Soft Anchor Webbing Sling

A soft anchor webbing sling wraps around a trunk or limb to give you an anchor point for a block, pulley or lowering device without metal on the bark. The flat webbing spreads the load and packs down small.

Webbing vs. rope soft anchors

Soft anchor slings also come in rope, which is a different product. The webbing version is flatter and lighter, lies smoothly against the bark, and is easy to stuff in a pocket or bag. Rope slings hold up better to abrasion and are easier to adjust on the stem, so many crews carry both.

Use a webbing sling to anchor a lowering device at the base, hang a pulley for a redirect, or set a block on a stem. Rope and ring options are in our rigging slings section.

Webbing slings are also handy for short anchors around a branch union, as a basket for a pulley in the canopy, or as a quick strop when you need to hang a bag of gear. Carry one or two in different lengths so you can pick the right size for the stem.

Rating and wear

Check the tag for the sling's rated strength and remember that the hitch you use changes it: a choker or basket hitch rates differently from a straight pull. Keep loads well under the rating, especially in rigging where loads are dynamic.

Webbing cuts and abrades more easily than rope, so pad it over sharp bark edges and keep it away from the saw. Retire it if it is cut, frayed, melted, stiff with chemicals, or if the tag is gone. If you use it for a climbing anchor, it must be rated for life support. Life-support use must follow ANSI Z133, the manufacturer's instructions, and your training, and the gear should be inspected before every climb.