Valdôtain Tresse (VT)
Braided friction hitch tied with a dedicated eye-to-eye cord. Very tendable, adjustable by wrap count.
When to use it
SRT or MRS climbing where you want smooth one-hand tending and quick descent control.
Step 1
Clip both eyes of the hitch cord into your carabiner and hold the cord against the climbing line.
Step by step
Step 1
Clip both eyes of the hitch cord into your carabiner and hold the cord against the climbing line.
Step 2
Take three or four wraps upward around the line with both legs of the cord moving together.
Step 3
Cross the two legs into two or three braids below the wraps.
More wraps = more grab. More braids = smoother release.
Step 4
Bring both eyes back down and clip them into the same carabiner as the ends.
Step 5
Dress the wraps flat, remove all slack from the braids and set the hitch with weight.
Step 6
Function test: load, unload, tend up and slide down twice before committing.
Cautions
- Match cord diameter and construction to the climbing line — a mismatch either slips or locks up.
- A VT can be over-tended; keep a hand ready to grab the line on descent.
- Retire hitch cords early. Any glazing, cut cover or pulled stitching means it is done.
Training aid only. Follow ANSI Z133, your employer's policy and the manufacturer's instructions for every piece of equipment.