The Figure 8?

Really basic question:
The Rescue 8--a useful tool for self rescue? Worth carrying aloft everytime?
I just received one and was surprised how large and heavy it is...not sure just what I expected.
Thanks,
Randy

I used to own one at the the start of my climbing career. I gave it away and now I do not even carry one. It is up to you to have one but it depends how high your trees are, how fast you want to descend from the tree, etc. Some people use them others do not even own one. I mostly use split tails to climb DdRT so they work to get me off the tree.
I own a Grigri that I use for SRT climbs but I do not carry it with me every time I go up in the tree. Moss will chime in with more inside from his prespective and experiences.

Thanks.
Well, it's red so I could use it for a Christmas Tree ornament:unsure:

I used to carry a lightweight F8 as a back up for high SRT climbs in case I dropped my Grigri. Don't carry it anymore. There's always the Muenter Hitch to use instead.

They are more commonly used by arborist climbers who footlock a doubled rope for tree access. The F8 is what gets you back down on that system.

The biggest complaint about them is they put twist into the rope.

You might find some use for it as a light rigging belay when you're taking down a branch that's a little too heavy to handle otherwise.
-moss

Ok. Might return it and get a steel one for rigging light stuff then.
Thanks.

I use mine for SRT and trad. I think it somewhat saves the friction hitch on longer descents while climbing traditionally. I am not sure that it does that much good, but I like to \"play\" with gear, so I have one.

To answer the original question- no. I don't think the Fig 8 is worth carrying aloft for the potential self rescue. When I hear \"rescue\" I hear \"I'm probably never going to need this...but just in case...\"

To use a Fig 8, you need a carabiner. Leave the 8 and use a munter. All you need is the 'biner! See a reference to rec tree climbing and this hitch here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munter_hitch

The only aspect the 8 beats the munter is that the rope twists a LITTLE less that the Munter. If I was concerned about twist, I'd carry a Rack.

love
nick

IMO for rec climbing there are too many better options.

I carry a figure 8 with me when working in trees. When in pines or other trees with a main spar I like to choke my climbing line via 'biner or simple bowline to the spar then run the single line through my figure 8. This is my secondary safety. If I ever need to get out of a tree quick, like for bees, I can un hitch my primary safety (steel core flip line) and drop quick. It also comes in handy some times for self rigging static loads or light limb drops.

I'm only a novice tree climber, but I've been a rope rescue technician for many years. I guess I did things backwards, but my first experiences with tree climbing were SRT-type. (I think that's right - Someone correct me if I'm wrong) I tie an anchor at ground level, climb using ascenders and then switch over to decender to come down. At least that's how I did it. There's definately more to think about, more gear to haul, handle(and drop),and unless you use a prussik loop as a self belay, I think there is a greater safety risk for a novice using an 8.

I use a rescue 8 all the time, because that's what I'm familiar with. I'm learning different methods now, so I can see why some people either love 8s or hate them. I carry mine because it can be used as a rappel device, belay/lowering device, and a rigging plate.

As for the weight. My Kong 8 (alum.)weighs only a couple of ounces. I do have a stainless steel piece that is QUITE HEAVY - but it's rated at over 11,000 lbf!

IMO, use what you are comfortable with, but it never hurts to learn alternative methods - I am.