Which fastening method would you use to create a temporary anchor on a tree or irregular surface?

• A. A single fixed carabiner around the trunk.
• B. A lightweight knot around the tree.
• C. A self-tailing ratchet strap.
• D. A broad, redundant anchor method such as a double anchor with slings and carabiners, ensuring load distribution and redundancy.

Answer: (D)

Temporary anchors on trees or irregular surfaces must distribute the load and provide redundancy, because a single point can fail or fail to protect the surface. The best approach is a broad, redundant anchor formed with slings and carabiners that encircles the tree or attaches to multiple contact points, creating two or more independent load paths. This minimizes the risk of failure if one element slips, breaks, or shifts, and it reduces concentrated load on any one area while also protecting the tree. A single fixed carabiner around the trunk concentrates force and can slip or crush bark; a simple knot around the tree lacks predictable strength and can loosen under load; a self-tailing ratchet strap isn’t designed for life-safety anchors and doesn’t offer redundancy or proper load distribution. The broad, redundant double anchor with slings and carabiners provides distributed load and backup paths, making it the safest choice for a temporary anchor on an uneven surface.