For more athletic individuals, it may be very easy to climb up a tall tree with their bare limbs. This is not the case with everyone. So, what should one do if he is not athletic and does not have the courage to conquer the tree all by his own? A decade ago, it would have been difficult to answer this question. However, in the modern day still very few people know about tree rigging. It is a new term introduced into the tree world.

Tree rigging is the process of mounting up equipment and gear on the tree to make it easy for anyone to climb up a tree. Not only this, it means to perform some maintenance tasks such as lowering already cut heavy tree branches loaded on some ones shoulder. The gear is almost similar to the equipment used by mountain or rock climbers and the term rigging came from the mast system of a sailing ship. The pulleys and ropes used are similar to the ones in the mast system of a ship.

It is important to know that there are a number of methods for rigging a tree but mainly three types of riggings are very popular. Single rope rigging is the most simplest of riggings with a strong nylon rope wrapped and tied around a very thick and strong branch of the tree. The climber can then use mountain climbing harnesses that have the feature of using a metal belay which the climber uses to tighten the rope with. As the rope gets tighter, the climber moves up higher on the tree. The belay prevents the rope from losing grip and unspooling. The climber can use a lever to unspool the rope and lower himself down from the tree.

Another kind of rigging is the drift line rigging. This is quite a complex type of rigging but once done it even provides the climbers with the facility of walking over a rope tied between two trees just like a bridge. It is usually done by tying two very strong and durable ropes between two trees that are a few meters apart. The ropes are tied to the trunks and branches of the two trees very securely. The climber wears a safety harness belt hooked to the upper rope and tries to walk on the lower rope.

The pulley system rigging is most useful in raising or lowering materials and tools. It simply employs a pulley fixed on a top branch of the tree. Then a nylon rope is passed through pulley with both ends reaching the ground. The rope is pulled from one end to raise the materials or a climber attached to the other end of the rope.

Tree climbing does not only come under a profession, but it is also considered as a sport and recreational activity. People along with their children can take to this adventurous and healthy recreation, but they should keep in mind that tree climbing equipment should be used. Safety should be a prime concern for any tree climber either a beginner or an expert tree climber. The tree climbing equipment is thus used instead of human limbs; it has replaced old, dangerous methods of tree climbing.

Now with the help of tools and safety devices, tree climbing is fun and easy to do rather than a dangerous and laborious task that it was before. Climbers should have a certain amount of knowledge about the basic tree climbing equipment that is must for climbing. For starters, the climber should use a helmet.

The helmet should be chosen according to size and must fit properly with a strap. Tree can be very tall so the helmet shell should be able to absorb a fall from such heights without cracking on impact. Next item is the climbing rope. It should be noted that climbing ropes are of two basic types; the stretchable climbing rope is called the dynamic rope while the other is named as the static rope.

Static ropes are most suited with anchoring systems because of their stretch ability that comes in use for belaying tasks. Important factor before using the rope is to make sure that it is strong enough to take the load of climbing individual easily, as it would also work with the safety systems and help in climbing. The size should also be considered as you might need more rope for a taller tree.

The next tool is a harness belt. It is primarily a safety tool that keeps you safe while up on the tree. It is of two types; one can be worn on the waist while other one is the chest harness. Both of them can be used in combination with each other too. The climber should make sure the harness fits him properly otherwise it can become quite problematic and uncomfortable for him

Tree climbing spikes are a necessity when it comes to tree climbing. This sharp, protruding spike is attachable to the climber’s boot providing him grip and hoist. Steel spikes are the best choice for any climber as they provide him the best balance and assurance of reliability.

Another tool the ‘ascender’ also known as the ‘jumar’ provides the climber ease and comfort of a good grip on the rope. The ascender attaches itself to the rope by the use of a sling and then it is clipped to the rope and locked in place.

In recent years, many countries have seen a rise in tree climbing sports. Other than a competitive activity, tree climbing has become a healthy recreation for most people. Yet, it is not without danger and risk. Some countries have outlawed tree climbing given to the sheer risky nature of this recreational hobby.

That is why it is strictly advised to make use of safety gear while tree climbing and it should not be taken lightly. The front line safety equipment in tree climbing is a harness or as some may call it, a saddle.  The height of some trees can reach many hundreds of feet. A fall from such height can prove fatal. Safety harness should therefore strictly be made part of the tree climbing gear in combination with other safety equipment.

