Independent arborist gear picks · Typical prices shown, checked at the retailer

Climbing Tree Gear for Arborists

This is the hub for all of our climbing tree gear: saddles, spurs, hardware, friction devices, lanyards, helmets and throw line. Whether you are building a first kit or replacing worn tree gear, the sections below get you to the right shelf fast.

599products63brands

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ISC

ISC Rope Wrench

The device that made hitch-based SRS climbing practical.

Typical $109

Climb Right

Climb Right Rope Grab

A simple cam-style rope grab for adjusting a lanyard or positioning line.

Typical $60

Petzl

Petzl Mino Carabiner

A small accessory clip for racking gear, not for life support.

Typical $8

Notch Equipment

Notch V3 Quickie

Compact Notch hardware for quick, tidy connections in a climbing setup.

Typical $30

Petzl

Petzl Speedy Link

A compact quick link for semi-permanent connections in a climbing setup.

Typical $12

Gap Arborist Supply

Stainless Steel Twisted Shackle

A twisted stainless shackle that turns the connection 90 degrees for cleaner alignment.

Typical $15

DMM

DMM XSRE Carabiner

A small DMM accessory carabiner for keeping your saddle rack organized.

Typical $8

Gap Arborist Supply

Steel Locking Rope Snap

A tough steel locking snap for spliced lanyards and lines.

Typical $25

Gap Arborist Supply

2-in-1 Wire Core Lanyard

A wire core lanyard with a second leg for repositioning and staying tied in.

Typical $115

Gap Arborist Supply

Adjustable Pole Strap

An adjustable strap for positioning on poles and smooth spars.

Typical $70

Petzl

Petzl Zillon Lanyard

Petzl's adjustable positioning lanyard built for tree care and all-day spar work.

Typical $175

Gap Arborist Supply

1/2 in Wire Core Flipline

A half-inch wire core flipline for spur climbing and removals.

Typical $95

ART

ART Ropeguide Twinline

A roller friction saver from ART that protects bark and rope at the tie-in.

Typical $200

CMI

CMI Anchor Sling

A tough webbing anchor sling for setting tie-ins and anchors around stems and limbs.

Typical $35

Buckingham

Buckingham Haul Bag

A tough haul bag to keep rope, saddle and hardware together on the job.

Typical $65

Edelrid

Edelrid Kurt Haulbag

A rugged climbing haul bag for climbers who carry a full kit to every job.

Typical $95

Petzl

Petzl Duffel 85L Gear Bag

An 85-liter duffel that carries like a backpack, sized for a full climbing kit.

Typical $170

TreeHog

TreeHog 40L Rope Bag

A 40-liter rope bag from TreeHog for climbers who run a full-length line.

Typical $60

Big Jim's

Big Jim's Hitch Breaker

A small tending aid for climbers who want a friction hitch that releases cleanly.

Typical $45

DMM

DMM Hitch Climber Kit

A matched hitch-tending pulley and connector set for building a friction hitch system.

Typical $150

Yale Cordage

Yale 8mm Bee Line Split Tail

A heat-resistant 8mm split tail for climbers who tie their own friction hitch.

Typical $32

CMI

CMI Micro Rescue Pulley

A small, strong pulley for hitch tending, haul systems and rescue kits.

Typical $40

DMM

DMM Captain Hook

A quick-clip accessory hook for keeping tools and gear within reach aloft.

Typical $25

SawPod

The SawPod

A purpose-built place to park your saw aloft so it is not swinging off your saddle.

Typical $90

DMM

DMM Anchor Rings

Strong, smooth rings for building climbing anchors and friction savers.

Typical $25

Petzl

Petzl Ring Open

An openable ring that installs around slings and anchors without threading an end.

Typical $45

Petzl

Petzl Ring

A light, smooth aluminum ring for friction savers and anchor building.

Typical $20

CMI

CMI California Swivel

A compact CMI swivel that keeps rope and lanyards from twisting.

Typical $50

Petzl

Petzl Micro Swivel Open

A small, openable swivel that installs directly on a saddle bridge or sling.

Typical $60

Petzl

Petzl Vertex Vent Helmet

A ventilated work-at-height helmet with a secure fit for long days in the canopy.

