Elevate Your Work Positioning Lanyard: The DMM Nomad+

DMM Wales has introduced its latest development in tree climbing equipment: the Nomad+ Work Positioning Lanyard. Designed for professionals who require reliable movement, secure carabiners, and robust strength, the Nomad+ offers more than standard lanyards; it serves as an advanced positioning system that integrates DMM’s engineering expertise, ergonomic design, and practical adaptability. Suitable for navigating complex tree canopies or establishing anchors during rescue operations, the Nomad+ provides controlled, accurate performance and reflects the high standards associated with DMM products.

What is a work position lanyard?

A work positioning lanyard is a fundamental component in any tree climbing kit. It enables the climber to maintain a secure and stable position while working aloft, which facilitates the use of both hands for tasks such as cutting, rigging, or utilizing pole pruners, particularly when using pole pruners or pole saws within the tree crown. Unlike the primary climbing rope system that gives us the ability to ascend, descend, and move laterally, the lanyard is specifically designed for micro-positioning, ensuring a stable stance and proper alignment of the center of gravity for precise and efficient work. Additionally, in many situations, the lanyard serves as an effective mini secondary climbing system.

Work position lanyard styles differ significantly based on tree climbing technique, individual preference, and job requirements. A fundamental option is a rope lanyard with a prusik hitch, a traditional design that allows manual adjustment by sliding the hitch along the rope. While this system is cost-effective, it can be difficult to adjust when the rope becomes coated with pitch. Recent advances in climbing equipment have introduced mechanical rope grabs such as the Petzl Zillon, A.R.T. Positioner, or Notch’s Glide rope grab. These devices replace the prusik and provide users with one-handed adjustment and smoother control, which is advantageous for repositioning or paying out slack under load. Mechanical rope grabs are also effective in coniferous trees, making it somewhat easier to adjust slack and keep the system clean.

Lanyard length and rope construction are important considerations in the industry. Shorter lanyards, such as those around 10 or 12 feet, tend to reduce clutter, minimize weight, and are easier to restow with less risk of snagging on branches. Lanyards measuring 16 feet or more may be necessary for large removals where additional length is required to encompass the entire spar, or if the work positioning lanyard is intended to serve as a mini tree climbing system due to the spread of the tree’s crown.

Today’s high-end systems, like the DMM Nomad (+), merge traditional friction-hitch control with modern engineering. They integrate components such as DMM’s Triple Attachment Pulley v2, also known as the Hitch Climber Pulley or TAP 2, high-quality ropes, and interchangeable connectors to create a dynamic tool that adapts to a variety of climbing techniques, whether a stationary rope system (SRS/SRT) or a moving rope system (MRS). 

Enter: DMM Nomad (+)

DMM’s Nomad (+) premium lanyards are the latest addition to their tree care tool lineup. The components include:

• Rope diameter options of 11.8mm and 12.8mm; 24-strand count, with a polyester cover and polyamide core.

• Each rope diameter is available in four colors for identification: 12.8mm Lemon Yellow, 12.8mm Lime Green, 11.8mm Mango Orange, and 11.8mm Blueberry Blue.

• Lengths offered are 3m, 4m, 5m, 7m, 15m, and 20m.

• The Fidus 8.5mm eye-to-eye hitch cord and the Fidus 6.5mm Thimble Loop are constructed entirely of polyester.

• Matching hardware is provided to coordinate with each rope color.

• Additional components include the Ultra O, TAP 2 (Triple Attachment Pulley v2), and Director Yoke Locksafe.
  
  

Specifications

• Designed for single-person use with a maximum load of 330 lbs.

• Permits two-person use, limited to rescue situations only, with a maximum load of 660 lbs.

• Complies with EN795:2012 Type B and PD CEN TS 16415:2013 Type B standards; approved for two users exclusively in a doubled configuration (DMM NOMAD +).

• Certified for specific hitch configurations using the same length Fidus 8.5mm hitch cord:

• Distel 5+1

• Schwabisch 5+1

• VT 5+2

• If any of these hitches slip more than 5cm while loaded, the climber must inspect and reconfigure, or retire. 

• A Double Overhand stopper knot must be tied at the non-working end of the Nomad (+), regardless of whether a sewn eye is present.

• The Fidus eye-to-eye must attach to the bottom hole of the TAP 2. 

• The NOMAD + is distributed as a certified assembly including Director Yoke, Ulta O (or AmericanO), Nomad Rope, and the TAP 2 pulley. To maintain certification, original components or matching certified replacements must be used. If components or hitch configurations are substituted with other tree climbing gear, a functions test is required, and certification no longer applies.
  
  

My Thoughts

The DMM Nomad+ is a thoughtfully designed, top-tier work-positioning assembly built for real movement in the crown of the tree. I have used both the 12.8mm and 11.8mm, and I must say I enjoy the lightness of the 11.8mm Mango Orange variant. I did not care for the Distel nor the Schwabisch and changed it to the VT 5+2, it provided a smoother tend and release for my climbing style. You would think the sit back of the VT would be annoying, especially in tight spots, but because of the hitch length and the 5+2 configuration, it’s a dream! When I read it was two-person rated, I immediately opened the instructions and began reading; my interest was piqued! For a two-person load (rescue); the Nomad + is placed over the appropriate anchor point, or double wrapped over the anchor, and set like a friction saver with the DMM Ultra O and the Director Yoke carabiner acting as anchor rings. A moving rope system is then passed through both carabiners, or an appropriate termination for a stationary rope system can be attached to both as well; a carabiner-to-carabiner connection will be deemed incorrect. Finish it off with an Alpine Butterfly behind the Triple Attachment Pulley, and it must be within 10cm of that pulley. I will not lie to you; I didn’t even cross my mind to utilize a lanyard this way. This lanyard is the way to go!