Tree Climbing Ascenders and Descenders

Buying guide

Choosing gear for the way you climb

For SRS ascents, a hand ascender paired with a foot ascender or a chest-mounted device lets you walk up the rope efficiently. Descending and working the canopy is handled by your friction device, a rope wrench and hitch, or an all-in-one mechanical device. For MRS, ascent is usually done with a hitch and micro pulley, sometimes with a foot ascender added to save energy. Whatever you choose, confirm each device is rated for your rope diameter, use it per the manufacturer's instructions, get trained on it, and inspect it before every climb.

Descent and control

Coming down matters as much as going up. Mechanical friction devices and figure 8 descenders give smooth, controlled descents and can be set to add friction for heavier loads. Rope grabs help with positioning and lanyard adjustment, and a belay device can serve the ground crew during a rescue or when lowering a climber, where approved. Practice changeovers from ascent to descent low to the ground until they are second nature.