Foot and Knee Ascenders with Jared

Brandon:
We’re here with Jared Abrojena, and today we’re talking about foot ascenders and knee ascenders.

A lot of climbers may not know how these tools work or what advantages they offer. Jared mainly climbs on an SRS (Stationary Rope System) now, but he’s also spent plenty of time on MRS (Moving Rope Systems).

Jared, can you explain why something as simple as a foot ascender is such a smart investment—whether someone is just starting out with a Blake’s Hitch or already using more advanced systems?

Jared:
Absolutely. A foot ascender is one of the best tools in our industry, yet it’s often overlooked. Whether you’re just starting or you’re an advanced climber, it’s something you’ll eventually need in your kit—especially if you want to grow your skills.

Think about it: if you’re climbing on an MRS system, you’re constantly pulling yourself up with your arms and upper body. That takes a huge toll. But our legs are the largest muscle group we have. Why not use them?

A foot ascender can take 50% or more of the workload off your upper body, saving that energy for the actual production and cutting work. And when you add in a knee ascender, you’re engaging both legs instead of one, making the climb even more efficient.

The great thing is that foot ascenders work with any climbing system—from a Blake’s Hitch or split-tail setup, to eye & eye prusiks, all the way up to modern SRS systems. If you’re planning to advance as a climber, you’re going to need one eventually. There’s a wide variety of options on the market, and most of them do the job well. It just comes down to research and finding the model that fits your style best.

Brandon:
So how much quicker would you say someone can climb with a foot ascender compared to a body thrust? Would you say two or three times faster?

Jared:
Easily twice as fast. But honestly, it’s not just about speed—it’s about energy savings.

I’ve trained a lot of new climbers, and just putting them on a foot ascender instantly changes their world. They can climb longer, with less fatigue, and focus more on learning skills in the canopy instead of just getting up the rope. And once you add the knee ascender, it changes the game even more.

No matter where you’re at in your climbing career—beginner or advanced—having a foot ascender and knee ascender in your kit is a must.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Foot ascenders allow you to use your legs instead of just your arms, reducing fatigue.

• Adding a knee ascender makes climbing even more efficient and ergonomic.

• Works with any climbing system—from Blake’s Hitch to SRS setups.

• Expect at least 2x faster ascents and significant energy savings.

• Essential gear for climbers at every stage of their career.