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1.) bluecat - 01/05/2015
This is the final of a three part series involving things that hang.
We've covered the bow holder, the deer pulley and now the hunter.


Swampy posted this a couple weeks ago and I needed time to digest the info.
[url]http://www.bluugnome.com/cyn_how-to/gear/purcell-prusik/purcell-prusik-tether.aspx[/url]


What we have is a tether that provides some shock absorption.




This is my safety tether in the fully extended position (not retracted). The instructions say that the tether should be connected to the user at the single strand end otherwise the user would grab the knot in the event of a fall causing the prussic knot to be forced down eliminating any shock absorption. Hope that wasn't too confusing. They have a pretty good illustration of what I'm talking about. Swampy if I am wrong correct me.

Alex insisted on being in the picture.
2.) bluecat - 01/05/2015
Swampy what is the length of your safety tether in the fully extended or retracted position? The tether illustrated is too thick and doesn't bite real well. I need a smaller diameter.
3.) Swamp Fox - 01/05/2015
I'd say 32 or 34 inches fully extended, since I was modeling it on something else that I know (or recall) is that length.

If you're unhappy with that idea, I think I was supposed to get back to you with another but I'm not sure I did.


What diameter is that?
4.) Swamp Fox - 01/05/2015
Oh, and by the way...My local REI (or at least the one I can get to most easily) has wussed out on their climbing shop sometime in the last six months or so. You wouldn't believe how they scaled it down and wimped it up. You used to be able to get all sorts of cordage and strappage and webbage and bungieage there---cut to length!---and browse though a ton of hardware and gizmos. Not any more. I guess they think they can sell more pink fleece vests and expensive socks to celery-and-carrot-eating women---and with less liability---if they eliminate about the only reason I ever go in there.

I don't know if they've all gone in that direction or I'm just lucky.
5.) bluecat - 01/05/2015
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;28249]I'd say 32 or 34 inches fully extended, since I was modeling it on something else that I know (or recall) is that length.

If you're unhappy with that idea, I think I was supposed to get back to you with another but I'm not sure I did.


What diameter is that?[/QUOTE]

No, I like the idea, just want to get it right. I will measure the diameter tonight to see what it is.
6.) bluecat - 01/05/2015
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;28251]Oh, and by the way...My local REI (or at least the one I can get to most easily) has wussed out on their climbing shop sometime in the last six months or so. You wouldn't believe how they scaled it down and wimped it up. You used to be able to get all sorts or cordage and strappage and webbage and bungieage there---cut to length!---and browse though a ton of hardware and gizmos. Not any more. I guess they think they can sell more pink fleece vests and expensive socks to celery-and-carrot-eating women---and with less liability---if they eliminate about the only reason I ever go in there.

I don't know if they've all gone in that direction or I'm just lucky.[/QUOTE]

Damn celery eaters! LOL!
7.) Swamp Fox - 01/05/2015
If 34 inches seems too short, I can measure. That's off the top of my head but now I'm thinking it might be a little longer.

In the real world for what we're doing, I can't imagine you need much more than 34 inches plus one carabiner, though, unless you have a chest like a bear or really like your tree strap way up high.

But let me know.
8.) bluecat - 01/06/2015



Swampy is this what your setup looks like in the fully retracted position? (fyi, the picture shows the harness facing toward you). If you fall, the prussic slides up and away from you I believe. I think I followed everything correctly.

The whole tether is way too short on account of the diameter being way too thick (5/16"). Need to find some slimmer rope.
9.) Swamp Fox - 01/06/2015
With that pic, I'm reminded why you might need a longer tether than I do. Because your attachment point on your harness is lower than mine. I'm now going to estimate that 38 inches fully extended would be all that I could possibly use with my set-up. If you want to take that as a starting point for yourself, you may, but realize that 1) my harness likely accomodates a shorter tether than yours (fully extended) and 2). I'm more likely to put my tree strap attachment point at chest or shoulder level than way above my head. Everything else being equal, I might always use a shorter tether than you. You also might be bigger in the torso and wear heavier/bulkier clothes, and both of those things would call for a lengthened tether.