The harness is not a single equipment but it is a system of different components working together to ensure your safety. The main component is a fabricated jacket type hardware that you may wear around your waist, chest, legs etc. It not only provides safety but comfort and ease in climbing too. It must be made sure that the ropes used with the harness are tree climbing ropes and not the mountain climbing ones that have the ability to stretch.

Usually, harnesses are of three main types. The first type of harness is called the sit string harness. It is the most widely used climbing harness as it provides a great deal of movement while ensuring proper safety of the climber. It usually consists of a waist belt and two leg loops that are attached together in the back over the hips. This attachment is called a belay loop. It can be sometimes quite painful if the harness is even a little misfit as all the weight and pressure is applied to the groin and upper thigh area through the belay and leg loops.

The chest harness is another type of harness worn by climbers. It is designed to be worn around the shoulders which is why it is used in combination with the sit harness. By combining both the harnesses, the weight load of the climber is evenly distributed and support is provided to both the lower and upper parts of the body.

The third kind of harness is the safest harness available to the climber. It is a full body harness. This type of harness is formed by permanently attaching the sit string harness and chest harness together. It is widely used by children while climbing for better comfort and safety.

If we examine closely all the animals that are quick tree climbers like tigers, cats, cheetahs etc, they have unique natural features that help them to climb trees without any difficulty. The most important of these natural gifts are the claws they have hidden inside their paws. These claws help them grip the tree in an expert manner. Similarly, humans can also adopt this natural quality of the animals.

Tree climbing spikes are a great way of achieving superb grip while climbing the tree. These spikes are designed in utilitarian way that allows them to be attached to your shoes so they may aid you in climbing. The main purpose of these sharp protruding spikes is to penetrate the bark and upper layers of the tree you are trying to climb. This in turn allows the climber to disperse his weight in a proportionate manner providing him excellent balance throughout the climb.

Once on the tree, you do not have any other kind of support. Climbing spikes are your best option in such a case where your life depends on them. This is why generally spikes made out of steel should be used because they are very hard and strong. These spikes can very easily penetrate the bark to a great depth providing you peace of mind that these spikes would not let you fall.

It is usually a good practice to know about your tree climbing gear before you run to the stores to buy some equipment for yourself. Tree climbing spikes are mainly of two types and it’s important to know about both the types of climbing spikes. It is quite necessary that you buy the right style of spikes for your needs.

The first types of spikes you may find in the market are about an inch long. Although, they are called short tree climbing spikes, but unlike the name, they are rarely used for tree climbing. These short spikes are best suited for climbing electric and telephone poles. Electric and telephone company repairmen make use of these spikes to climb up the poles. Professional tree climbers should be well aware that these short spikes are not meant for proper tree climbing.

As opposed to the short tree climbing spikes, the next type of spikes are quite longer. These long climbing spikes are usually two inches long that means over an inch longer than the short spikes. Most professional tree climbers use these tree climbing spikes as they can even penetrate very thick barked trees. It is recommended that individuals who weigh over four hundred pounds should use these longer climbing spikes.

For adults, though, climbing trees gained ground as a recreational activity with the use of modern gear only in the early part of the 1980s. This has led to the creation of numerous groups worldwide that raise awareness on this fun activity. In the United States, the founder of the Tree Climbers International group Peter Jenkins is credited for establishing the first tree climbing school in the world in 1983.

So how can anybody possibly engage in this activity? For one, you need to have the desire to climb trees for recreation purposes similar to rock climbing. And then just like in any sport activity, you should have the proper gear to protect yourself. But then, there are also people whose job involves this type of task such as rescuers and scientists and they undergo special training for this purpose.

The basic equipment required for tree climbing include your helmet and harness. Wearing of comfortable clothes and shoes is a must. You may also want to use gloves to protect your hands from getting bruises while holding on to the rope as well as protective sunglasses to prevent debris from getting into your eyes. People who climb trees for professional purposes also known as arborists use many other equipment other than the basic ones.

Helmet. This gear will protect your head from falling branches and other objects. It will also keep your head safe from bumps and falls.

Harness. Basically, a climbing harness makes use of a rope, belt, pulleys and links to secure a person while ascending and descending. It is normally tied around the waist but today, many patterns are available for greater comfort and security.

1. Sit string. This is commonly used for recreational activities especially rock climbing and abseiling. It is made up of a waist belt and two loops for the legs providing more flexibility and safety at the same time.

2. Chest. This type is worn around the shoulders and is usually combined with a sit harness. Its main purpose is to achieve balance notably for people carrying a heavy load.

