July 18th, 2010
While most sports and adventures require a certain amount of effort and even danger, there is nothing that says you cannot make things safer and easier if you can. This is exactly what the Climb Right CTB Quick-Change Aluminum L-Pad Spur Set does to tree climbing.
This Climb Right spur is new for 2010. It is made of an aluminum lower section and is mated to the upright shaft which is also made of aluminum. The latter, however, is of aerospace grade meaning that while it remains lightweight, it offers superior strength and resistance to rust. Both lower section and shaft are tempered to T6 hardness assuring durability. They are joined with solid rivets in stainless steel, and for increased resistance to wear, they are anodized with a clear coating.
The spikes or spurs attached to the lower end of the shafts are made of forged 4340 alloy steel that are quenched and tempered to keep their tips sharp and pointed for easy piercing into the wood. These are 2 5/8 inches long and are fastened to the shaft with two screws. In spite of their tight and secure hold on the shaft, they are easy to remove for a quick replacement in the event that they are damaged or when you need longer models.
The height of the spur shank is adjustable providing a comfortable calf support. For added traction when walking on tree limbs, a grip strip is incorporated. This also serves as a wear strip indicating when to replace your J-hooks. The inverted L pads to which the shanks are attached are soft and comfortable on the legs. They are strapped to the legs with rubber belts that are impregnated with nylon. This makes the belt stronger, lighter, and more resistant to the elements than leather.
Tree Gear Equipment - Climbing Spikes/Spurs | No Comments »
July 4th, 2010
The eye on the DMM Captive Eye Locksafe Carabiner assures that ropes will not cross-load over each other and that an inserted rope has no way of sliding out of the carabiner. If you need to be able to predict the direction of a load, such as when using a lanyard to secure your equipment, then you can use this type of carabiner.
Made of hot forged and fully heat-treated aluminum, the carabiner is tough but lightweight. It registers a breaking strength of 25kN and a weight of 104 g. Its safe working load is approximately 250 kgs. It is fully anodized and sealed with a protective coating to resist corrosion as well as to give it an attractive finish.
The carabiner measures 135 mm in length and 81 mm in width. Its eye is about 22 mm in diameter which can accommodate virtually all ropes used in tree climbing. Rope insertion into the main body is facilitated with the 20 mm opening of the gate. Its Taperlock clean nose increases gate push-in as well as side resistance.
The locking mechanism of the DMM Captive Eye Locksafe Carabiner assures a secure attachment with practically zero probability of accidental opening. You need to perform two steps to open the gate. First, you have to lift the barrel. Next, you need to twist it up to 90°. Only then will the gate open to allow the placement of ropes or other attachments. When closing, all you have to do is let go of the barrel. It will automatically revert to its closed position.
Individually marked, the carabiners are easily traceable in case you accidentally drop and lose them during your climbs.
Tree Gear Equipment - Carabiners | No Comments »
June 20th, 2010
Owing to its superior strength yet extremely lightweight construction, the Samson Rope AmSteel Blue is used in a variety of applications apart from its use by arborists. It also comes in various sizes allowing its use as water ski/wakeboard/kite, trawl/bridle, tug, winch, or rigging line.
The rope is a non-rotational or torque free single braid type with 12 strands. It does not stretch and has excellent resistance to flex fatigue and wear. In terms of its elongation, it is similar to wire ropes. However, it outlasts them on a ratio of 3:1. For this reason, it is often seen as a replacement for wire ropes. It is also easily spliced and inspected.
Notwithstanding this strength, the AmSteel Blue is lightweight. Although it is stronger than steel given the same size, it floats. Because of this, it is often used for water-related applications. This also makes it easier to carry around.
The strength and wear- and fatigue- resistance of the rope is due to its construction solely from Dyneema SK-75 fiber that is coated with Samthane. Dyneema is a high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE). This means that it is a very tough material as it has the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic currently available. Samthane, on the hand, further improves the rope’s resistance to abrasions and cuts. It is also protected from the degradation effects of ultraviolet light with special stabilizers.
The standard color of the rope is blue, but it is also available in red, green, and orange by special order. It comes in various sizes ranging from 3/16″ or 5 mm up to 3 ¾” or 80 mm, with the former weighing 1 lb per foot and the latter 240 lbs.
Tree Gear Equipment - Climbing Ropes | No Comments »
June 6th, 2010
It is often difficult to explain why people climb trees for the sake of climbing them. Trying to describe a tree climber’s feeling as he reaches the top is equally taxing. Climbing the tree itself, however, is not that difficult. With all the gears and gadgets developed to assist climbers, tree climbing is a very safe sport that does not require extraordinary strength. Indeed, even children can enjoy it.
Among the different devices designed to assist climbers is the Klein CN1907AR Tree Climber Gaffs. This consists of climber pads, steel sleeves, leg irons, straps, and gaffs. Together, these different components of the CN1907AR help make life easier for the tree climber.