Where are you attaching your treestrap relative to your chest while standing, facing the tree? How high up? Lower would reduce the length required for your anchor tether build, and as long as you minimize slack it's not the same safety hazard than a low treestrap is when working with the non-adjustable behind-the-head tether of a typical four-point harness.

Here are some rope sources. 5/16 is 8mm so I'm surprised you find it too thick but what do I know. Start out with more next time? Or I think it's the first link that offers smaller sizes.

[url]http://shop.blackjackmountainoutfitters.com/BlueWater-Ropes-7mm-DYNAMIC-PRUSIK-CORD-by-the-Foot-500700.htm[/url]


[url]http://www.rescuedirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=8016&Category_Code=ROPEACC[/url]


Also, if you see another rope you like (the above are specifically "prusik cord") but it's only offered in bulk, let me know what it is and I'll consider getting the bulk rope and sending you only what you need. I have to buy some new rope anyway and if what you want is the same as what I can use, we're in business. :tu:
10.) Swamp Fox - 01/06/2015
And, by the way, the way you have your tether attached is correct. Nicely dressed knots, too. :wink

A lot of times my knots look like a grenade went off, LOL.
11.) bluecat - 01/06/2015
I'm a newbie so 5/16th may be fine. The knots aren't as tight as I would like.

I found that attaching the tether (to tree) to just above the height of the mid section and below man boobs while sitting offers the least amount of resistance (stuff getting in the way) if I choose to shoot, swing or stand up.
12.) bluecat - 01/06/2015
The attachment point on the harness is even with the belt. Aren't they all like that?
13.) Deerminator - 01/06/2015
how's I do?
14.) Swamp Fox - 01/06/2015
Some sit above the belt. Kinda like a handle.





Have you tried standing in the sling to cinch the prusik down? I don't know what rope you're using and I'm not a brand/type expert anyway, but some cordage is grippier and some is slippier.
15.) Deerminator - 01/06/2015
Looks like some kind of marital aid device
16.) Swamp Fox - 01/06/2015
You can use it however you like. That's the beauty of it. If attaching to a ceiling beam in your house, it might be wise to use two anchor points, and check for termites.

Don't ask me how I know.
17.) bluecat - 01/06/2015
[QUOTE=Deerminator;28305]Looks like some kind of marital aid device[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;28306]You can use it however you like. That's the beauty of it. If attaching to a ceiling beam in your house, it might be wise to use two anchor points, and check for termites.

Don't ask me how I know.[/QUOTE]

:-):-)
18.) bluecat - 01/06/2015
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;28304]Some sit above the belt. Kinda like a handle.





Have you tried standing in the sling to cinch the prusik down? I don't know what rope you're using and I'm not a brand/type expert anyway, but some cordage is grippier and some is slippier.[/QUOTE]

Gotcha. In regards to the tether, if you put it too high on the tree then it is either over your shoulder or under your armpit to get it there right? That's why I try to keep it about boob height.

Do you have a dedicated rope that is always attached to the tree and when you climb up you just clip on?
19.) bluecat - 01/06/2015
[QUOTE=Deerminator;28303]how's I do?[/QUOTE]

Guilty as charged. You shall be hanged by the neck until you cheer up.
20.) Swamp Fox - 01/07/2015
[QUOTE=bluecat;28311]Gotcha. In regards to the tether, if you put it too high on the tree then it is either over your shoulder or under your armpit to get it there right? That's why I try to keep it about boob height.

Do you have a dedicated rope that is always attached to the tree and when you climb up you just clip on?[/QUOTE]

I run it under my string arm. It rides up towards the armpit but not in a restrictive way.

And yes. I don't use many "lifelines" that run all the way up the tree (too many stands for that to be really practical) but I try to set up all my hang-on stands from the very beginning of the season with a treestrap that I can clip my anchor tether into just before climbing onto the platform, or before exiting the stand.

