Tree Gear Equipment

The Petzl Microcender is a lightweight and extra-small ascender that can easily fit into a shirt pocket. It is designed for self protection when moving on a fixed rope, as a capture device when hauling heavy loads, and for use in pulley systems.

It can be used on ropes with diameters of 9 to 13 centimeters, gliding on them when it is moved up and quickly jamming them when the cam is loaded. The rope, however, may slip from the device if overloaded or is abruptly loaded with tremendous force. The cam on the Microcender features Petzl’s proprietary Curved Cam interface which does not abrade the ropes.

Installing the Microcender on the rope requires, first, the removal of a pin that locks an axle piece in the ascender, after which, the axle itself is removed. Only then can the Microcender be attached to a rope. Because of this method of installation, it can be attached at any point in the rope.

The Microcender encloses the entire diameter of rope which reduces, if not eliminates, the possibility of unintentional disengagement. Disconnection from the rope follows the same procedure as in its installation. Although some may deem this to be tedious, it provides extra safety.

Designed for use in climbing fixed single ropes sized from 8 to 13 mm, the Petzl Ascension Ascender is available in right- or left-hand versions. It is lightweight, at only 195 grams, yet it is strong and durable.

The ergonomically shaped handle is molded over with rubber to provide a more secure and stable, as well as a more comfortable, hold. Its broad surface, which is broader at the bottom, also contributes to comfort when climbing with the ascender. The index finger indent has been enlarged to increase efficiency.

The chrome-plated steel cam that is spring loaded includes angled teeth to secure the rope even in muddy, icy, or wet conditions. This is made possible because of the self-cleaning slot against which the rope is pressed. It has been designed to glide more smoothly over the rope with less effort making ascending easier and quicker. The wear area has been lowered on the surface of the cam thus increasing its durability.

In order to eliminate the possibility of opening the cam when in use, the trigger mechanism opening and shutting it is recessed. In spite of this, it can still be opened or closed with a single hand. A safety mechanism, however, is incorporated to prevent excessive opening of the cam and a full release of the rope.

The Ascension is of aluminum mono-frame construction which eliminates weak points and contributes to its durability. It is anodized and color-coded, black for left-handed ascenders and gray for the right-handed.

On the frame are several attachment points. These could be used for hauling, back-up or self-belay. At the bottom is a secondary hole which can be used for attaching aiders and slings.

The Petzl Tibloc Ascender is an ultra-light and small multifunctional ascender. It is used for climbing ropes, aiding a second, rescue, or as a hauling or pulley system. Because it is small, it is often used as a back-up supporting standard ascenders.

The Tibloc provides good grip even on wet, muddy, or even icy ropes because of its chrome-plated cam that is equipped with inclined teeth and slots that are self-cleaning. It is also a good substitute for Prusik knots when used for rope climbing movements.

Tibloc works with locking carabiners having uniform oval or round stock with a cross-section of 10 to 12 mm otherwise damage to the rope is likely. Hot-forged carabiners featuring T-shaped stock should not be used. The ascender is suited for a single rope with a diameter of 8 to 11 mm.

Both body and cam are made of rust-resistant chrome steel assuring you of a long service life. It weighs 39 grams.

A lightweight and versatile ascender, the Petzl Basic Multipurpose Ascender is great as a rope climbing device, self-belay on a fixed rope, and anti-slip device for hauling. This is made possible because it has multiple attachment points.

It features a steel cam that is chrome-plated and which has angled teeth with self-cleaning slots. The combination of these two assures you of a secure grip on the rope when it is pulled in a downward direction even in icy, wet, or muddy environment. The area of the cam where the rope glides when in an upward motion, on the other hand, has been refined to assure a smooth glide. This results in less tiring ascent especially when climbing very tall trees.

In order to avoid an accidental opening of the cam and detachment of the ascender from the rope, the locking mechanism or trigger is recessed inside the frame. Notwithstanding this, it can still be opened or closed with one hand.

The Basic Multipurpose Ascender is designed to work with ropes from 8 to 13 mm in diameter. Its frame is constructed of aluminum while the trigger is made of nylon. These lightweight materials allow the ascender to weigh only 135 grams.

This Petzl ascender is designed to be held by both hands. It is perfect for ascending double ropes in trees when using the traditional footlock technique or Petzl’s Pantin foot ascenders. A climber needs only to clamp the Ascentree on the upper part of the rope, raises his knee and wraps the lower end of the rope around his foot to secure a footlock, propels himself upwards with a good kick, and pushes the ascender upwards. It will automatically clamp the rope and lock it when it is weighed down.

The handgrips of the Ascentree are ergonomically molded. This mold assures a secure and strong grip, while at the same time remaining comfortable to the hands. They are also wide enough to accommodate gloved hands so that you can use them even in cold weather.

The toothed cam is completely integrated into the rope clamp. It has been designed, in spite of its tooth, to minimize rope abrasion. Climbing ropes sized from 8 – 13 mm in diameter can be used with the Ascentree. For their easy installation and removal, the cam can be retracted.

There are five holes in the Ascentree, three at the bottom and two at the top. Those at the bottom can be used to connect lanyards. The two at the top can attach to carabiners where a prusik hitch can be tied and act as a back-up belay.

This rope clamp weighs in at less that 14 ounces, and comes in yellow and black grips and silver frame.