The pad is made of 8″ x 8″ leather of a superior grade which not only makes the climber look attractive but also provides the wearer a comfortable fit. It is also fitted with a cushion for a relaxed wear. It is secured with a strap that is closed with a buckle.
The steel sleeve connecting the leather pad with the leg iron is adjustable in 1/4″ increments, thus making it suitable for climbers of different heights. With this adjustment, the CN1907AR can be as short as 15 or as long as 19 inches.
The sleeve is attached to the leg iron with two slotted hex-head bolts with barrel-type nuts and lock washers firmly securing the two together. The leg iron is contoured in a way that positions the gaff in the best possible angle to break through the tree. Two TORX screws and a center pin fasten the gaff to the leg iron.
The stirrup on which the wearer’s foot rests is wide at approximately 4.5 inches. At the end of the stirrup is a second strap that binds the climber gaff to the ankle. It is made of nylon that is infused with neoprene and is secured in place with a steel split ring.
Tree Gear Equipment - Climbing Spikes/Spurs | No Comments »
May 23rd, 2010
An improved version of the earlier Butterfly model, the Komet Butterfly II Tree Saddle features an upgraded front anchor. It is fitted with a rope cover that allows the ring to glide more smoothly. The ring is made of aluminum thus helping to keep the weight of the harness down to a comfortable and less taxing level. The entire front anchor or bridge is removable and may be replaced in case of an accidental damage, or in the unlikely event that it is worn out due to usage.
Both the belt and leg strap buckles are also made of lightweight aluminum, which are sturdier than the plastic buckles often found on other harnesses. Release of these buckles is smooth and quick. An anti-sliding system is also incorporated into them.
The belt is equipped with a wide and thick pad that results in the distribution of your weight across its surface. This makes the saddle comfortable to wear. It also reduces the possibility of backaches after prolonged use.
On both sides of the belt are fold-away D-rings for lanyard positioning. At the back are three nylon gear loops and two small steel rings for your carabiners, ascenders, descenders, or other climbing gear.
The leg loops, like the front anchor, are removable and can be replaced with the optional batten seat transforming the saddle from a Butterfly to Dragonfly harness. A webbing strap is added to the leg straps for the attachment of additional tools.
The Komet Butterfly II Tree Saddle is available in two sizes –Size 1 for those with a waist size of 28 – 34 inches and leg measurements of 19 – 25 inches, and Size 2 for waist sizes from 34 – 40 with leg measurements of 24 – 30 inches.
Tree Gear Equipment - Safety Harnesses | No Comments »
May 9th, 2010
With a tough impact- and wear-resistant polycarbonate shell, the Petzl Vertex Best Helmet provides a highly effective shield against falling debris or tree branches. A thick foam headband wraps comfortably around the head. In case the foam losses its semi-rigidity and sponginess, it can be quickly replaced. The headband’s height and circumference can be easily adapted to your preferences with a single adjustment wheel. This can be done even when wearing gloves and while wearing the helmet.
The helmet is securely held in place with polyester chinstraps that can be adjusted forwards and backwards. A rear clip with two positions allows the proper positioning of the straps around the ears. With this adjustability, the risk of the helmet coming off in the event of an impact or fall is greatly minimized, if not eliminated.
As the helmet is not vented, it is suitable for climbing tall trees in cold weather. It incorporates side slots where you can mount a face shield and other hearing protection gear. This gear is provided with ample room as the area above the ear has sufficient clearance for it. In case the sun goes down while you are still enjoying the view from the treetops, or perhaps still having work to do, you can mount your headlamp on the integral headlamp clips.
The Petzl Vertex Best Helmet comes in five colors –yellow, white, red, orange, and black. The headband is of a universal size and is adjustable from 21 – 25 inches. It weighs approximately 16 ounces.
Tree Gear Equipment - Helmets | No Comments »
April 25th, 2010
While other ascenders are made of aluminum to keep them lightweight, the makers of the USHBA Handled Ascender opted for titanium. Although titanium makes the USHBA ascender heavier than its aluminum cousins, it also makes it stronger and more durable.
The USHBA Handled Ascender is a trapezoid-shaped device with two parallel sides longer than the other two. One of the longer sides is the handgrip while its opposite holds the working parts of the ascender. These are the triangular grip lever, post, and anvil that are covered by a swinging plate to protect them from dirt and debris. It is these parts that clamp the climbing rope without penetrating it with sharp points.
The handgrip is wrapped with a rubber handle with an ergonomic design, assuring a comfortable hold thus resisting fatigue and strain. The device is large enough to accommodate your hands even when wearing gloves or mittens.
The grip lever is mounted on the lower section of the cam, pivoting on a nylon bushing and a stainless steel bolt. It is kept in the closed position by a hidden spring. The anvil is a nickel-plated aluminum fastened to the bottom of the frame by a titanium bolt. The post is above the anvil and, while it is not used during ascending, it is useful when rappelling. The swinging plate is a 2 mm titanium sheet which pivots on the same nylon bushing and stainless steel bolt as the grip lever.
