Have Tree Climbing Essentials Changed? What Arborists Actually Need in 2026

Short answer: The core categories of tree climbing gear harness, arborist rope, work positioning lanyard, handsaw, throw line, and hitch system haven't changed. What's changed is the tree climbing equipment within each category. Modern arborists still need the same fundamentals; they're just executed with better, safer, more efficient equipment than a generation ago.

Climbing trees in the arboriculture industry used to be simple: a tree climbing harness, a work positioning lanyard, and an arborist rope. Over time, that gear has evolved dramatically, and most climbing arborists agree it's become safer and more efficient. There's still the occasional argument that fancy gear is unnecessary, that a Blake's hitch is all you really need. That's true, as far as it goes. But modern equipment like mechanical climbing devices and ascenders is now standard in the industry, which raises the real question this post answers: have the essential tools for tree climbing actually changed?

The answer is both yes and no. Here's the breakdown.

The 7 Tree Climbing Essentials (MRS or SRS)

Whether you're climbing on a Moving Rope System (MRS, formerly DdRT) or a Stationary Rope System (SRS, formerly SRT), these seven categories remain the non-negotiable fundamentals of arborist climbing gear.

1. Tree Climbing Harness

Traditional climbing saddles used a small sling-back pad, requiring climbers to tie into both forward D-rings with a Blake's or taut-line hitch, sometimes with a spreader snap. Modern harnesses are built around body ergonomics; they handle the physical demands of climbing while actively helping preserve the climber's body over a career, not just a single job.

2. Tree Climbing Rope

Arborist rope remains essential, and that's unlikely to change. What has changed is material and construction. Three-strand manila rope is gone, replaced by 12-, 16-, 24-, 32-, and 48-strand options built from full polyester, or a polyester cover with a polyamide (nylon) core stronger and more durable than legacy rope.

• 12-strand rope has nearly disappeared from tree climbing applications, yet it remains prevalent in tree removal operations.

• 16-strand rope is now the standard starter-kit choice for large tree care companies, since it holds up well against the abuse of running over natural branch unions.

• 24-strand rope is a superior alternative where 16-strand doesn't fit the job.

3. Work Positioning Lanyard

Traditional lanyards used three-strand rope with a six-coil prusik hitch for length adjustment and positioning. That worked fine until pitch (tree sap/resin) contaminated the rope, creating a safety issue. Wire-core flip lines did not solve the contamination problem, but they excelled in rigidity when it came to flipping up a spar.

Modern lanyards now use approved climbing rope, sewn eyes on each end, a micro pulley, a hitch cord, and two approved climbing carabiners giving climbers far more positioning options. The DMM Nomad lanyard is a widely used premium example of this evolution.

4. Handsaw

A handsaw is non-negotiable gear for any arborist working aloft, whether in a tree or an aerial lift. Before buying one, evaluate blade length, tooth size, and blade material against the type of cutting you do most.

5. Gaffs, Spurs, and Climbing Spikes Removals Only

Gaffs and spurs are essential tools, but only for removals. However, there is an exception: when a section of a tree is marked for removal and the work can be made safer via gaffs, they can be used after accessing the tree without them. This is a strict standard that not all climbers follow. If the tree climber cannot access the crown of the tree without the use of gaffs, that is a clear sign to seek out training and why the use of gaffs is not acceptable on pruning jobs. Spurs can create a false sense of security and encourage lazy positioning habits.

6. Throw Line

The throw line is now a true essential, full stop. Concerns about it slowing down production don't hold up, efficiency should be the priority, and production follows naturally once the skill is dialed in (which takes repetition, not luck). A throw line is used to set access lines, place remote rigging anchor points, and retrieve stuck throw balls or friction savers. It's one of the most underrated tools in an arborist's kit.

7. Hitch Climber Open System

The hitch climber open system has become a core part of modern arborist climbing, gradually replacing closed systems like the Blake's or taut-line hitch. It allows easy “pony tail” (flag pole) redirecting, quick disconnect/reconnect, and a cinching anchor for spar work. The system consists of a hitch cord, two approved arborist carabiners, and a micro pulley. A hitch climber pulley specifically streamlines the connection and removes the risk of cross-loaded carabiners. Closed systems are used less today, but they should still be taught as a foundational skill.

So, Has the Industry Really Changed?

Yes and no. The fundamental categories of gear haven't changed. What's changed is the climbing equipment within each category, built to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety. Without that innovation, arborists would be working with stone-age tools and putting more strain on their bodies than they already do. The same logic applies beyond climbing gear without equipment evolution, crews would still be manually quartering and hauling logs to the truck instead of using mini skids or compact loaders.

Final Thoughts

Most climbers don't actually oppose new gear; what often happens is the gear feels intimidating, so it gets dismissed before it's understood. Carabiners, ascenders, mechanical climbing devices: take the time to read about the device, understand how it works, try it if you can, and then decide whether it earns a spot in your kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blake's hitch still safe to use for tree climbing?

Yes. A Blake's hitch is still a valid, safe hitch for closed-system climbing, and it should still be taught as a foundational skill even though most professionals have shifted to hitch-climber open systems for the added flexibility.

What's the difference between MRS and SRS climbing?

MRS (Moving Rope System, formerly DdRT) and SRS (Stationary Rope System, formerly SRT) are the two main rope-access methods in arborist climbing. The climbing rope travels through the primary anchor point as the climber ascends and descends when utilizing a moving rope system. As for stationary rope systems, the arborists' climbing rope is anchored either at the base of the tree or within the crown of the tree on a branch union; therefore, preventing rope movement.

Do arborists need gaffs or spurs to climb trees?

No, not for routine climbing or pruning. Gaffs should be reserved for tree removals. If a climber can't access a tree's crown without gaffs, that's a sign to seek more training spurs can create a false sense of security and encourage lazy positioning habits.

What rope strand count is best for arborists?

16-strand rope is the current industry standard, especially for company starter kits, because it withstands running over natural branch unions well. 24-strand rope is a solid alternative. 12-strand rope has largely been phased out of climbing but remains prevalent in removal operations.

What is a hitch climber open system?

A hitch climber open system is a modern climbing setup consisting of a hitch cord, two approved arborist carabiners, and a micro pulley. It allows quick disconnect/reconnect, easy redirecting, and a cinching anchor for spar work and a dedicated hitch climber pulley removes the risk of cross-loaded carabiners.