3. Full body. This is comprised of the sit and chest harness connected to each other either on a permanent or semi permanent basis. Although this is often used by rescuers, it is also ideal for small children while climbing trees.

Saddle straps and accessories. The saddle strap is used in tandem with the harness notably the sit harness type. It also comes with accessories including the saw strap.

Carabiner. This metal loop is very useful when connecting components of a harness. The word is derived from a German term ‘Karabinerhaken’ which means hook for a carbine.

Micro pulleys. This is where the rope is attached to allow for faster ascending and descending. This comes in different designs depending on the need of arborists and recreational tree climbers.

There are the snatch, double sheave, double tie-in, shackle, fixed and hitch climber among many others.

But there is one piece of tree climbing equipment that can use to help you climb up a tree just like the cats. The answer is the tree climbing spikes. As its name implies, this accessory has a metal protruding from the inside of a booted leg and it is this spike that penetrates the bark and even the pulp’s inner layers. With this spike, a person’s weight is supported as he or she ascends the tree and this prevents the occurrence of a dangerous situation.

Spikes come in different material, brands and sizes. Spikes made from steel are the most durable as it ensures your safety up on a tree. The longer ones that measure about two inches are aimed at penetrating a thick and wide bark while shorter spikes about an inch long are ideally used when climbing up a tree with a semi thick bark. People working in a nursery for plants and trees as well as those involved in trimming and cutting of trees are those conscious of the spikes they use to avoid damaging the bark of sapling trees.

Now perhaps you’ve seen in real life or even just on TV how male climbers or utility workers go up a tree with ease. You’re right, they’re using spikes and if you’d like to know how they do it, it actually takes practice.

First off, you will need a high cut boots and make sure it has a solid heel. This is because the spikes will be attached to your shoes specifically to the lower side of your leg. To do this, you will have to get the length of your leg’s lower side and the width of the area where the spikes will be attached.

As you prepare for your climb, first attach your rope to yourself before putting on your boots with the spikes. Once you’ve worn your spikes, check the trunk of the tree up to the top and find out if there are loose barks or soft spots. Remember the parts with thick bark and ensure that there are no harmful insects or animals around.

Now it’s time to put on your harness and begin your climb. Just take one step at a time and always start with your strongest leg. As you ascend, get the feel of your spikes and make sure that they’re deeply penetrating the tree to keep your balance. It’s important to remember not to stab the same area several times as doing so will only soften the bark and may endanger yourself.

Avoid going to the sides but your direction should rather be towards the face of the tree. Also, your chest should be away from the tree and you should be adjusting your line as you go along.

As in any new activity that you get into, practice makes perfect. The base of the tree is the proper place to practice standing on your spikes. This is good for your balance and improving your confidence.

After you’ve prepared your gear, it’s time to learn the basic techniques in tree climbing. Patience, determination and constant practice are vital in being able to do this activity successfully regardless whether you’re a kid or an adult. It’s not enough that you read through the proper techniques because a hands-on practice is very necessary to learn the right way of doing it.

Basic techniques
The Double-rope technique (DRT) is simple to follow and considered to be safer. This is the technique often used in climbing trees that are up to about 10 feet tall such as the pines, maples, oaks and poplars.

This method allows for the rope to be easily retrieved by a climber even without going back up to the tree. By double rope, this means one end of the rope is connected to the climber’s harness then goes around the tree and to the friction hitch. This hitch is also attached to the climber allowing the person to adjust his rope.

It is important to note here that the rope must be looped over a branch to set up the climbing system. A branch protection device may be needed to lessen the damage to your rope as well as to the bark of the branch. In going up, the common way is to use only your arms and this is easier to do for people who have light weight.

The Single-rope technique (SRT) is ideal for use in taller trees that have a height of more than 300 feet. The firs, spruce and redwoods belong to this category. This technique calls for the legs to work in ascending the tree but is considered less strenuous compared to the double-rope method. Another difference is that more climbing gear is needed for this technique.

Using a throw line with an attached weight and a slingshot or a bow as a launching system will enable you to anchor your rope to a high branch. Ascenders are then used to help a person climb up a tree.
There are two types of techniques you can apply using a single rope sit-stand and rope-walking. The sit-stand system allows a person to climb in a sitting position and with an ascender, straddles the rope. The rope-walking method utilizes the ascenders attached to both feet with one higher than the other. Coordination of the hands and feet are required here such that as one steps up, he or she must also pull up the rope.

