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Advice on tree anchor holding down pull?

Original Post
Aiben Sammels · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2020 · Points: 0

Opinions on making an anchor on a tree trunk using cord (maybe 5-8mm?) the anchor must hold a directly downward pull assuming the tree is vertical?
I'm thinking something like a prusik, I'm not sure if there is a hitch specifically for tying round a pole or tree holding downwards pull. Or a force running parallel to what the hitch is tied to?
No the tree is not on the edge of a cliff. 

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,687

Lots of ways to do this: prusik, girth hitch a loop of the cord, wrap 3X and finish as a bowline or F8 loop.  My choice would be the last of these options.

Andre Chiquito · · Seneca Rocks, WV · Joined Jun 2019 · Points: 778

I did this just this morning for all 3 of my anchors I created!
I used 1 inch webbing, like Tammy mentioned. I tied the whole length (not sure how long, super long though) into a circle with a double fishermans. I then wrapped the webbing around the tree like a U (imagine the tree is in the middle of the U), found my direction of pull for my climb, and tied a BFK/figure-9 for my anchor with both ends. I used two opposing lockers to tie my rope to as a fixed line to top rope solo.
You definitely want to make sure you're using a healthy, thick tree unless you want to back your anchor up by rigging from a couple trees, but mine was probably a foot in diameter so I felt pretty good rigging from just the one

Andre Chiquito · · Seneca Rocks, WV · Joined Jun 2019 · Points: 778
Tammy Gueterman wrote:

You should make a space net in the trees.

Also wait, do you guys have a rope thrower or are you free soloing up? Or leading rope solo?

I've never heard of a space net, what is that? :o

I was lucky and the approach takes you along the top of the cliff before wrapping around and coming back to the base, so I just bush whacked from the trail to the top of the climbs to make my anchor then rapped down

Nicholas Burr · · Utah · Joined Jul 2017 · Points: 0



Super Solid 

Conor Mark · · Sacramento, CA · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 720

Vertical stem with no limbs, cow hitch with a better half every time. Basiclly tying a girth hitch with the end of the rope. 

Dave Olsen · · Channeled Scablands · Joined Dec 2019 · Points: 10

Reinhold used a prussic for the greased pole climb at the fair.

John Byrnes · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 392
Tamiban Gueterstan wrote:

Hmm I might actually start using that. But it sounds like OP wants to install an anchor high up in the tree to hang something. He's basically asking how he makes a grippy anchor that won't slide down.

I've used that method for decades.  You can put it just about anywhere on the trunk.  It won't slide or slip even with a lateral pull.  Just be sure to make it snug, like any knot.

Cosmiccragsman AKA Dwain · · Las Vegas, Nevada and Apple… · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 146
Tamiban Gueterstan wrote:

Hmm I might actually start using that. But it sounds like OP wants to install an anchor high up in the tree to hang something. He's basically asking how he makes a grippy anchor that won't slide down.

My Dad taught me that back in the 60s. I can't remember the name he called it but it wasn't the Connecticut Tree Hitch.
He was a 33 year Marine and he taught Mountaineering at the Mountain Warfare Training Center near Bridgeport in the summer back in the 60s.
Buck Rio · · MN · Joined Jul 2015 · Points: 16

OP's account is no longer active, so you are pissing into the wind.

Cosmiccragsman AKA Dwain · · Las Vegas, Nevada and Apple… · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 146
Buck Rio wrote: OP's account is no longer active, so you are pissing into the wind. 
So.
Its still good info on different anchoring techniques.
Buck Rio · · MN · Joined Jul 2015 · Points: 16
Cosmiccragsman AKA Dwain wrote: So.
Its still good info on different anchoring techniques.

Of course, but you can ignore the original OP, as he/she is gone.


I really like that Conneticut Tree anchor....super quick and adjustable. I would normally just girth hitch a sling/cord  around the tree, so I don't get sap on my rope.
Cosmiccragsman AKA Dwain · · Las Vegas, Nevada and Apple… · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 146
Buck Rio wrote:

Of course, but you can ignore the original OP, as he/she is gone.

I knew that when I posted. I saw the link on another thread
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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