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Hanging from belay device?

always89y

always89y

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For all of the SRT, DRT guys, or anyone who just prefers to rappel down, is anyone hanging from their belay device? Seems like a good cost effective way vs a lifeguard. Other than having to be careful of slack, are there any downsides to this method? Also about half the weight of a lifeguard, if that your thing. Could add another biner to the outside loop for an even tighter lock, but would have to switch biner connections before rappel.
 

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i hang from my lifegaurd but never have tried the device u have

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I have 1 rope, kong triangle, and a safeguard as a tether, gear haul, and rappel system.


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I have one of those but since i use the blakes hitch on my rope i just rappel with that no extra hardware to make any noises or faffing, I have just kept things as simple as possible and I like this,regards wayne
 
Nothing wrong with hanging from your ATC or figure 8. However, if you plan on hanging from an ATC or figure 8 for any length of time (i.e., not just pausing on the way down to remove a stick, I suggest employing a mule hitch to lock off your descender. Think it'll give you better results than an friction hitch (in this case, we'll use the term "autoblock") for two reasons:

1. A properly engaged autoblock essentially renders our bridge ineffective as far as being able to slide through the carabiner when rotating side-to-side. It is a second contact point that holds the bridge in place so that movement is limited. This may increase the difficulty of shots behind you. In your case, you'll find it limiting when rotating to your right.

2. An autoblock may actually be loosened/released if bumped or while attempting to rotate on your bridge. The likelihood of accidental release depends on factors like where the autoblock connection point is located on your saddle (where you attach your carabiner), length of cordage used for your autoblock, type of friction hitch used, and if your saddle has periphery items that may come in contact with the autoblock when rotating (buckles, loops, lineman belts, bags, carabiners, etc.).
 
I've got a Skylotec Lory Pro. It attaches to the tether in the place of your rope grab device. And you can just rapel down when your done.


The Lory Pro has a couple of nice features:

It acts like a rope grab.

It can decend rope.

It is a progress capture, so you can easily accend rope.

It can attach mid rope.

It has an anti panic handle -meaning if you get scared or screw up it locks up.

It automatically locks into the locked off position. So that you don't have to lock off when you want to go hands free.

It can be used horizontal in the Lineman's belt configuration.
 
Tony said:
I've got a Skylotec Lory Pro. It attaches to the tether in the place of your rope grab device. And you can just rapel down when your done.


The Lory Pro has a couple of nice features:

It acts like a rope grab.

It can decend rope.

It is a progress capture, so you can easily accend rope.

It can attach mid rope.

It has an anti panic handle -meaning if you get scared or screw up it locks up.

It automatically locks into the locked off position. So that you don't have to lock off when you want to go hands free.

It can be used horizontal in the Lineman's belt configuration.
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The Lory Pro looks awesome! A bit pricey and heavy though. The purpose of this thread was just to discuss the pictured setup as an cost effective alternative. A side benefit is it's much easier and smoother than my Madrock Lifeguard. But, I might have to get my mits on a LoryPro to fondle it a bit!
 
always89y said:
The Lory Pro looks awesome! A bit pricey and heavy though. The purpose of this thread was just to discuss the pictured setup as a cost effective alternative. A side benefit is it's much easier and smoother than my Madrock Lifeguard. But, I might have to get my mitts on a LoryPro to fondle it a bit!
Click to expand...
Is you MR LG the one with OUT The spring? I am just curious. Thanks
 
I sold all three of my ropeman1's and incorporated the Swabisch hitch for all my ropes...tether, bridge and LB. It is also on my rappel rope that I thrown on the tree once on hunting height and switch over to that...the Swabisch also has a panic grab...as soon as you let go it grabs and holds. I did have the safeguard and the petzl rig...sold all my mechanical devices as I was bringing more things in the woods with saddle hunting. Now I bring my saddle, two saddle bags...bridge, LB, tether and one webbing to assist going around tree branches, and one doyle hoist.
 
Check out Post #37 on this thread...

Rappelling after hunt

I also figured out how to tie off the atc so I can actually use that like a ropeman at hunting height and don't need anything else. @mbucks27 Would you please post a picture of how you "tie off your ATC"? Assume this is more than just an autoblock on your hip. I'd like to do this as well.
saddlehunter.com

Shows you how the ATC guide should be hooked up... you won't be on the autoblock until you get ready to rappel.
Yes you have to switch carabiners when you are ready to rappel but you are hooked up the whole time so it seems very safe to me.
This is the method I will be using this year.
 
Newhunter1 said:
I sold all three of my ropeman1's and incorporated the Swabisch hitch for all my ropes...tether, bridge and LB. It is also on my rappel rope that I thrown on the tree once on hunting height and switch over to that...the Swabisch also has a panic grab...as soon as you let go it grabs and holds. I did have the safeguard and the petzl rig...sold all my mechanical devices as I was bringing more things in the woods with saddle hunting. Now I bring my saddle, two saddle bags...bridge, LB, tether and one webbing to assist going around tree branches, and one doyle hoist.
Click to expand...
So, are you using the Swabisch with a long line (doubled over the branch/trunk)?
 
Newhunter1 said:
Yes and sometimes girth hitched to the tree on a branch and around the trunk or just around the trunk.
Click to expand...
I like this idea. Im a little worried about "soft on soft" friction. Have you run into any problems with wear? Im assuming your rappel is pretty slow to avoid that.
 
No problems whatsoever. I'm super slow...I basically walk backwards down the tree. I'm about 20-30 feet up a tree and the distance does not do anything. Plus I have rope that is heat resistant on both the main line and the friction.
 
Maybe, I'm not understanding, but are you suggesting to use your ATC as your attachment to your tether while you're hunting at height? If this is accurate, you are just relying on the friction of the rope against the ATC and carabiners to hold you in place. The way you show it in your pic, you are effectively already in "rappelling mode" . If you slipped, you'd be relying on your prusik below it to actually stop you from sliding all the way down the rope. I see this a potentially serious problem if you were trying to get around the tree for a shot. IF you shifted your weight wrong, you could easily overcome the friction and start sliding down your tether until your prusik caught. If you are relying on the autoblock feature, my understanding is that this isn't really what it was designed for. The autoblock is designed to be used when belaying a climber, and it's really a failsafe, should your attention wander or something else cause you to let go of the rope. I don't believe it's intended to be relied upon exclusively. Plus, if you are moving around, you'd be weighting and unweighting your tether slightly, which could cause the autoblock to disengage. My apologies if I'm misunderstanding what you are suggesting.
 
ffastfzr said:
Maybe, I'm not understanding, but are you suggesting to use your ATC as your attachment to your tether while you're hunting at height? If this is accurate, you are just relying on the friction of the rope against the ATC and carabiners to hold you in place. The way you show it in your pic, you are effectively already in "rappelling mode" . If you slipped, you'd be relying on your prusik below it to actually stop you from sliding all the way down the rope. I see this a potentially serious problem if you were trying to get around the tree for a shot. IF you shifted your weight wrong, you could easily overcome the friction and start sliding down your tether until your prusik caught. If you are relying on the autoblock feature, my understanding is that this isn't really what it was designed for. The autoblock is designed to be used when belaying a climber, and it's really a failsafe, should your attention wander or something else cause you to let go of the rope. I don't believe it's intended to be relied upon exclusively. Plus, if you are moving around, you'd be weighting and unweighting your tether slightly, which could cause the autoblock to disengage. My apologies if I'm misunderstanding what you are suggesting.
Click to expand...
No sir, your right on the money. Thanks for the input. I agree that slack in the line is where this will be problematic.
 
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