CT Quick Step Foot Ascender

The CT Quick Step foot ascender from Climbing Technology clamps onto the rope at your boot so your legs do more of the work on a single rope ascent. Paired with a hand or chest ascender, it turns a hard climb into a steady walk up the line.

Why a foot ascender

Your legs are stronger than your arms. A foot ascender grabs the rope as you step down and slides up as you lift your foot, so every step moves you up the line.

Most climbers use it with a hand ascender and a chest or hip setup. It helps most on tall trees with a long climb to the tie-in point. See related gear in foot ascenders and foot loops.

Climbers who switch to SRS often find a foot ascender is the single biggest improvement to their ascent speed. It also saves energy for the actual tree work once you reach the top.

Setup and inspection

Choose the side for your dominant foot and adjust the strap so the ascender sits firmly on your boot. Practice low until the rope feeds smoothly.

A foot ascender is an ascent aid, not your life-support connection. Life-support gear must meet the applicable standard (ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions), be inspected before every use, and be used only by trained climbers. Check the cam teeth, spring and strap before every climb.

Keep the cam clean of sap and bark, which can reduce grip on the rope. Store the ascender in your climbing bag where it will not get crushed or bent, and replace the strap when it wears.