Best Tree Climbing Equipment for 2025: What the Pros Use

If you’re a tree surgeon working in 2025, your climbing equipment isn’t just gear — it’s your bread and butter. The right climbing setup can mean faster ascents, smoother movement in the canopy, and most importantly, safer climbs.

This year, a wave of precision-engineered tools is changing how professionals approach rope work. In this guide, we’ll break down the best tree climbing equipment for 2025 — from mechanical devices to essential accessories — all trusted by climbers across the UK.

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🧗 Why It’s Time to Upgrade in 2025

Whether you're climbing daily or just a few days a week, modern gear has come a long way. Today’s climbing tools are lighter, stronger, and far more efficient than even a few years ago. In 2025, it’s all about:

• Faster setup times

• Smooth transitions between ascent and descent

• Better ergonomics and reduced fatigue

• Safer and smarter designs, CE-certified and field-tested

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🔧 1. Rock Exotica Akimbo 2 – Smooth SRT Climbing, Refined

The Rock Exotica Akimbo 2 continues to set the standard for stationary rope (SRT/SRS) climbing. This mechanical rope adjuster allows for mid-line attachment, tool-free friction adjustments, and smooth movement up and down the rope — without needing extra hardware.

✅ Highlights:

• Works with 11.5–13mm ropes

• Compact & fully adjustable

• Excellent for technical canopy work

• Lightweight at just 255g

• CE certified for professional use

💬 “The Akimbo 2 is the first thing I pack — it’s just that versatile.”

🔗 Available at Gustharts – Rock Exotica Akimbo 2

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🦅 2. ART Blackbird – Mechanical Precision for MRS & SRT

The ART Blackbird is a standout newcomer for 2025. Whether you’re climbing DRT (MRS) or SRT, this progress capture device offers excellent control with integrated pulley action and a rope-friendly cam. It’s ideal for redirecting, fine-tuning your position, and descending safely.

✅ Highlights:

• Rope compatibility: 11–12.7mm

• Built-in pulley for smooth running

• Compact, rugged design

• Perfect for redirects and work positioning

• Great with static or semi-static lines

💬 “Blackbird gives you that ‘locked-in’ confidence but without the friction drag.”

🔗 Explore the ART Blackbird on Gustharts

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🎯 3. Courant TUNA Throwbag – Compact Power in Every Throw

A good climb starts from the ground — and the Courant TUNA throwbag makes that first throw count. With a streamlined shape and optimal weight balance, it’s designed for accurate and consistent canopy throws. Paired with a quality throwline, it cuts setup time significantly.

✅ Highlights:

• Available in multiple weights

• Durable, reinforced design

• Compact and easy to handle

• Ideal for tight target areas

• Vibrant colours for visibility

💬 “Best throwbag I’ve used — doesn’t balloon mid-air, flies like a dart.”

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🧵 4. Courant Sushi Throwline – Strong, Smooth, and Tangle-Free

Once your throwbag’s in place, your throwline matters. The Courant Sushi is a high-performance throwline built for low memory and reduced tangling. Lightweight, slick, and easy to feed through even dense canopies, it’s a go-to for climbers who demand reliability.

✅ Highlights:

• Ultra-slick coating for smooth deployment

• Excellent strength-to-diameter ratio

• Packs down easily

• Resistant to memory and twisting

• Built to work seamlessly with the FTC Nate cube

💬 “The Sushi glides through branches like silk — and no knots halfway up!”

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🦺 5. FTC Nate Chest Harness – Secure, Ergonomic Support

For SRT climbers, the FTC Nate Chest Harness offers support and control without compromise. Lightweight and breathable, it’s designed to keep your upper body aligned during ascents and maintain comfort throughout the workday.

✅ Highlights:

• Fully adjustable fit

• Compatible with ascenders like the Akimbo

• Integrated gear loops

• Durable construction with padding where it matters

• CE compliant

💬 “I wear the Nate all day — never digs in, never slips. Total comfort.”

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🔄 Pairing Your System: Build Like a Pro

Here’s how you can integrate this 2025 gear into a full climbing setup:

All components are compatible, CE certified, and suitable for professional UK climbing standards.

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🧠 Quick Tips for Pro-Level Performance

• Keep your throwline clean and dry — store it flat or in a cube to prevent knots

• Label your throwbags by weight for quick identification

• Adjust Akimbo settings to rope conditions — drier ropes often need lower friction

• Use the Nate harness with a foot ascender for longer climbs — total game-changer
  

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🎒 Bonus: Other Items Worth Packing in 2025

• TreeMOTION Essential X Harness – Modular, comfortable, trusted by pros

• Protos Integral Helmet – All-in-one head protection

• Teufelberger drenaLINE Climbing Rope 11.8mm – Reliable SRT line

• ISC Pulley Blocks – For safe, controlled rigging

🛒 Explore the full tree climbing gear range at Gustharts

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✅ Final Thoughts: Invest in Gear That Moves With You

Whether you're a contract climber or in-house arborist, your equipment should give you more freedom, not more hassle. The tools above aren’t just top performers — they’re built for working climbers, tested in real trees, and designed to keep pace with your skill.

If you're building your 2025 kit, start with:

• 🎯 Rock Exotica Akimbo 2

• 🎯 ART Blackbird

• 🎯 Courant TUNA & Sushi

• 🎯 FTC Nate Chest Harness

Trust the gear. Focus on the canopy. Climb smarter.