Typical $145

Buckingham

Buckingham Agility Saddle

A Buckingham climbing saddle aimed at climbers who value freedom of movement.

Typical $380

Weaver

Weaver Chest Box Harness

A simple Weaver chest harness that keeps your saddle and ascent gear in position.

Typical $50

Buckingham

Buckingham Big Buck Pads

Wide, padded replacement uppers that make long days on spurs easier on your calves.

Typical $139

Gap Arborist Supply

Starter Throw Line Kit

Throw line, weights and storage in one kit for new climbers.

Typical $89

Gap Arborist Supply

Throw Line Storage Bag

Collapsible storage that keeps throw line flaked, clean and tangle-free.

Typical $39

Teufelberger

Target Line Throw Line

Slick, lightweight throw line for setting climbing lines with less snagging.

Typical $42

Petzl

Petzl Jet Throw Weight

A streamlined throw weight that slips through foliage and pulls back clean.

Typical $24

Gap Arborist Supply

Arborist Rope Climbing Kit

A matched set of tree climbing gear to get you up and working on rope.

Typical $899

Buckingham

Buckingham Throttle

A mechanical friction device for climbers working moving rope systems.

Typical $189

DMM

DMM Kinisi Max Harness

DMM's Kinisi arborist saddle, built for climbers who spend all day in the tree.

Typical $649

Gap Arborist Supply

Arborist Foot Loop

A simple adjustable foot loop that helps you stand and push while ascending.

Typical $29

CMI

CMI Foot Ascender

A boot-mounted rope ascender that turns every step into upward progress.

Typical $95

DMM

DMM Hitch Climber Pulley

A climber pulley built to tend a friction hitch on a doubled-rope system.

Typical $65

Gap Arborist Supply

Soft Canopy Anchor

A textile canopy anchor for setting a secure tie-in point aloft.

Typical $69

Notch

Notch Ergo Climbers

Ergonomic spurs for removal climbers who want comfort without top-tier prices.

Typical $329

CAMP

CAMP Enigma Swivel

A compact swivel that takes the twist out of your climbing system.

Typical $45

Gap Arborist Supply

Chainsaw Strap with Ring

A strap and ring that gives a saw a secure lanyard attachment point.

Typical $15

Petzl

Petzl Maestro S Descender

A descender with an integrated pulley for lowering and switching to haul.

Typical $560

Petzl

Petzl RIG Descender

A compact self-braking descender for rope access and rescue.

Typical $200

Petzl

Petzl Knee Ascent System

A bungee knee system that speeds up rope walking with a foot ascender.

Typical $60

Reecoil

Reecoil Foot Loop

A foot loop that pairs with a hand ascender for rope ascent.

Typical $35

Rock Exotica

Rock Exotica Unicender

A mechanical friction device that replaces a hitch on MRS and SRS.

Typical $280

ISC

ISC Rocker Rope Grab

Compact cam rope grab for lanyards and progress capture.

Typical $99

DMM

DMM Zodiac Carabiner

Auto-locking DMM carabiner for everyday climbing connections.

Typical $27

DMM

DMM Wallis Grommet

Keeper that holds a carabiner in position on a device or sling.

Typical $7

Kong

Kong Corner Trap

Positioning aid that keeps a carabiner from rotating and cross-loading.

Typical $9

Shembiner

Shembiner Chainsaw Hook

Saddle hook for parking a top-handle chainsaw while you reposition.

Typical $25

Yale Cordage

Yale Safari Lanyard Kit

A Yale rope positioning lanyard kit for daily climbing work.

Typical $139

Gap Arborist Supply

Assorted Rope Lanyard

A budget-friendly rope lanyard made from assorted arborist rope.

Typical $45

Teufelberger

K1 Keeper by Teufelberger

A small Teufelberger accessory for keeping a rope lanyard setup in order.

Typical $25

Gap Arborist Supply

Lanyard Management Clips

Clips that keep lanyard tail stowed and out of the way on your saddle.

Typical $14

ART

ART RopeGuide

A canopy rope guide from ART for smoother running and less bark wear.

Typical $139

ART

ART SnakeAnchor

An adjustable ART canopy anchor that wraps limbs of different sizes.

