SRS & MRS Climbing

SRS (Stationary Rope System) and MRS (Moving Rope System). What is
all this? We will break it down in this feature. Tie-in Point (TIP)
Let’s start with MRS (Moving Rope System). MRS is the industry Be very sure of your TIP!
nomenclature that now replaces DdRT (Doubled Rope Technique) DdRT If you can’t see it - don’t use it.
was often referred to as “Double Rope” which could be confusing for In SRS, the TIP can be called the
a beginner or someone coming from another high angle workspace, as Primary Suspension Point (PSP). Use
there is only a single rope. binoculars to verify a high TIP. Your
More accurately, this is a rope system that moves with the climber. The TIP must be strong enough to safely
end of the climbing line goes through an overhead anchor and attaches load in all the intended directions.
to the climber. The climber attaches to the other “half” of the rope with
a friction hitch/slack tending pulley or a mechanical hitch like a Zigzag. MRS TIP Considerations
This allows the climber to work position, ascend, and descend, and the
rope moves with the climber. From this we get the more accurate name MRS climbing requires that a TIP be
“Moving Rope System” to describe this setup. isolated, since both legs of rope will
be moving in the system.
Now, let’s go over SRS (Stationary Rope System). SRS replaces the
term SRT (Single Rope Technique) to avoid confusion, as both SRT and Force at TIP = 1 x Climber.
DdRT used a single rope. In SRS the climber ascends and descends on a
fixed rope which does not move. This rope can be anchored at the base
or isolated in the canopy. Hybrid Ropewalker systems use a device like
the Hitch Hiker or Rope Wrench as a chest ascender while ascending and
as a rappel device for descent, and are very popular in SRS. This is a
much more energy efficient way of ascending, and opens up positioning
options in the canopy.
The climbing techniques are unchanged, simply assuming new names:
SRS replaces SRT and MRS replaces DdRT. Both methods have their
benefits and drawbacks depending on the situation and conditions.

Understanding the proper use and limitations of each part of the

climbing system is critical to the safety and efficiency of the climber.
Inspect and evaluate the tree and your gear on every climb. Go “low
and slow” as you learn new gear and climbing systems.
This is not training and is no substitute for the training, knowledge,
and experience needed for climbers to work safely.

Moving Rope System (MRS)

MRS is a traditional method of tree climbing. A single line is used
with the rope doubled back from the Tie-in Point (TIP) to the climber.
The doubling of the rope gives the climber a theoretical mechanical
advantage in ascent, though this is reduced by friction in practice. The
climb line must move freely between the climber and the TIP to allow Rate of Progress
smooth movements of the climber. In MRS systems, the
Ascent with MRS requires moving 2’ of rope for every 1’ of elevation. climber must move 2’ of
The muscles of the upper body do most of the work. Using a foot rope through the system
ascender on the running end of the climb line can be a big help in saving to gain 1’ of elevation.
energy on the climb. Rate of progress = 1:2

Advantages of MRS
One system allows ascent, descent, and work-positioning
Theoretical mechanical advantage
Minimal gear required
Single load on TIP
No anchoring leg of line below to worry about
More familiar systems for many

Disadvantages of MRS
TIP must be isolated
Less efficient ascent
Requires more upper body muscles
Doubled line has less energy absorption than single line
Increased friction in system as line contacts the tree

170 Order online: www.WesSpur.com

 Information
Stationary Rope System (SRS)
The climber moves along a stationary line. The rate of ascent
PSP Considerations and rate of travel on the rope are at a 1:1 ratio, and here is no
SRS climbing requires only a mechanical advantage. Super-efficient ascent and work positioning
single leg of rope to be clear is possible with Hybrid devices.
to climb. There is no need to
isolate the Primary Suspension Advantages of SRS
Point (PSP).
No need to isolate the TIP - only one leg must be clear to climb
If the line is secured below
the PSP, the force on the PSP Much faster, more efficient ascent
will be 2 times the weight of Legs are used more - less upper body strength used
the climber. Basal anchor can be set up to allow lowering / rescue of climber
Force at PSP = 2 x Climber! No increased friction on system from line contact with tree
The line can be locked off Many re-directs are easily possible
on a limb to return to a 1 x
climber force. Natural redirects can be removed after climber exits tree
Less line needed to reach the ground on a spar pole
Traversing and using multiple TIPs are ready options

Disadvantages of SRS
TIP will be double-loaded if basal anchor is used
May require changing hardware to switch from ascent to descent
More knowledge and gear is required
May not be appropriate for the codes of your jurisdiction
Less familiar system for many
Rate of Progress
In SRS systems, the climber
gains 1’ of elevation for every 1’
travelled on the rope.
Rate of progress = 1:1

Basal Anchor Lower-Off

Basal Anchors can be used to lower the climber in
emergency. You may need a line 3 times the height of
the TIP to lower off a climber. The most basic method is
to secure the line to the tree and lower off using trunk
wraps. Lowering devices on an anchor sling at the base
provide the most control, and have the advantage of
easily feeding the climber additional line if needed to
move around the tree. Climber must be tied into the
tree any time the climb line is not fully secured.
It may not be possible to lower off if there is too much
friction from redirects.

