Rope-style Tree Strap Review

First Thoughts on the Rope-style Tree Strap

The Rope-style Tree Strap – seemingly simple, yet potentially a critical piece of gear for hunters, climbers, and anyone needing a reliable and adjustable tether in the wilderness. This offering, costing only $20.99, promises ease of use and quick adjustment, a combination I’ve often found lacking in other similar systems. The Rope-style Tree Strap aims to solve the problem of quick, secure, and adjustable attachment to trees, a need I encounter frequently during my hunting trips.

During my years spent in the field, setting up treestands or securing gear, I’ve battled with cumbersome chains, noisy ratchet straps, and unreliable ropes. I’m always on the lookout for simpler and lighter solutions. This strap’s description immediately caught my attention due to the promise of fast adjustment via the Prussic knot.

Upon receiving the Rope-style Tree Strap, I was immediately struck by its lightweight design. The build quality appeared solid, with a robust-looking rope and a smooth-operating locking carabiner. It felt substantial, certainly capable of handling the stresses it would likely endure.

I previously used a cam-buckle strap system and a basic chain with S-hooks. The chain was heavy and noisy, while the cam-buckle system, while secure, lacked the fine-tuned adjustability I often needed. I chose the Rope-style Tree Strap hoping for a better balance between weight, security, and adjustability.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to test its claims of fast adjustment and ease of use in the field. The initial feel of the rope and carabiner suggested quality, but the real test would come with real-world application.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rope-style Tree Strap to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Rope-style Tree Strap during a scouting trip in the rugged hills of Pennsylvania, specifically targeting potential treestand locations for the upcoming deer season. The environment presented a mix of dry, dusty conditions and damp, shaded areas near creek beds. My primary goal was to quickly and securely attach a trail camera to various trees, simulating treestand setup scenarios.

The Rope-style Tree Strap proved remarkably easy to use right out of the package. The Prussic knot slid smoothly along the rope, allowing for rapid adjustments to the loop size. Securing the carabiner to the camera mount was straightforward, and the entire process took only a few seconds.

After several adjustments, I noted a slight fraying of the rope where the Prussic knot repeatedly contacted it. This did raise a slight concern, though it didn’t seem to compromise the overall integrity. The ease of adjustment and lightweight nature of the Rope-style Tree Strap were immediately apparent and appreciated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous use, the Rope-style Tree Strap has become a permanent fixture in my scouting and hunting pack. It has held up remarkably well to the elements, enduring rain, mud, and temperature fluctuations. The initial fraying of the rope near the Prussic knot has stabilized, showing no signs of further degradation.

I’ve used the Rope-style Tree Strap to hang trail cameras, secure gear to trees while setting up camp, and even as a makeshift clothesline. The carabiner’s locking mechanism continues to operate smoothly, providing a secure connection. The rope itself remains strong and flexible.

Compared to my previous experiences with chains and cam-buckle straps, the Rope-style Tree Strap offers a superior balance of weight, adjustability, and ease of use. The quick adjustment via the Prussic knot is a game-changer, allowing for precise placement of equipment. While long-term wear is still a consideration, the initial performance has been exceptionally positive. Maintenance has been simple, primarily involving wiping off dirt and debris.

Breaking Down the Features of Rope-style Tree Strap

Specifications

The Rope-style Tree Strap features a simple, yet effective design. The strap is 8 feet in length, providing ample reach for securing to a variety of tree sizes. It utilizes a Prussic knot for easy and rapid adjustment.

The system is completed with a locking carabiner for secure attachment. The RSTS ROPE-STYLE designation confirms its primary construction material and design. The specifications are simple, yet critical for its intended use, focusing on length, adjustability, and secure attachment. These specifications matter because they directly impact the user’s ability to quickly and reliably secure the strap to a tree.

Performance & Functionality

The Rope-style Tree Strap performs its intended job exceptionally well. Its primary function is to provide a secure and adjustable anchor point around a tree. The Prussic knot allows for fine-tuned adjustments, a significant advantage over fixed-length straps or chains.

The primary strength of the Rope-style Tree Strap is its ease of use and speed of adjustment. A potential weakness is the long-term durability of the rope at the Prussic knot contact point. So far, the Rope-style Tree Strap meets my expectations, providing a lightweight, secure, and adjustable solution for tree attachment.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Rope-style Tree Strap is minimalist and functional. The materials used are robust, providing a sense of security. The weight is minimal, making it easy to carry in a pack.

The Rope-style Tree Strap is exceptionally user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. Even someone unfamiliar with Prussic knots can quickly grasp the adjustment mechanism. The locking carabiner is easy to operate, even with gloved hands.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Rope-style Tree Strap is an ongoing assessment. The rope appears to be high quality and abrasion resistant. However, repeated use of the Prussic knot will inevitably lead to some wear.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. Periodic inspection of the rope for signs of wear and tear is recommended. If the rope begins to show significant signs of damage, replacement is advisable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rope-style Tree Strap comes with the rope and locking carabiner as a complete unit. There are limited customization options for the Rope-style Tree Strap itself. The most relevant “accessory” would be a replacement carabiner, should the original become damaged or worn.

The universal design of the carabiner allows it to be easily swapped with other brands. This makes the Rope-style Tree Strap compatible with a wide range of gear, such as treestand mounts, camera arms, and other accessories that utilize carabiner attachments.

Pros and Cons of Rope-style Tree Strap