Typical $199

Buckingham

Buckingham Buck SuperSaver

A Buckingham friction saver that protects the tree and your climbing line.

Typical $89

DMM

DMM Retrieval Cone

A small cone that helps friction savers and anchors slide out of the tree cleanly.

Typical $15

Teufelberger

Teufelberger Equaliza

Adjustable anchor that shares your tie-in across two attachment points.

Typical $90

Teufelberger

Teufelberger fimbCLIMB

Teufelberger anchor system for protecting the tie-in point and your climbing line.

Typical $110

Weaver

Weaver Cavern Gear Bag

A roomy, tough bag for keeping a climbing kit together and off the truck floor.

Typical $80

Edelrid

Edelrid Caddy II Rope Bag

A rope bag that keeps your climbing line clean, flaked and ready to run.

Typical $65

Weaver

Weaver XL Rope Bag

Extra-large rope bag for long climbing lines and rigging rope.

Typical $40

Weaver

Weaver Throwline Bucket

Simple open-top bucket that keeps throw line tangle-free and ready.

Typical $30

Teufelberger

Teufelberger multiSLING

An adjustable sling for anchors and attachment points that changes length to fit the tree.

Typical $65

CMI

CMI Shackle Pulley

A compact pulley with an attached shackle for quick redirects and light hauling.

Typical $55

DMM

DMM Pinto Pulley Spacer

A small accessory that keeps your Pinto pulley setup aligned and tidy.

Typical $10

Petzl

Petzl RESCUE Pulley

A strong, efficient prusik-minding pulley for haul systems and redirects.

Typical $110

SMC

SMC Crevasse Pulley

A light, compact pulley for hitch tending, redirects and simple hauls.

Typical $30

ISC

ISC Aluminum Rings

Light aluminum rings for friction savers, anchors and sling setups.

Typical $20

ISC

ISC Steel Rings

Hard-wearing steel rings for savers, anchors and rigging where rope runs often.

Typical $20

SMC

SMC Aluminum Ring

A light, smooth aluminum ring for savers, anchors and sling setups.

Typical $15

Gap Arborist Supply

SRT Basal Anchor Kit

Sling and hardware for a releasable base-tied anchor on SRS climbs.

Typical $250

DMM

DMM Focus Swivel

A compact swivel that keeps twists out of your climbing system.

Typical $55

Petzl

Petzl SWIVEL (NFPA Rated)

A ball bearing swivel for climbing and rescue systems that keeps twists out.

Typical $80

Petzl

Petzl Voltige Chest Harness

A light chest harness that pairs with a seat harness for upright, balanced climbing.

Typical $75

Gap Arborist Supply

Cast Aluminum Climber Pads

Rigid, lightweight cast aluminum pads that keep spur shanks in line with your leg.

Typical $75

Weaver

Weaver Shin Cups

Rigid shin cups that spread the load and steady your tree spurs.

Typical $95

Weaver

Weaver Steel Support Pads

Climber pads with a steel support for climbers who want a stiffer, steadier spur.

Typical $95

Distel

Distel Eye Bolt M8x11

Genuine Distel M8 eye bolt for keeping your Distel spurs complete and serviceable.

Typical $9

Weaver

Weaver Padded Shank Cover

Padding that sits between the spur shank and your leg for all-day comfort.

Typical $25

Yale Cordage

Yale Long Shot Throwline

Slick, low-stretch throw line for clean, high shots into the canopy.

Typical $45

Notch

Notch Throw Weight

A tough, bright throw weight for setting line in big and small trees.

Typical $13

Weaver

Weaver 16 oz Throw Weight

A heavier throw bag that pushes through dense canopy and pulls line down.

Typical $13

Weaver

Weaver Bullet Throw Weight

A streamlined throw weight that slips through tight spots round bags snag on.

Typical $18

Vertec

Rope Runner (Vertec)

A mechanical friction device for stationary rope tree climbing.

Typical $389

CAMP

CAMP Tree Access Evo

A European-style bridge saddle from CAMP for full-day tree work.

Typical $430

Catalyst

Catalyst Climbing Harness

A European-style bridge saddle for climbers who spend long days on rope.

Typical $449

Gap Arborist Supply

Multi-Purpose Ring Sling

A versatile sling with a ring for anchors, redirects, and false crotches.

