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A little demonstration of the effectiveness of the 'old fashioned' tree climbing style, using an extra length tail on a bowline (equally as good if you use a figure of 8 loop) to form a Prussik knot. Very little gear needs to be carried for this type of climbing.
Contrary to what is written in most rock and caving books, the Prussik is a VERY effective controlled descender as well as ascender. It does not need to be tied with extremely small diameter shoelace sized cord when you use a doubled over rope as each side holds half of the body weight.
If you want to tinker try using a separate prussik loop, as shown in the pics at the end, and you can try adjusting the length of the tail or loop to suit your arm length.
Tree climing ropes are now usually of double braid constuction, they have a tiny bit of elasticity in them and handle and knot very well compared to a rigid static rope. Usually used as a 12mm rope and 8 or 9mm prussik loop. In the UK try A&F Warehouse, ATSwebshop, Buxtons or Honey Brothers for supplies.

If you think that using one line to create a friction hitch for ascending and descending looks like climbing heresy and that it will all end in nasty squashy death-
Please remember that probably millions of man hours have been spent at work using this system between the 1940's to the 1990's. A large proportion of tree surgeons still use a prussik knot made from a separate loop. It's a great system in the right circumstances.

If you want to try it, take it steady won't you :)