I use nylon loop runners girth-hitched around the tree just above the seat. Most trees around here will require two loop runners girth-hitched to one another to accomplish this. My most common combinations are the 36-inch purple with the 30-inch yellow, and the 48-inch red with the 30-inch yellow.

New to the supplier where I get my gear are a 60-inch orange and a 26-inch blue. I will be adding some of each this year so I can better customize to each particular tree. Sometimes my combos above are a bit too long or a bit too short (I'm heavy on 48-inchers and too light on 36-inchers, presently, so I don't always have the ideal combo available to me.)

Here's what I use:

[url]http://www.sherrilltree.com/Nylon-Loop-Runners#.VKyc5el0yRI[/url]
21.) bluecat - 01/07/2015
Okay, I think I'm understanding what you do now. Thanks.


Is color a consideration? I've noticed some pretty bright colors. Does it really matter?
22.) Swamp Fox - 01/07/2015
The only thing about bright colors is you can find a pretty well-hidden stand more easily from a distance, LOL.

Purple and blue would mitigate that, and purple and yellow is next best. Red and yellow is a beacon combination, LOL.

Arborists/tree guys use bright colors for ropes and slings etc. for a variety of reasons. I've looked for runners in more subdued colors but other than a green in a material or size that I didn't want (I don't remember the situation, exactly) I've not found much over the years.

The deer don't care what color your straps and ropes are. :-) And colors differentiate the sizes, which helps.
23.) Swamp Fox - 01/07/2015
I mentioned this in the original thread where we talked about my harness, but I'll go over it again in case it seemed buried in the thread or people don't know the thread in the first place.

The loop runner (or two connected loop runners) is girth-hitched around the tree at treestand seat height. Before climbing into or exiting the stand, I connect one carabiner that is on my anchor tether (the one connected to my harness) to the loop runner and swing aboard/overboard. Put your loop runners together so there is minimal slack but you have enough to maneuver in that particular tree.

If climbing into the stand, I then attach my treestrap to the tree at approx. chest or shoulder height while standing. During this process I am obviously still connected to the tree via the loop runner. Once I have the treestrap around the tree, I use a second carabiner on my anchor tether to hook into the treestrap (now I am connected twice). I can then remove the first carabiner from the loop runner (now I am connected to the tree at one point, the tree strap) and get ready to hunt.

Reverse the process to climb down. With two carabiners, a loop runner and a tree strap, you can be connected to the tree through the whole process of climbing aboard, setting up, and then climbing out.

Can you use your loop runner as a treestrap, thus eliminating one piece of gear? Yes, in a pinch, but I still prefer to carry a separate treestrap with a prusik length adjustment. A girth-hitched loop runner used as a tree strap is a little too floppy and won't stay in place on most trees. Maybe somebody knows a hitch to solve that problem (if you do, let me know) but Lone Wolf's tree tether is light, non-bulky and will work on any tree you are likely to put a stand in.
24.) bluecat - 01/07/2015
Someday you and your cats will make a video out in your yard (using that tree next to the still and rusty swingset) to illustrate all your maneuvering. :grin:
25.) Swamp Fox - 01/07/2015
I should get the cat I call Tarzan to help (full name "Little Miss Tarzan" if I could ever catch her and take her to the vet).

I saw her go up a skinny tree about 35 feet and then out on a skinnier limb when she was maybe 6 mos. or a year old...To chase a bird. Got down like a champ, too, but I was a little nervous for her, LOL.

Crazy cats...:tap:
26.) Deerminator - 01/07/2015
DID SOMEBODY SAY TARZAN.........
27.) Swamp Fox - 01/07/2015
LOL...


It's good thing I didn't say "cow"...


