Tree_wrangler
Apr 26, 2009, 8:48 PM
Views: 5600
Registered: Feb 8, 2007
Posts: 403
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If you're talking about using the prussik as an ascender, that will work fine. Consider tieing in short on the line every so often.
If you're talking about leading on the prussik, while free-climbing through the branches, that too, is acceptable in trees, although you need to have 2 in the system, as one wouldn't be that safe.
When in trees, and "leading", be a little wary of self-belay devices meant for rock, and of using really stretchy dynamic ropes meant for rock. These systems are meant to handle great force, and they handle that force by slowing falls over longer distances. Due to the high forces found on rocks, prussiks are usually not recommended, as they can fail as a belay system at extremely high force.
Using a rope intended for tree climbing with prussiks will result in a quicker arrest, which is not a terrible thing if you're falling through branches. The short lead falls encountered in tree climbing, provided you clip in to a sling around the bole or branch every 3-5', are perfectly safe using a tree rope with a little less stretch and prussik self-belay. In fact, it's just about the only approved method for industrial tree climbers.
If you're using them as ascenders, you might just buy a set of ascenders.
If you're still using a line-man's belt, you should consider getting a real tree-harness, aka saddle. They're totally cushy.
(This post was edited by Tree_wrangler on Apr 26, 2009, 8:49 PM)
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