Petzl I’D Port-a-Wrap

Order by telephone: (800) 268-2141 171

 SRS Systems & Equipment There
change
must be a way for the climber to
from ascent to descent mid-line
SRS Ascent Systems must grab the line in two places, allowing the without having to tie into the tree. Many
climber to put their weight on one grab while advancing the other. This types of rappel hardware are available.
allows the climber to move upward. A rope grab can be as basic as a foot Hardware used must be compatible with
lock technique or a prusik. Most climbers prefer the ease and efficiency single line descent & the line diameter.
of mechanical ascenders.
The climber must be able to rest on the
Ascenders: These mechanical devices use a cam that allows movement line while installing the descent device. All
along the line in one direction, but holds the line from the opposite ascenders must be completely off the line
direction. The cams must always be engaged or completely disengaged. To before descending. Practice your changeover
remove the ascender, it must be completely unloaded. Ascenders are for and descent methods first!
ascent only! They are not designed for taking a fall or for lateral loading.
Hybrid Devices function both for ascent and
All ascent systems must include a descent system! descent, without the need to switch gear.

Hybrid Devices
Hybrid devices allow ascent and descent without a gear
change.
The Rope Wrench, Hitch Hiker, Unicender, or Rope Runner
can be used for ascent, descent, and work-positioning
in SRS. These devices are the climber’s primary secure
connection to the line. A tether to the hand ascender can
be used to provide a backup secure line attachment for
ascent. To descend or work the line, the climber puts all
their weight on the device, removes the ascenders, and is
ready to descend or work. See pages 82-83.

Working from SRS Throw Weight Redirect

Plan the transfer from the access system to the working system you will use. A long
lanyard that can be used as a short climbing line can be very useful for getting off the
access line and tied into the tree.

Mechanical Advantage in SRS

Mechanical advantage on single line can be
gained in any hybrid system (using the Rope
Wrench, Hitch Hiker, Unicender or even
the RIG/I’D.)
The hand ascender is left on the line
above the intended work level. Just
as in the RADS system, the running
end of the line is routed through
a pulley on the hand ascender.
A wire gate DMM Revolver is
ideal for this use.
With SRS, the line can be re-directed to a new position
Pulling on this tail allows in the tree. The climber lanyards into the tree, pulls up
the climber to ascend and the climbing line, and routes it through the new path. A
descend with a feel much like throw weight on the end of the climb line is a big help.
a standard MRS system. The If it is necessary to position the hybrid
tail of the climb line can be device below or on the other side of the
clipped into the harness to redirect, the device can be detached from
keep it within reach. the harness and clipped into a slip knot
With the Rope Wrench, you on the climb line to keep it in place while
will have to take it off and run pulling the system through the redirect
the only friction hitch while and back to the climber.
in this tripled line mode. Throw Weight Assist
Reinstall the Rope Wrench to Attaching a throw bag to the climb
return to SRS mode. line helps to weight the line and drop it
through the foot ascender. Take the bag
off after climbing up a few steps to have it
on hand for redirects in the tree.

172 Order online: www.WesSpur.com

 Information
Sample SRS Climbing Systems
Frog SRS System Ropewalker with Floating
An ascender designed to be attached to Knee Ascender
the harness is a smooth way to provide a This system is a lot like the
second secure line attachment for ascent. Frog SRS, with a Hybrid device
Some type of shoulder strap is necessary to acting as a chest ascender. The
keep the device in place with the climber key difference is that the hand
as they move up and the foot ascender pulls ascender and foot strap is replaced
the rope down. with a floating knee ascender.
This type of Ropewalker is
incredibly efficient and smooth
on ascent, and transfers easily
to work-positioning by simply
removing foot and knee ascender.

A hybrid device can be used in place of the Croll

in a Frog system.

A second, life-support connection

from climber to climb line is
recommended in most systems.

Texas System Yo-Yo or RADS

The Texas System uses an upper RADS (Rapid Ascent and Descent System) is a hybrid
ascender tethered to the harness system that does not share the direct climbing of the
and a lower ascender connected to rope with other systems. The Climber’s harness is
two foot loops and also tethered secured to the line with a handle-operated rappel
to the harness. The climber “sits”, device, such as the Petzl Rig or I’D. A hand ascender
loading the upper ascender, and with a foot strap and micro pulley is attached
then stands in the foot loops and above the rappel device. The running end of the
advances the upper ascender. line is routed through the pulley and back down,
Slower ascent than a Rope Walker creating mechanical advantage.
style, but some find it easier to The climber sits and raises the hand ascender as
master. high as they can reach to ascend, then, standing in
the foot strap, they pull the running end of the line to
take up the slack and move the Rig or I’D up.
To descend, the climber puts their weight on the
rappel device, then removes the ascender and pulley
from the line, and uses the handle on the Rig or I’D to
control descent.
The Yo-Yo / RADS is very secure, and easy to switch
from ascent to descent, though the rate of climbing
is slower.

Tending SRS Devices

When using a chest ascender or hybrid device in a frog system,
you need a means of holding the device to keep it in place as the
rope is pulled through the bottom of the system.
Chest Box / Harness
A chest box or harness is a simple method for tending a device.
See page 76.
Lanyard Over the Shoulder
A quick way to tend the device is to bring the climbing lanyard
diagonally over the shoulder and attach it to the device. After
ascent, the lanyard can be unclipped from the device.

Order by telephone: (800) 268-2141 173