The Tree Climber's Companion

The Tree Climber's Companion by Jeff Jepson is a compact, illustrated guide to the knots, gear and techniques of tree climbing. It is a long-standing favorite for new climbers and a handy refresher for experienced ones.

What is inside

The book covers the essentials of climbing a tree for work: rope and hardware, the knots and hitches used in climbing and rigging, ascent methods, tie-in points, and positioning in the crown. Clear illustrations make knots easy to follow, and the small size means it can live in a gear bag.

Because it covers fundamentals, it suits new climbers learning a doubled-rope system and experienced climbers who want to check a knot they rarely tie.

It is also a good gift for an apprentice climber or a ground worker who is starting to climb. Read it, practice the knots on a short piece of rope during breaks, and ask experienced climbers to show you how they apply each technique in a real tree.

Using it well

Practice each knot and system on the ground before you use it at height, and learn under a qualified climber. Gear and techniques evolve, so pair the book with current manufacturer instructions and ANSI Z133.

Many crews keep a copy in the truck for training days. Pair it with Jepson's other titles, and browse more books and training materials.

Keep it somewhere dry in the truck so it is there when a question comes up on the job, and revisit the knot chapters often until each one is second nature.