Tree climbing is definitely a different kind of beast, so to speak. Everytime beginner tree climbers are looking up at a tree they want to conquer, they almost always get asked one type of question—a question about their ‘starter kit.’ Basically, this starter kit contains ropes, gadgets, and gear that they need if they want to climb high up in the air and see the surrounding area of the canopy.

But before you get started, you need to decide on one thing—which technique you’re going to use. Aside from the starter kit, there are more basics to climbing that you need to review.

1|Harness

These harnesses have different features; the ones with features made for climbing trees are the ones you need to find. You’ll know them by a configuration that lets you sit in the air when you’re tired from all that climbing. This is called ‘work positioning’ and, when put side-by-side with harness used to climb mountains, they will look different.

2|Flipline: Polestrap

These are used in tandem with a climbing rope, and they work hand-in-hand with your climbing spur. It’s an important gear to have as it balances you while you climb, and it keeps you in position should you decide to rest. It also acts as a support for your harness when you’re stationary high up in the air.

3|Flipline: Lanyard adjuster

Sometimes, your lanyard can come as a complete set, but in most cases, the lanyard adjuster may be sold separately. The lanyard adjuster is used to create length and more maneuverability for your flipline or lanyard. It is also an integral part of your gear so you can keep your work positioning better.

4|Climbing Rope

There are different kinds of ropes for every type of climb. When you’re climbing a tree, you need to get a tree-climbing rope. These are set separately from rock-climbing rope and it is not advisable to use the ropes for rock-climbing when tree climbing, as they are very different.

5|Carabiners

These usually come auto-locking and they are made of a metal alloy or completely of steel. However, some tree climbers will advise you to use alloy for climbing, and separate steel use for when you need rigging. These are good for creating secure bridges that allow you to connect your harness to the other ropes and gears you use for tree climbing.

6|Spurs or Spikes

These are always used on the foot of your shoes; they allow you to use footholds when they are none, and you usually make them dig into the trunk of the tree to keep yourself in position. When used with your harness and flipline, they may also make you walk vertically on the side of the tree.

Many beginners make the mistake of trying to climb a tree without actually studying how to do it. They think it’s just one foot over the other; that’s not even the basics of tree climbing. Knowing the basics is actually the first step because it lays the foundation for climbing safely.

The basics of tree climbing has similarities with other kinds of climbing—that is, mountaineering and hiking. If you really are interested in climbing your first tree, you should prepare your gear. More importantly, you should prepare yourself.

The Proper Footwear

Tree climbing is a completely different hobby than mountain climbing or hiking. Just as the actions are different, the terrain is also vastly diverse. You should invest in footwear that will grip well on the grooves and cracks of a tree. You can invest in rubber shoes that have grooved soles, or any footwear that fits firmly on your feet and has good grip.

Learn to Tie a Rope

Ropes are used in tree climbing. As it is a mostly vertical surface, you’ll have to learn to tie ropes along the way to keep yourself upright and secure. You can either:

• Tie a double rope where you drape one on a branch. The main thing that holds you secure and in place is called a ‘Blake’s hitch.’ This also allows you to pause while climbing.
• Use a single rope. This is for climbers who are focused on making their climbing skills better. This puts more pressure on your legs, so remember to always do a leg day in the gym if you plan to climb using a single rope.

Know Your Trees

When climbing a tree, you should also know your plant basics. There are branches that you can step on, but there are also branches that won’t support your weight. Then again, there are trees with rotten branches. Knowing the difference between a dark-colored branch and a branch that’s dark-colored because it’s rotten will save you a trip to the hospital.

You Can’t Stay Up Forever

Some climbers begin to develop cat-like symptoms where they fall in love with the height they enjoy while climbing up a tree. This is not advisable; when you climb, you should plan how to go down even as you plot out your route up the tree. By doing this, you’ll save yourself the hassle of trying to navigate going down after all the effort you’ve spent just going up the tree.

Start as a Beginner

Most beginners also fall under the spell of trying to look like advanced climbers. True climbers will always respect their levels; if you’re a beginner, then act like one. You don’t have to impress others by trying to look like you’re advanced when you’re not. Doing that will also make you more prone to accidents than when you accept and acknowledge that you’re a beginner.

It’s something you may have done all those years ago when you were young. At least once in their life, everyone remembers how it was like to climb a tree or at least try to climb one. The adrenaline rush you get when you’re several feet up in the air, looking down on your friends or family, is priceless. Of course, if you have a morbid fear of heights, then it unfortunately isn’t for you.

Climbing a tree isn’t something that someone just randomly picks up to do. You either have the guts to go for it and master it or you simply don’t have that. Climbing trees take dedication—at least, when you want to do it for a living or have the passion for it.

Climbing for a living

There are people who seriously consider climbing for a living; these people are those who cut trees at a high altitude so that they still manage to grow. However, there are those who would rather instruct people on climbing trees and the proper way to do that.

Climbing for all ages

Just like mountaineering, there is no specific age set for when someone wants to pursue tree-climbing as a passion. You can be as young as 15 and conquer trees as old as 150. You can probably be as old as 70 and be considered spry enough to make it up a tree that has at least 10 rings.

Climbing to cultivate

Trees are also plants, and because of that, they need to be taken care of. Some people aren’t just built for the office; some of them find work as an arborist. Aside from the bonus of working outside—kind of like field work—they also manage to take care of trees from making life difficult for the people below.

Climbing for recreation

Arborists aren’t the only people to climb trees. There are also recreational climbers or people who do it as a sort of hobby. This is where the tree climbing scene provides work for passionate people; people sign up to learn how to climb up the proper way, and teachers are needed to teach them how.

Climbing the proper way

If you want to learn how to climb, you need to go to a qualified school to learn the proper way to climb. Be wary of climbing schools, though; there are those that look legitimate enough, but turn out to be rogue schools. If you want to learn the proper techniques, look for certification and the proper documents that makes the school legal.

Climbing to get away

Tree-climbing doesn’t have to have a reason to do; you might have one, but it necessarily isn’t needed. The most common reason is to escape the doldrums of everyday life, even if only for a while. If you’re at home with nature, consider getting that feel of nature by climbing a tree.