Typical $35

Notch

Notch Pro Access Bag

A Notch gear bag for keeping climbing kit organized and easy to reach.

Typical $79

DMM

DMM Nomad Lanyard (ZUU7)

Adjustable DMM lanyard for positioning and work at height, ZUU7 version.

Typical $145

DMM

DMM Nomad Lanyard

Adjustable DMM lanyard for setting your position at height.

Typical $139

DMM

DMM Pinto Rig Pulley V2

Compact pulley with an extra attachment point for climbing and MA systems.

Typical $56

Gap Arborist Supply

Nylon Loop Runners

Sewn nylon webbing loops for anchors, redirects, and gear organization.

Typical $12

DMM

DMM Pinto Pulley Prusik Set

A compact DMM pulley paired with a prusik loop for hitch tending and small haul systems.

Typical $75

Gap Arborist Supply

Bandit Replacement Lanyard

A replacement rope lanyard for climbers swapping out a worn line.

Typical $69

DMM

DMM Tendon

A DMM saddle accessory for climbers fine-tuning their harness setup.

Typical $29

CAMP

CAMP Kilo Tool Hook

A large tool hook for hanging saws and gear on your saddle.

Typical $25

Notch Equipment

Notch Swinger Tool Carrier

A saddle tool carrier that keeps hand tools hanging where you can reach them.

Typical $25

Gap Arborist Supply

1.8 mm Throw Line

Thin, slick throw line for setting climbing and rigging lines high in the canopy.

Typical $32

Sirius

8 mm Sirius Thimble Prusik

8 mm hitch cord with thimble eyes for friction hitches on climbing or rigging lines.

Typical $32

Gap Arborist Supply

SRS Basal and Canopy Anchors

Slings, rings and hardware that anchor a single rope system at the base or canopy.

Typical $95

Notch

Rope Runner Pro

A mechanical friction device for moving rope or SRT with fine descent control.

Typical $359

Gap Arborist Supply

Forged Steel Rigging Ring

A tough forged steel ring for building ring slings, anchors and redirects.

Typical $39

Gap Arborist Supply

2-in-1 Lanyards

A dual-purpose lanyard that works as a flipline and a second point of attachment.

Typical $109

Gap Arborist Supply

Footlock Prusiks

Eye-to-eye prusiks for backing up a footlock ascent.

Typical $29

Gap Arborist Supply

Prusik Loops

Closed cord loops for friction hitches, backups and rigging grabs.

Typical $15

Husqvarna

Husqvarna Rope Storage Bag

A rope storage bag from Husqvarna for keeping line clean and tangle-free between jobs.

Typical $45

ISC

ISC Apex Rope Wrench

A rope wrench for SRS climbers who want a hitch that tends and descends smoothly.

Typical $129

Husqvarna

Husqvarna Throw Weights

Throw bags from Husqvarna for setting a throw line through a high crotch.

Typical $22

PMI

5/8 in KM III Rope Lanyard

A thick static rope lanyard for climbers who want a firm grip and long service life.

Typical $89

Gap Arborist Supply

Wire Core Lanyard

A cut-resistant flipline with a steel core for spur work and removals.

Typical $109

ISC

ISC Ultralink

An ISC connector link for climbing and rigging setups.

Typical $29

Gap Arborist Supply

Spreader Snap

A snap hook for spreading and connecting gear on the job.

Typical $19

DMM

DMM Perfect O Carabiner

A symmetrical oval carabiner that keeps pulleys and devices sitting square.

Typical $24

Courant

Courant Top Koala Harness

A chest harness that adds shoulder support to the Courant Koala saddle.

Typical $99

Gap Arborist Supply

Saddle Storage Bag

A bag that keeps your climbing saddle clean, dry, and away from fuel in the truck.

Typical $35

Teufelberger

Teufelberger Mule Bags

Durable Teufelberger bags for hauling rope and climbing gear to the job.

Typical $69

Petzl

Petzl Replacement Bridge

A factory replacement bridge to put a Petzl Sequoia saddle back in service.

Typical $45

Yale Cordage

Yale Fire Replacement Lanyard

A Yale Cordage rope lanyard for rebuilding a worn flipline or positioning lanyard.

