Tree Climbing Techniques

Climbing trees isn't just for kids. Aside from the thrill of resting high on a limb, you might want to brush up on your climbing skills for survival techniques. As a hiker or camper, you can evade some wild animals or other dangers by seeking shelter in a tree. Start practicing by using a few tree-climbing techniques for beginners.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Rubber-soled shoes Rope Helmet
Rubber-soled shoes
Rope
Helmet

Step 1

Determine the best way to climb the tree. If you're climbing a cabbage palm with dead fronds spanning the length of the trunk, you can climb up the tree like a ladder. If the trunk is smooth, try the following techniques instead.

Step 2

Look for low limbs and use your arms to pull yourself up onto higher and higher limbs. If the tree has high roots, use them as steps to jump up to grab a limb.

Step 3

Wrap your arms around the tree and jump up like a frog. Anchor your feet on either side of the trunk, and continue to jump upward.

Step 4

Grab the tree on either side with your hands, and place your feet on the trunk in front of you. Attempt to walk up the tree, and continue to move your feet and arms upward.

Step 5

Wrap your arms and legs around the trunk of the tree. This maneuver will only work on a skinny trunk. Reach above your head with your hands, and continue to pull yourself up. Grip the trunk with your thighs, and use them as traction to push yourself up farther. Imagine that you are trying to climb a firefighter's pole.

Step 6

Take a rope and throw it over a limb. Create a large slip knot on one end, and sit inside of it. Loop the other end of the rope inside of it, and secure your grip as you pull yourself up. Be careful not to lose your grip. If you are skilled at creating a rope harness, loop the end of the rope through it and pull yourself up.

Tips & Warnings

Start with a small tree to get the hang of the best technique that works for you. Always wear a helmet in case of a sudden fall.

Start with a small tree to get the hang of the best technique that works for you.

Always wear a helmet in case of a sudden fall.

Climbing trees can be dangerous and result in injury. Using a rope to climb a tree can cause fraying and could break the rope, resulting in injury.

Climbing trees can be dangerous and result in injury.

Using a rope to climb a tree can cause fraying and could break the rope, resulting in injury.

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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