The methods described are excellent for specific strength training, the friction hitches phenomonal method for pulling two lengths and going up one (cardio training), SRT ropewalker system if you like additional gear and time rigging (and understand friction control on 1:1 single rope) and friction savers because you like extra rigging / unrigging time and plan to create friction where friction doesn't have to be.
I like the mini-traxion idea, esp as a safe backup to an easier system (cammed pully, highly self-tending).
Tibloc, also handy for backup, single line, not on 13 mm, though.
The excellent methods descibed work for ascending a rope, but are far from the 'easiest'. I am very encouraged that 'air humping' wasn't listed as an 'easy' method.
OsaGE85, it's not a dumb question, it really is one of the first questions. Ascending with ascenders is the easiest, simplest, quickest on/off, straight-forward and secure. If you choose to do the ascent without them, you'll need to try out any number of 'conventional' ways. All are amply difficult and you need to compare one to another, each sort of fitted to the level and style climber you are. There's no 'one' method that levels the playing field. Like anything, you try different stuff and see how it works for you.
I prefer simplicity, almost to the point of cheating. I find zero reason to make ascending a tree any harder than it already is. |