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Backing up your repell device ?

Shapeshifter

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2022
Messages
427
Hey guys, I started repelling down this season. I'm using the Madrock Safeguard along with 9mm Canyon elite. I have been seen this a little more lately on you tube , about backing up your repell device. It's got me thinking and I was wondering how many of you resellers out there are backing up your device? Also what are you using to back it up. Autoblock, Prucik or other?
 
I backup both my figure 8 and ATC with a standard prusik below the device as do most...if not the standard prusik, a french prusik is used. People are backing up the madrock and it works but you need to be aware of their safety warning that specifically states not to add a friction hitch or braking device below the safegaurd. I am using the schwabisch above my ATC, but this is so i can rappel as needed similar to the madrock and still using a prusik below.
 
I backup both my figure 8 and ATC with a standard prusik below the device as do most...if not the standard prusik, a french prusik is used. People are backing up the madrock and it works but you need to be aware of their safety warning that specifically states not to add a friction hitch or braking device below the safegaurd. I am using the schwabisch above my ATC, but this is so i can rappel as needed similar to the madrock and still using a prusik below.
Thanks for the info brother. Glad to hear you're backing up and being safe. I'm kinda interested in a hearing how folks running the Madrock are backing it up, since it warns about using a knots or friction hitches below the device. I can't see how any type of hitch above the device would work without having a third hand.
 

Really pretty much any friction hitch will work. Rec climbers tend to use the autoblock knot for this purpose but if you already have a friction hitch on your line, you can set your descender - maybe on a short sling to get a good distance (ex: https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/how-to-extended-rappel ) above it and go from there.
 
Thanks for that in and link you provided. I will definitely check it out.
 
Thanks for the info brother. Glad to hear you're backing up and being safe. I'm kinda interested in a hearing how folks running the Madrock are backing it up, since it warns about using a knots or friction hitches below the device. I can't see how any type of hitch above the device would work without having a third hand.
Its a little tricky but with practice you can do it. Should say im using a grigri+ which is a bit friendlier to using a hitch above the device
 
About an hour before dark I typically just tape my hands with some boxing tape and let er rip. Of course my toeless boots allow for some braking if the rope is slick from rain or ice. If I’m just doing plain repel, I’ll typically light a citronella candle or strike a match if I fart in my old drag squat custom gear saddle device (not climbing rated).
 
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