RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON

Professional Slings for Tree Climbing & Rigging

Webbing Slings

Flat nylon or polyester webbing sewn into continuous loops or with sewn eyes. The most common type of sling for climbing, rigging, and anchor building.

Key Features:

• Flat webbing construction (typically 1" wide)
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Available in various lengths (2'-48"+ common)
• Sewn loops or continuous construction
• Color-coded by length for easy identification
• Lightweight and compact
• Ideal for anchor building and extending protection

Common Types:

• Sewn Runners: Continuous loop of webbing, various lengths
• Shoulder-Length Slings: 24" (60cm), most versatile length
• Double-Length Slings: 48" (120cm) for extended reach
• Daisy Chains: Multiple loops for adjustable length

Rope Slings

Loops of rope, either sewn or tied, used for anchoring, rigging, and creating attachment points. More durable than webbing in abrasive environments.

Key Features:

• Durable rope construction
• Better abrasion resistance than webbing
• Can be tied or professionally sewn
• Various diameters and lengths
• Good for rough surfaces and edges
• Ideal for tree rigging and anchoring

Prusik Loops

Small diameter cord loops used to create friction hitches on climbing ropes. Essential for backup systems, ascending, and rope grab applications.

Key Features:

• Small diameter cord (typically 5mm-8mm)
• Pre-sewn or tied loops
• Creates friction hitches on climbing ropes
• Essential for backup systems
• Used for ascending and descending
• Various cord materials (nylon, polyester, technora)

Common Uses:

• Backup friction hitches for rappelling
• Ascending systems
• Progress capture in hauling systems
• Rope grabs and safety backups

Tree Slings & Anchor Straps

Wide webbing or rope slings specifically designed for wrapping around trees to create anchor points while protecting the tree's cambium layer.

Key Features:

• Wide webbing distributes load and protects bark
• Various lengths for different tree sizes
• High strength ratings for rigging loads
• Durable materials resist abrasion
• Sewn eyes or continuous loops
• Protects tree cambium from damage

Whoopie Slings

Adjustable rope slings using a bury splice technique that allows length adjustment. Popular in arborist work for creating adjustable anchor points.

Key Features:

• Adjustable length without knots
• Lightweight and compact
• Easy to adjust in the field
• High-strength construction
• Popular for arborist anchoring
• Various adjustment ranges

Rigging Slings

Heavy-duty slings designed for rigging and lifting operations, often with higher working load limits than climbing slings.

Key Features:

• Heavy-duty construction
• Higher working load limits
• Designed for rigging and lifting
• Various configurations (endless, eye-and-eye)
• Color-coded by capacity
• Meet rigging standards

Key Considerations

• Application: Climbing, rigging, anchoring, or rescue
• Material: Webbing for light weight, rope for abrasion resistance
• Length: Based on intended use and anchor configurations
• Strength Rating: Ensure adequate for your loads and safety factors
• Width: Wider slings distribute load better and protect trees
• Adjustability: Fixed length vs. adjustable (whoopie slings, daisy chains)
• Environment: Abrasive surfaces may require rope slings
• Certifications: Ensure meets applicable standards for your use

Sling Length Guide

• 12" (30cm): Short extensions, gear organization
• 24" (60cm): Most versatile, standard shoulder-length
• 48" (120cm): Extended reach, wrapping large anchors
• 72"+ (180cm+): Tree anchors, large diameter wrapping
• Adjustable: Whoopie slings for variable length needs

Safety Guidelines

• Proper Loading: Load slings along their length, avoid cross-loading
• Strength Reduction: Knots reduce sling strength by 30-50%
• Edge Protection: Use padding over sharp edges to prevent cutting
• Inspect Before Use: Check for cuts, abrasion, or damage
• Correct Configuration: Use appropriate hitches and configurations for your application
• Avoid Shock Loading: Apply loads gradually
• Working Load Limits: Never exceed rated capacity
• Proper Storage: Store away from UV, chemicals, and sharp objects

Critical Safety Warnings

• Sharp Edges: Webbing can be cut easily by sharp edges - use edge protection
• Knot Strength Loss: Tying knots in slings significantly reduces strength
• Tri-Loading: Loading slings in three directions dramatically reduces strength
• UV Damage: Extended UV exposure weakens synthetic materials
• Chemical Exposure: Acids and solvents can severely weaken slings
• Age Limits: Retire slings according to manufacturer recommendations

