How to Rig a Backcountry Block and Tackle

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.

[2] Thread the running end through a second carabiner, then through the first.

[3] Pull the end of the rope that goes over the branch until the first carabiner is near the branch. Tie this end of the rope to the tree trunk.

[4] Clip the heavy object to the second carabiner. You may need to fasten a rope around the object.

[5] Haul the load as high as required, using the tree as a block by passing the hauling end of the rope around the trunk. Pad it with a jacket or pack to lessen friction. Last, tie the hauling end of the rope around the tree.