Arborist Foot Loop

A foot loop is one of the simplest pieces of climbing gear and one of the most useful. Attached to a hand ascender or rope wrench setup, it lets you stand up with your legs instead of hauling with your arms, which saves a lot of energy on the climb in.

How a foot loop helps

Your legs are much stronger than your arms. A foot loop gives them something to push against. Clip it to a hand ascender above your hitch or device, step in, stand up, and then advance your hitch or tend your system before sliding the ascender up again. It is a basic rope walking rhythm, and it is far less tiring than climbing hand over hand.

Adjust the length so that when you stand fully, your hitch or device is in easy reach. Too long and you lose the benefit, too short and you cannot get a full step.

Some climbers use two foot loops, one on each foot, while others pair one loop with a mechanical foot ascender. Both work. Start with a single loop and see how it suits your system.

Using it safely

A foot loop is an ascent aid, not life support. You must always be attached to your life-support system through your saddle, and your hitch or device must be tended so a slip does not drop you. Inspect the loop for cuts, abrasion and worn stitching, and retire it if in doubt.

Get trained on any ascent system before relying on it, and follow ANSI Z133 and the gear makers' instructions. For a mechanical option, see the CMI foot ascender and the rest of our foot ascenders and foot loops.

Keep the loop away from your saw and sharp edges, and store it clean and dry.