Sometimes mechanical descenders or belay devices can be hard to find.  Although tools such as the Gri Gri and the Madrock family of products are well deserving of their popularity, they’re not always readily available.  I almost always carry some type of a figure 8 device with me when I’m hunting from height.  And, given my favoritism towards one sticking, how and when  it is set up on the rope isn’t always a simple answer.   

When I want to single stick climb and plan on using only a figure 8 for my descent, this is the approach I use:  I will climb the tree using a friction hitch on my climbing rope.  I use a longer piece of accessory cord than normal, and prefer the klemheist over a prussic in this situation. This holds me securely and allows me to safely place myself at hunting height.  Once I am at height, I will take my figure 8 and install it, locking it off, onto my harness or hunting saddle, between the friction hitch and my bridge.  

Once I am ready to rappel down at the end of the hunt, coming down is easy.  Unlocking my figure 8, I leave my friction hitch in place.  I will break the friction hitch and then tend it with my guide hand as I descend the tree.  If something goes sideways on the way down, the friction hitch will grab me and all is safe.  

Here’s a link to a video of me breaking this down step by step.  Hope this helps someone!

Using a Locked Off Figure 8 for Saddle Hunting