Brains over Brawn
A backcountry block and tackle
By T. Edward Nickens

Maybe you're all alone and need to lift an elk quarter off the ground. Or hoist a food bag beyond the reach of bears. Or hang a deer. Maybe you should know how to rig a backcountry block and tackle, using nothing more than rope or parachute cord and a couple of lightweight rock-climbing carabiners.

(1) Find a tree with a strong, live branch at least 2 feet higher than you want to suspend the load. Throw a rope over the branch. Tie a loop in the rope about 5 feet from the standing end by making an overhand knot and pulling a short section of standing line through. Clip a carabiner to this loop.