Single Rope Rappel on the Munter Friction Hitch, Tree Climbing Demonstration

Demonstration of a Single Rope Rappel using the Munter Friction Hitch (AKA Italian Hitch), as well as the JRB Ascender Hitch and the JRB Hitch. Often, Saddle Hunters use stick climbing and "one stick climbing" methods to ascend a tree, but will rappel on a rope. Borrowing a best practice from rope climbing, this is a demonstration of how JRB uses the Munter Friction Hitch on a single rope rappel. This is a demonstration. Viewers assume responsibility for their own safety when applying any of the techniques demonstrated.

DISCLAIMER: Viewers assume responsibility for their own safety. This video is provided for demonstrational and informational purposes only, and is not considered advice nor instruction. Climbing and related knot tying activities are dangerous and should be performed only with appropriate training, supervision and protective equipment. The author disclaims responsibility for the clarity, comprehensiveness and accuracy of the content, as well as all liability for accidents or injuries incurred. - JRB Tree Climbing LLC

#jrbtreeclimbing #treeclimbing #saddlehunting #arborist #climbing #knots #srt #ropeclimbing #deerhunting #deer

[AMC-eqjr]

The best demonstration on the Munter Hitch. Master Class is priceless and very much appreciated.

[OvGraphics]

Howdy JRB. I have always been a climbing treestand hunter. Way back making a test I discovered that the belt safety harness would kill a feller pretty quick. So I designed a 3 point and my wife sewed it up. It worked, some....the same as a pro 3 point I got later. The thing would turn you upside down if you let go of the rope. Time rocks on and I grab the very first proper harness ever made, I guess... the Fall of the Woods. I still use it. Lastly I came up with a dirt simple repelling system to get down safely. Or so I thought. After numerous tests over the years my son managed to throw in a wrinkle which defeated the darn thing sending me back to school looking for a Plan B. That's what brought me here.

The braking system I discovered is simply this. All yuh need is a piece of rope like yours and and old fashioned smooth carabiner. Exactly 2 wraps of the rope on the tree end and you can let yourself down with two I'm talking guys weighing 250 pounds.

I'd do about 150 more tests on the thing before I'd call it perfected....there is a possibility of one wrap riding over the other and binding....but I have tested many times and it always worked for me.

In my case, this is all fine and dandy...but how to hang from the carabiner when you want and repel when you want is THE problem. Thought I had it solved. It wouldn't take much....but whatever the gimmick, it escapes me today. I'm no engineer. It's only been a few hours my time when I discovered I was hanging by a thread for all these years and didn't know it.

[jamesgillies]

Thanks for much needed examples for our industry. What every Saddle hunter needs to know.

[gwhalin]

I still primarily am using my belay device (GriGri) for rapelling, but I practice with the munter as a backup. Used to carry a figure8, but figured I always have a few biners on me so the munter is a good backup. Always good to have redundancy. Good video!

[tommydansby]

Thank you for sharing your creations. I used the munter to rappel and didn't like using a prusik as back up with it attached to the side of my harness. I have 40 foot of rope for single sticking and rappel so I used your system on it and it worked better than expected. Thank you so much. I may not ever uses climbing stick again.

[vegartotland]

thanx, super helpful vid, especially the part about different weight

[bradbishop-atfulldraw]

Another winner. Love the figure eight too

[OutdoorGuy]

Great video, thanks. As a beginning single stick hunter, I am going to practice this in case I ever drop my device.

[numenorean]

Thanks for sending me to this video! Looks like a great way to rappel!

[josephmccarthy]

Great demonstration on "upgrading the munter". In my unit, we use the Munter a lot for rope rescue while in kit. (Plate carrier etc.) Needless to say we get pretty heavy and I always have trouble remembering how to get into the "super munter". 🤙

[joeshmo]

Thanks great demonstration of the Munter hitch. I saw it used by firemen on the TV show Emergency 51 using a massive carabiner. I would only use it if all I had was a carabiner though since I would need the super Munter with an extra turn at 225lbs. I try to keep a rescue 8 with me incase my Petzl ID has a problem.

[chrisrapking]

You are the man! Thanks for solid climbing advice!

[DavidWilliams-wrwb]

i would always put a prusik over my rappel device too in case you lose a hand on simple rappel rig

[feldwebel]

this is the best vid on this thank you

[toddw]

John, is there a reason you could bring the tag end over you thee fingers twice, then engage the biner? this introduces more friction, keeps the tag end away from the hinge, AND keeps the tag end in the right hand.

[michaellaura]

What carabiners do you like for your bridge and lineman’s belt applications? Thanks! Great videos and much appreciated!

[BretSmith]

Excellent demo .... how did you break your friction hitch with body weight on it?

[dannybrowning]

what if you have to stop quickly or your hand loss the rope?

[jimjohn]

Would love to see some hunting videos in which you have used your climbing method.

[chrismunsonmusic]

In air assault school they called that a love wrap because you were a thicc fella lol