The USHBA Handled Ascender is easy and comfortable to use both for ascending and descending. After the rope is loaded into the device, the ascender is positioned in a way that the handgrip is horizontal. This locks the rope in place. If you wish to progress either upward or downward, all you need to do is rotate the ascender into a vertical position.
The ascender weighs 270 g, has a case strength of 3,000 kg, and a holding strength of 400+ kg. It is suited for ropes with a diameter of from 8 – 12 mm. It has dimensions of 14 x 12 x 2.
Tree Gear Equipment - Ascending Tools | No Comments »
April 20th, 2010
Featuring quality leather T Pads that are lined with wool which has been felted and compressed to prevent pressure from its shank, the Buckingham Steel Spurs Set with Leather T Pads provides a comfortable wear. This feature is especially appreciated by tree or pole climbers who are just learning the basics of climbing with spurs. Indeed, this set has been designed specifically for them.
The leather T Pads of the Buckingham spurs set secures the flat leg irons that run alongside the inner lower legs and curve to become footrests. At about the level of the foot arches, the gaffs are fastened to the irons by special screws to assure a secure attachment. This design allows the replacement of the gaffs should you wish to switch to a different size or if they are permanently damaged. Available gaff sizes are 2¾ inches for trees and 1¾ inches for poles.
Both the leg irons and the gaffs are made of forged high strength steel thus guaranteeing durability and strength. The shanks of the irons are contoured to avoid the possibility of hitting the anklebone while climbing.
With the included sleeve, the Buckingham Steel Spurs Set with Leather T Pads can be adjusted from a height of 16¼ to 18¾ inches. Optional extra long sleeves are also available. These maximize the height of the spurs set to 21¾ inches.
Other options are footplates which attach to the footrests. These serve as a stable platform for a climber to stand on after an exhausting climb. Bolts screw the plates to the footrests. It has a ridged rubber bottom to prevent slipping. A pair of heel shields for protection against accidental stabbing with the gaffs is also available.
Tree Gear Equipment - Climbing Spikes/Spurs | No Comments »
April 10th, 2010
Designed to be an extremely versatile saddle, the Petzl Gym Harness, in spite of is name, can be used far beyond the gym for mountaineering, ice climbing, and tree climbing. It is also meant to fit climbers of all sizes as it is fully adjustable. Given this adjustability, you can start off the day with a single layer of clothing, gradually adding more as the weather turns colder, and still have your Petzl fitting perfectly.
The Petzl Gym is a minimalist harness yet it is extremely strong and durable. The belt and the leg loops are made of tough nylon webbing, while the tie-in point consists of polyester reinforced with Dyneema guaranteeing a secure attachment and resistance to abrasion.
It is lightweight and compact making it suitable for both novice and seasoned climbers. It has neither haul nor gear loops. The pre-threaded double-back buckles on both the waist belt and leg loops enable quick yet safe and secure adjustment by simply pulling on the straps. The tie-in point is clearly labeled and identified to help the novice clip it on properly.
The tapered non-padded leg loops allow freedom of movement. They are color-coded also for the benefit of beginners. These are droppable and the elastic straps connecting them to the back of the waist belt are detachable.
The wide webbing of the both the waist belt and the leg loops help in distributing weight over a wide area thus assuring a comfortable wear.
The Petzl Gym Harness weighs approximately 13 ounces or less than 400 grams. It fits waists from 23 to 40 inches, and legs smaller than 26 inches.
Tree Gear Equipment - Safety Harnesses | No Comments »
April 5th, 2010
The pair of boots you often see worn by workers climbing wooden utility poles for telephone, telegraph, or electric wires and cables are variously called tree climbers, tree spurs, tree hooks, and tree spikes. There are plenty of such climbers/spikes/spurs with different styles and designs and different brands. One of them is the Gecko II Tree Climber.
The Gecko II is a complete set that includes boots and spikes. The sturdy boots are high, rising up to right below the knee. This is needed to provide additional support for your shin. The leg shanks are made of aluminum alloy resulting to reduced weight. It stretches on the inside of the shin from the about the height of the boots down to its sole. Here it makes a 90° turn to support your instep. This support is designed in a way that it cups the foot arch, thus making it comfortable to step on.
The gaffs or spikes are also made of aluminum alloy that are easily sharpened. They are attached to the leg shanks at about the level of the ankles. These are kicked into the wood to provide a stable anchor as you climb.
A cuff made of fiberglass wraps the upper section of your shin for bracing. A wide cinch strap with Velcro secures the cuff to your leg and keeps it from moving. An inside padding, also attached with Velcro, makes the cuff comfortable to wear. This is removable for easy washing.
An adjustable belt at the ankle further secures the leg shank keeping it from sliding on or slipping from the instep. This can be adjusted from 41 to 48 cm, in increments of 2 cm.
Tree Gear Equipment - Climbing Spikes/Spurs | No Comments »