Common Sling Configurations

• Basket Hitch: Sling wraps around anchor, both ends clipped together. Doubles strength
• Girth Hitch: Sling wraps around anchor, one end passes through the other. Convenient but reduces strength
• Choker Hitch: Similar to girth hitch but tightens under load. Good for irregular shapes
• Direct Connection: Single strand connection. Simplest but lowest strength configuration
• Equalizing: Multiple slings connected to distribute load across multiple anchors

Inspection Guidelines

• Before Each Use: Visual and tactile inspection of entire sling
• Webbing/Rope: Check for cuts, abrasion, fraying, or damage
• Stitching: Inspect all stitched areas for damage or separation
• Discoloration: Look for UV damage, chemical stains, or heat damage
• Stiffness: Slings should remain flexible; stiff areas indicate damage
• Labels: Verify identification and rating labels are legible
• Overall Condition: Any doubt about integrity requires retirement

Retirement Criteria - Retire Sling If:

• Cuts, tears, or damage to webbing or rope
• Severe abrasion or fuzzing of fibers
• Stitching is damaged, broken, or separating
• Discoloration from UV, chemicals, or heat
• Sling has been shock loaded or overloaded
• Stiff or hard spots in material
• Chemical contamination or exposure
• Age exceeds manufacturer recommendations (typically 10 years)
• History is unknown or undocumented
• Any doubt exists about sling integrity

Care & Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly
• Drying: Air dry completely away from direct heat and sunlight
• Storage: Store in cool, dry location away from UV and chemicals
• Avoid Contamination: Keep away from acids, solvents, and corrosive materials
• Proper Use: Use only for intended purposes and within rated capacities
• Documentation: Maintain records for professional applications
• Organization: Store organized to prevent tangling and damage

What's the difference between webbing slings and rope slings?

Webbing slings are flat nylon or polyester straps that are lightweight and compact but can be cut easily by sharp edges. Rope slings are more durable and abrasion-resistant, making them better for rough surfaces and tree work. Webbing is preferred for climbing and anchor building where weight matters. Rope is better for rigging and applications with abrasive contact.

How much does a girth hitch reduce sling strength?

A girth hitch (also called a cow hitch or lark's foot) reduces sling strength by approximately 50% compared to a basket configuration. Despite this reduction, girth hitches are commonly used because they're convenient and the reduced strength is still adequate for most applications when properly sized slings are used.

Can I tie knots in my slings?

While you can tie knots in slings, it significantly reduces their strength (30-50% reduction depending on the knot). Sewn slings are stronger and more reliable than tied slings. If you must tie knots, use appropriate knots (water knot for webbing, double fisherman's for cord) and account for the strength reduction in your safety calculations.

What length sling should I buy?

For climbing and general use, 24" (60cm) shoulder-length slings are most versatile. Have a few 48" (120cm) double-length slings for extended reach and wrapping larger anchors. For tree work, longer slings (72"+) may be needed to wrap around large diameter trees. Many climbers carry a variety of lengths for different situations.

How long do slings last?

Lifespan depends on usage and care. With light recreational use and proper storage, slings can last 5-7 years. Professional daily use may require replacement within 1-3 years. Maximum shelf life is typically 10 years from manufacture. Always inspect before use and retire damaged slings immediately. UV exposure, abrasion, and chemical contact accelerate aging.

Professional Slings from US Rigging

US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience serving arborists, climbers, riggers, and rescue professionals, we offer professional-grade slings in various materials, lengths, and configurations for tree climbing, rigging, rescue, and industrial applications.

Our sling collection includes webbing slings, rope slings, prusik loops, tree slings and anchor straps, whoopie slings, and rigging slings from trusted manufacturers. Whether you need lightweight webbing slings for climbing anchors, durable rope slings for tree rigging, prusik loops for friction hitches, or heavy-duty rigging slings for lifting operations, we have the versatile equipment and expertise to meet your anchoring and rigging needs.

Browse our sling selection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade slings that provide reliable, versatile connections for demanding applications.