Oops, I just did. :-)
28.) bluecat - 01/12/2015
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;28295]With that pic, I'm reminded why you might need a longer tether than I do. Because your attachment point on your harness is lower than mine. I'm now going to estimate that 38 inches fully extended would be all that I could possibly use with my set-up. If you want to take that as a starting point for yourself, you may, but realize that 1) my harness likely accomodates a shorter tether than yours (fully extended) and 2). I'm more likely to put my tree strap attachment point at chest or shoulder level than way above my head. Everything else being equal, I might always use a shorter tether than you. You also might be bigger in the torso and wear heavier/bulkier clothes, and both of those things would call for a lengthened tether.

Where are you attaching your treestrap relative to your chest while standing, facing the tree? How high up? Lower would reduce the length required for your anchor tether build, and as long as you minimize slack it's not the same safety hazard than a low treestrap is when working with the non-adjustable behind-the-head tether of a typical four-point harness.

Here are some rope sources. 5/16 is 8mm so I'm surprised you find it too thick but what do I know. Start out with more next time? Or I think it's the first link that offers smaller sizes.

[url]http://shop.blackjackmountainoutfitters.com/BlueWater-Ropes-7mm-DYNAMIC-PRUSIK-CORD-by-the-Foot-500700.htm[/url]


[url]http://www.rescuedirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=8016&Category_Code=ROPEACC[/url]


Also, if you see another rope you like (the above are specifically "prusik cord") but it's only offered in bulk, let me know what it is and I'll consider getting the bulk rope and sending you only what you need. I have to buy some new rope anyway and if what you want is the same as what I can use, we're in business. :tu:[/QUOTE]

I might be interested. I measured the rope that created the prussic knot and it was not quite 12'. I'm going to need a longer piece to make a correct safety tether, so if you are going to order in bulk I might want to buy some off of you. I would go with whatever you use to make your safety tether. We can PM each other if you are really considering doing this.
29.) Deerminator - 01/12/2015
: What day do cows dread?






































A: [B[SIZE=7]MOO-nday [/SIZE][/B]
30.) Swamp Fox - 01/12/2015
Bluecat, did you go to the two links in my last post? They sell prusik cord by the foot and it's only 50-60 cents per.

If that's not suitable---and I don't know why it wouldn't be--I'll be happy to share what I buy in bulk, but it's not likely to be specifically designed as prusik cordage. More climbing rope for lifelines, implements of siege and torture , etc.
31.) bluecat - 01/12/2015
I did but didn't catch the /foot stuff. I'll spend some time there. Thanks.
32.) bluecat - 08/07/2015
[QUOTE=bluecat;28244]This is the final of a three part series involving things that hang.
We've covered the bow holder, the deer pulley and now the hunter.


Swampy posted this a couple weeks ago and I needed time to digest the info.
[url]http://www.bluugnome.com/cyn_how-to/gear/purcell-prusik/purcell-prusik-tether.aspx[/url]


What we have is a tether that provides some shock absorption.




This is my safety tether in the fully extended position (not retracted). The instructions say that the tether should be connected to the user at the single strand end otherwise the user would grab the knot in the event of a fall causing the prussic knot to be forced down eliminating any shock absorption. Hope that wasn't too confusing. They have a pretty good illustration of what I'm talking about. Swampy if I am wrong correct me.

Alex insisted on being in the picture.[/QUOTE]

Swampy is this what you are calling a 3 wrap prussic - so 6 wraps total?
33.) Swamp Fox - 08/07/2015
Kinda...I'll say it a different way: A 3-wrap is three wraps of the loop around the main line, so when finished it looks like 6 rings around (3 wraps x 2 sides of the loop = 6 rings around).

If you use a 2-wrap you use up a little less rope and your knot is obviously a little smaller. Looks like four rings around.