Typical $69

Weaver

Weaver Stratus Saddle

A Weaver tree climbing saddle for daily work positioning.

Typical $399

Gap Arborist Supply

Chainsaw Strap with Snap

A simple saw strap with a snap to keep your climbing saw tethered aloft.

Typical $15

DMM

DMM Rhino Carabiner

A tough locking DMM carabiner for demanding climbing and rigging connections.

Typical $30

Petzl

Petzl Bm'D Carabiner

A light asymmetric D locker for devices, lanyards and bridge connections.

Typical $22

DMM

DMM Prest-In Grommet

A small keeper that holds a carabiner in the right position on a sling or eye.

Typical $6

Kong

Kong Slideline Carabiner

A non-locking Kong carabiner for racking and organizing gear on the saddle.

Typical $15

DMM

DMM Micro Vault

A small DMM racking clip for keeping light gear organized on the saddle.

Typical $8

DMM

DMM Parking Lot

A saddle storage accessory for parking carabiners and small hardware.

Typical $20

Petzl

Petzl Caritool

A harness-mounted tool holder for racking carabiners and gear on the saddle.

Typical $13

Gap Arborist Supply

Steel Swivel Snap Hook

A simple steel swivel snap for tool lines, bags and light gear handling.

Typical $19

Sirius

Sirius Multisaver

A versatile friction saver that adapts to a range of limbs and tie-in setups.

Typical $149

Teufelberger

Teufelberger fimblSAVER

An adjustable Teufelberger friction saver that sizes to the limb.

Typical $139

Teufelberger

Teufelberger multiANCHOR

An adjustable anchor sling for canopy tie-ins and basal anchors.

Typical $109

Teufelberger

Teufelberger PulleySaver

A pulley-equipped friction saver for climbers who want an easier advance on doubled rope.

Typical $165

Yale Cordage

Yale R.I.N.G. Friction Saver

A ring-style friction saver from Yale for clean, retrievable doubled-rope tie-ins.

Typical $95

Weaver

Weaver Chasm Gear Bag

A roomy, tough gear bag for hauling climbing and rigging kit to the job.

Typical $85

Courant

Courant Host Bag 36L

A 36-liter Courant rope bag that keeps your line clean and ready to throw down.

Typical $75

Petzl

Petzl 30L Rope Bucket

A 30-liter Petzl rope bucket that stays open for easy stuffing and clean deployment.

Typical $70

Reecoil

Reecoil Rope Bag

A rope bag for carrying and deploying climbing or rigging line clean.

Typical $60

Teufelberger

Teufelberger Kitbag

A Teufelberger bag for carrying a climbing rope and the kit that goes with it.

Typical $90

Weaver

Weaver Small Rope Bag

A compact Weaver rope bag for shorter lines, lanyards, and access ropes.

Typical $40

DMM

DMM 6L Tool Bag

A 6-liter DMM bag that clips to your saddle to carry small kit in the tree.

Typical $35

Weaver

Weaver Ditty Bag

A small saddle bag for the bits and pieces a climber needs aloft.

Typical $25

Edelrid

Edelrid Spring Bag

A collapsible Edelrid bag that springs open for tangle-free throw line.

Typical $35

Weaver

Weaver Throw Line Cube

A Weaver throw line cube that stands open for fast, tangle-free line setting.

Typical $40

Teufelberger

Teufelberger Rope Tarp

A ground tarp that keeps your climbing rope out of the dirt at the base of the tree.

Typical $45

SMC

SMC Radius Rings

Smooth, rounded rings for friction savers, bridges, and anchor builds.

Typical $25

DMM

DMM Nexus Swivel

A DMM swivel with multiple attachment points to stop twists in your system.

Typical $95

Petzl

Petzl Swivel Open

An openable Petzl swivel that installs directly on a bridge or fixed loop.

Typical $85

Petzl

Petzl Vertex Helmet

A comfortable work-at-height helmet that climbers wear all day.

Typical $125

Petzl

Petzl Top Chest Harness

A Petzl chest harness that pairs with a sit harness for support and gear carry.

Typical $95

Weaver

Weaver Wideback Saddle

A traditional wide-back climbing saddle for climbers who want simple, solid support.

