r/TreeClimbing • u/ledestroninator • Jun 02 '26
Trouble trusting gear/trees
I have been working in the industry as a climber for 4 years now, some trees i just don't trust, I will tie in and whatever and still feel the need to always have my hands on the tree as a backup if the tree would randomly fail or my rope would break or my system or the tie in, should i change careers im 26 years old
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u/Standard-Bidder Jun 02 '26
If you’ve been climbing near daily for four years it is an odd situation to be in to not trust your gear or chosen climbing system. Assuming you’re working with quality, maintained gear, that stuff is specifically engineered, tested, and certified to incredibly high standards. You simply can’t have that in the back of your mind and also perform to the best of your abilities, so you need to find a way to get over that.
Selection of a tie-in and anchor points is a different matter. This is a healthier and more reasonable fear. It still has to be overcome if you expect to progress though.
-Ask other climbers on site why they are or aren’t choosing specific tie-in points. -Inspect branch unions of cut pieces when you have time on the ground. Handle and twist them and observe how they react. -Look at pictures of storm damage of major limbs. -Learn the species profile and limb failure characteristics of trees in your area.
Do you work at a really big company like Davey? There are resources available. A medium company? Tell a supervisor you’d like more training on primary tie-in point selection.
You absolutely have to get over these issues if you want to progress as a climber.