Black Diamond nForce Ascenders are said to have a stronger clamping force than conventional ascenders thus providing a better grip even on muddy or icy ropes.

What gives the nForce this slip-free clasp is its four-bar linkage system that directs body weight into the rope. This results in nearly 30 percent greater clamping force than ordinary ascending tools giving you more confidence as you climb.

The stainless steel cams that press on the ropes are spring-loaded and can be operated during ascent by pushing your thumb on a lever. They can also be opened wide for easy rope insertion. When inserting the ropes, a locking mechanism holds the cams open. This same mechanism also locks the cams in the closed position. Is operated via a cam trigger using your index finger.

The slots where the ropes rest are flared. This means that ropes ranging from a diameter of 8 – 13 mm can fit perfectly into the Black Diamond nForce. There are two 360° carabiner clip-in points, one at the top and another at the bottom. This allows full rotation of the carabiners.

The frame is made of anodized aluminum thus ensuring its strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. The ergonomic grip is coated with polyethylene which provides a non-slip grip even with heavy gloves. The wide space in the grip improves manipulating the cam trigger.

Black Diamond nForce ascenders are color-coded –blue for the right hand and gold for the left.

The Ropeman is a lightweight rope ascender designed as a back-up or emergency tool. It weighs only 85 grams, but it has a strength of mbs 3375 lbf. Its strength on rope is rated at 880 lbf.

This ascender consists of shells with a cam sandwiched in between them. This cam is made of aluminum and is machined with ridges looking like the letter “Z”. It is attached to a shaft that also holds the shells. In order to open the Ropeman, one of the shells pivots around this shaft. The Z-shaped teeth clamp the rope when the ascender is engaged. Ideal ropes for this are those sized 10-11 mm UIAA Single Ropes.

A rope is inserted by first swinging the shell open. The cam is pulled with the attached cable, and the rope slid in. After closing the shell, it is secured by a carabiner to which the slings are attached. In order not to accidentally drop the Ropeman if it has to be removed, it is recommended that the other end of the cable attached to the cam should be attached to the carabiner.

A variation of the Ropeman is Ropeman II. The main difference between them is that instead of the Z-teeth cam on the former, the Ropeman II’s cam has conical teeth on a curved surface. Also, instead of aluminum, it is made of stainless steel.

Wild Country Ropeman ascenders can be purchased in blue or yellow, while the Ropeman II is available in gold.

Ascenders are used when climbing featureless rock mountains where it is difficult to find edges, cracks, or pockets to hold on to, or when climbing very tall trees with few strong branches along the way.

The CMI Hardware Ultracender is a good specimen of ascenders. These are usually purchased in pairs, one configured for the left and another for the right hand, although you can buy only one unit for either hand.

The body of Ultracender is made of solid aircraft aluminum that has been machined and extruded. The springs and other operating parts are all in stainless steel.

The cam that presses against the rope is a 4140 chrome-moly steel. This alloy of chromium and molybdenum results in an excellent ratio of strength to weight. It is also far stronger than standard steel. Indeed, it is stronger than most knife blades and files. It is finished with a non-metallic coating that resists corrosion. The conical rope penetrating teeth on the cams minimize abrasion of the rope’s fiber.

A thumb notch is incorporated at the top of the cam to simplify its full retraction. This makes it easier to attach the ascender to climbing ropes from 6 to 16 mm. A molded handgrip provides a comfortable hold, something appreciated especially on long hauls.

The CMI Hardware Ultracender measures 19 x 8 cm, weighs 270 g, and has an MBS of 4,600 lbs.

At only 4.4 ounces, the Ushba Basic Ascender is the lightest ascender in its class. In spite of its weight, or lack of it, it has a 900-pound safe load rating. As such, it can be used to climb ropes, haul bags, or as a self-belay top roping. It slides on the rope smoothly, yet also catches quickly in the event of a drop.

The Ushba Basic’s cam is configured in a way that ropes with diameters ranging from 8 to 12 mm can work well with it. Although it is toothless, the cam maintains a tight grip by clamping the rope tightly even in icy or muddy conditions. This smooth cam does not penetrate your ropes with pointed or sharp edges, thus minimizing damage to them.

Made either of strong aluminum or lightweight titanium, this ascender is strong, lustrous, and corrosion resistant, even to sea water and chlorine. It is also rather compact, measuring three inches high, two inches wide, and three-quarters of an inch wide.

The Unicender is an ascending tool that is specifically designed for arborists. It is made of milled 6061-T6 aluminum. The device vaguely resembles a bicycle chain link with specialized teeth and gears standing on the chains.

This unique device can be used in both the double and single rope techniques both as an ascender and descender. This makes it far safer than using separate ascender and descender devices by eliminating any dangerous change of tools while at the top of the climb. Beginners as well as professionals would definitely appreciate this feature.

In a double rope, it is used as a mechanical split tail taking the place of a friction hitch. For single rope techniques, it used both as an ascender and a descender. The rope is snaked through the specialized gears which apply friction to the climbing line. When descending, a climber simply squeezes the gears. There are two possible configurations for a descent. The Unicender can be arranged in a way that squeezing it allows descent, like a friction hitch; or squeezing means stopping a descent, like a figure 8.

There is only one size for the Unicender but it can accommodate ropes sized 7/16 and ½ inch.