-flop the rope. I have an eye spliced on one end. I use that end always.

I do have one short rope (60' that I use when appropriate. It's nice not hauling around long rope when you don't need it!

If I know I will use it often in a tree. I just let my 50 foot throw line dangle, with bag clipped to my side. It is simple, but not high tech.