Either one is safe. As far as I can tell, equally safe. The difference is not in strength or safety but in performance. The two will be slightly easier to adjust while climbing or while in the stand, and the three will lock down tighter and with less-forgiving "slip" when shock-loaded. It will therefore be a little harder to loosen to begin your recovery.
34.) bluecat - 08/09/2015
Yep I understand. Thanks. I'll get back to you on this.
35.) Swamp Fox - 08/09/2015
Prolly will have a few tethers tied and ready for your consideration by Monday. :tu:
36.) bluecat - 08/10/2015
I measured the tether I used in the picture and it is only about 7' long so the 9' one would be perfect. I agree that the thinner or more flexible they are would change it up a bit. The one pictured isn't very flexible.
37.) Swamp Fox - 08/10/2015
Okay. Knuckleheads didn't cut my rope to length the way I instructed (just found that out when I finally opened the box Saturday) so I'm waiting to hear if they are sending more rope to make it right or what.

I tied the 12-foot hank of 7mm, though, and felt like it didn't do as well as my 6 mm's, which is what I'll make the 9- and 11-footers out of. The 6 and the 7mm have the same Kn rating, which is notable.

I have some old treestands that used to use the ol' Chinese rope for attachment (I forget the real name for that style of rope, the kind where it is looped on both ends and you tighten or loosen with a tag end running through a sleeve in the middle) and I'm using my spare/rejected Purcells on those whose ropes have gone on to the 1980's Treestand Hall of Fame in the sky.
38.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2015
Bluecat, I'm hoping the new rope cut correctly is at the PO Box today, so I might get a chance to tie some tethers tonight or in the next few days. Shoot me your address in a PM.
39.) Swamp Fox - 08/18/2015
Okay, a bit of trivia: Looks like using the 6mm cord I'm working with, you give up two inches in finished length of your loop when you use a 3-wrap vs. a 2 on the same-length cord.

I think I will send you a tied 9-ft 3-wrap and a tied 11-ft. 2-wrap which finish out to be about 8-inches different fully retracted. A quick rough measurement fully extended has me coming up with 33 in. vs. 47 inches.

This is all based on me semi-finishing the knots. They're dressed but not stomped down tight, so you can play with them before finalizing.

So...You can take a wrap out of the 9-ft. *3* to gain some length or add a wrap to the 11-ft. *2* to lose some. I think you're going to like the 9-ft. best, but now you can play with some options. You can send me back the one you don't want and I'll put it to good use here, or you can keep it as a spare.

I'll probably get these in the mail on Thursday. I'm tempted to order some more while my mind is on this project-- maybe to include some 10-footers---so if you need something, let me know.
40.) bluecat - 08/18/2015
Sounds good. I would like to see the cord. If I like it, I might have you get some more for general purposes. Thanks for doing this. The 9ft sounds good. I'm sure it will be fine.
41.) Swamp Fox - 08/31/2015
I came across some cordage in a subdued color that you can buy in small quantities recently. That's not an easy combination to uncover.

I haven't tried it and it is a little bigger than what I've been using (7m vs. 6 mm). Also, less expensive (excluding shipping) than what I've been using, which concerns me a little. The only way to tell if it's any good is to try it. I can definitely see using it for some other things. So I might buy some and try a Purcell on the side "in my spare time" and report back.


[url]http://www.rei.com/product/830949/pmi-7mm-accessory-cord-package-of-30-ft#tab-specs[/url]
42.) bluecat - 08/31/2015
Great, I'll wear that with my desert storm BDU's and Khaki top. I'll have to change out my boot laces though to provide a little accent. :wink
43.) Swamp Fox - 08/31/2015
I think you're gonna like the Tar Heel Baby Blue and the Neon Orange tethers I sent you, but since you asked previously about subdued colors, I thought I'd throw that out there. :wink

If I had to guess what the differences are gonna be, I'd say the REI rope is heavier per foot than the CMC for the same diameter (pretty sure about that) and it may not be as nice to work with...but it is priced nice.
44.) bluecat - 08/31/2015
I had to chuckle when I read kiloNewtons as a measure of strength. That's pretty strong I bet. :wave:
45.) Swamp Fox - 08/31/2015
Hey, it's REI...The people who bring you pink fleece jackets and lycra cross-fit workout tights...LOL...