The Lead climb technique (LCT) is more complicated. This means that a lead climber first goes up the tree then makes an anchor to control the rope for his partner. As the rope is secured, the second climber can then follow. Most often, the double rope technique is used in this tree climbing method.

But as safety is always a priority in any physical activity, one needs to have the proper equipment when climbing trees. If you’re one planning on venturing into this form of recreation, here’s a checklist of the equipment you should have.

Helmet. This is a basic protection for your head. A must-have. Pick one with a strap.

Climbing rope. A long rope is required if you’re going to climb a tall tree. Together with the harness and the other devices, this will hold you safe as you ascend and while you’re staying on top of a tree. Ropes for climbing purposes are of two types: the dynamic and static. Dynamic ropes are stretchable and are often used for belaying purposes while the static ones are often used in anchor systems.

Harness belt. This comes in two types: the waist belt and the chest belt. The waist belt can be used by itself or in combination with the chest harness. The chest belt is used to provide more balance to a climber.

Spikes. These are attached to high cut boots for an easier climb. These accessories made from stainless steel penetrate hard into the bark of the tree to support your weight and keep your balance.

Pulleys. This is used in your safety system and this is where the ropes pass through to make ascending and descending faster. In addition, this comes in different styles and sizes.

Ascenders. The ascender also called Jumar is used to provide a firm grip on the rope through a locking mechanism. This is attached to the harness through a sling and then is clipped on the rope and locked.

Descender. This is a rappel device also known as a friction brake and is specially designed for use in descending ropes. The figure eight descender made from aluminum in the shape of the number eight is the most popular one.

Carabiner. These are screw locks made from metal or aluminum (recreational climbing) and have a screwed gate. This is used to connect the parts of a safety system especially ropes. The same concept is used in key holders and water bottle holders.

Quickdraws. Climbers use this to attach their ropes to bolt anchors. This device also referred to as draws has two non-locking carabiners connected by a short and pre-sewn loop of webbing.

Belay devices. These provide mechanical friction brakes to let tree climbers control their belay rope. With these devices, locking off of the rope is made easier. The descender is just one of them

Tree hammock. For the more experienced tree climbers, this is one extra and very light gear they can bring along. With a hammock sometimes called a tree boat, anybody can recline and relax while up on a tree. Just make sure you’re hanging your hammock on a big and sturdy branch to keep you from falling.

With these pieces of equipment ready, you can now enjoy every tree climbing adventure.

Figure of Eight Knot
Should there be any knot that absolutely needs to be learned, it is the figure of eight knot. It is also called the Flemish knot.  The eight knot is so famous and commonly used because it is a great stopper. The figure of eight knot has two . The first one is called the figure of eight knot rethreaded which is used to secure the rope to the harness. The second one is called the figure of eight on the loop which is used to clip into karabiner or any equipment.

Clove Hitch Knot
This is highly useful, an all purpose knot. In the field of arboriculture, it is used to bring the items or equipments up on the tree. The clove hitch knot has two methods. The open hitch knot is used when the anchor is open and the knot can just be put in from the top. On the other hand, the closed clove hitch knot is used when the anchor is close and when the rope needs to be tied around.

The Bowline Knot
This is another important type of knot that a tree climbing enthusiast should learn. This is commonly used when the rope is directly tied around the waist of the climber without any harness. It is also sometimes used in anchoring.

The Blake Hitch Knot
This is considered as slide and grip hitch. In the field of arboriculture, it is used by an arborist to ascend and descend. It was originally described by Heinz Prohaska on May, 1990. This type of knot should not be used in traction because it may loosen up by pulling directly on the hitch.

The Prusik Knot
Dr. Karl Prusik developed this knot in 1931. The primary usage of this knot is that it allows the rope to be climbed. It is a slide and grip knot. It is extremely useful when load needs to be applied in either of the directions.

The Klemheist Knot
The Klemheist is a slide and grip knot. It is a good alternative to the Prusik knot if the load needs to be applied on the same direction. This knot should be made using a rope smaller than the load bearing rope. When the size of two ropes approach each other, the effectiveness of this knot lessens.

The Double Fisherman’s Knot
Basically, the function of double fishermen’s knot is to join two lines together. It is also the reason why it was called by that name since it is commonly used by the fishermen to join two fishing lines together. Compared to the figure of eight knot, it is more reliable and compact knot but somehow harder to untie.

Italian Hitch Knot
Also known as Munter hitch, it gives a tree climbing enthusiast to have a controlled descent when rappelling. The advantage of using this type of knot is that it can be used by just locking a karabiner and it does not require a lot of equipment.