Typical $189

FTC

FTC 1.6 mm Stiffline

A thin, stiff throw line that runs clean and resists tangling.

Typical $45

Rock Exotica

Rock Exotica Akimbo 2

A mechanical friction device for SRS and MRS climbing with smooth, adjustable control.

Typical $399

CMI

CMI RNA Pulley

A compact CMI micro pulley for hitch tending and small rope systems.

Typical $49

Notch

Notch RC Grapple

A small grapple for snagging stuck lines and hung gear out of the canopy.

Typical $39

Notch

Notch Glide Rope Grab

A compact rope grab for climbers who want a clean bite on the line.

Typical $89

Buying guide

How the climbing department is organized

Climbing gear breaks down by the job each piece does in your system. Saddles and harnesses are what you sit in. Rope tools, friction devices and hitch cord control how you move. Carabiners, rings, swivels and pulleys connect it all together. Lanyards and fliplines keep you positioned while you cut, and spurs get you up spars and removals.

Around that core sit the support items: helmets, throw weights and line for setting your tie-in, and gear bags for keeping it clean. Each subcategory has its own buying guide, so you can drill down to exactly what you need.

If you are not sure where something lives, start with the climbing gear section. It holds most of the hardware and devices, from ascenders to carabiners, and each listing explains what the item does in a working system.

Building a first climbing kit

A working kit starts with a saddle that fits, a climbing rope rated for arborist use, a friction hitch or mechanical device, connectors that meet ANSI Z133, a flipline or adjustable lanyard, a helmet and a throw line setup. Buy the saddle first and fit it in person if you can, because comfort decides how long you will stay productive in the tree.

If you are just starting, a moving rope system (MRS) with a hitch and micro pulley is simple to learn and inspect. Many climbers later add a stationary rope system (SRS) for long ascents and big canopies. Either way, get trained before you leave the ground.

Do not overlook the small items that make a kit usable on day one: a micro pulley to tend your hitch, a friction saver to protect your rope and the tree, a rope bag to keep the line clean, and a couple of gear carabiners for tools. A complete tree climbing kit is often the easiest way to get all of that matched and compatible in one go.

New, used and wholesale gear

We get asked about used tree climbing gear a lot. Hardware such as carabiners and pulleys can be inspected, but you rarely know how textile gear like rope, saddles and lanyards has been stored, loaded or exposed to chemicals. For life-support items, buy new from a source you trust and keep a record of when each item went into service.

Crews outfitting several climbers can save by standardizing on one or two connector models and one rope diameter. That keeps spares interchangeable and makes daily inspections faster.

Safety and inspection

Every piece of life-support tree gear should meet the applicable standard, be used per the manufacturer's instructions, and be inspected before each climb. Retire anything that has been shock loaded, cut, glazed, cracked or that you simply cannot vouch for. When in doubt, take it out of service.

Treat inspection as part of the climb, not a separate chore. Run your rope through your hands as you flake it out, check every connector gate as you clip it to your saddle, and look at stitching on your bridge and lanyard before you leave the ground. Keep a simple log for each climber's life-support gear with dates in service and any notes from inspections. When a crew shares gear, the log is how everyone knows what has happened to it.

Finally, pair good gear with good habits: a work plan, a clear drop zone, a trained ground person and an aerial rescue plan for every climb.

Common questions

What tree gear do I need to start climbing?

At minimum: a fitted arborist saddle, an arborist climbing rope, a friction hitch or mechanical friction device, Z133-compliant locking connectors, a lanyard or flipline, a helmet and a throw line kit, plus proper training.

Is it safe to buy used climbing gear?

Used metal hardware can sometimes be inspected and trusted, but used rope, saddles and lanyards are hard to evaluate. For life-support textiles, buying new is the safer choice.

What is the difference between MRS and SRS?

In a moving rope system the rope runs over the anchor and moves as you climb. In a stationary rope system the rope is fixed and you move along it with a device. Both are common in tree work.

Do I need spurs to climb trees?

Only for removals and some spar work. Spurs wound living trees, so they are not used for pruning trees that are staying, except in a rescue.

Free toolClimbing Kit BuilderPick your climbing system and budget, get a complete, compatible kit list you can add to your cart in one click.