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Descending one stick method

Rappelling is a blast. Dealing with 40’ of 9mm rope once down isn’t much fun. I really want to give it another shot. Maybe with 8mm instead of 9. It really is a big difference.
 
I thought it was silly and unnecessary at first, until I realized all I needed to do it was a longer piece of rope, an ATC, and an extra carabiner...then I wanted to try it, just because. I had originally made my own tether with 10mm climbing rope and 8mm accessory cord, so I bought 35' of the same climbing rope to use as my new tether/rappel line. I use (essentially) the same method as the one shown in the linked YouTube video by JCline in post #17 above.

When I am ready to come down, I perform the following:
- Send bow to ground with 35' paracord
- Hook other end of 35' paracord to rappel line knot with wire gate carabiner
- Stand up straight on stick/platform
- Throw lineman belt around tree, hook in, tighten up
- Slide tether/rappel line prusik knot down to lineman loop height
- Disconnect carabiner from bridge and connect into lineman loop
- Pull spare carabiner & ATC out of dump pouch
- Push rope down thru ATC, hook carabiner thru rope & ATC
- Attach ATC/carabiner to bridge, adjust/tighten accordingly
- Rappel down using prusik on lineman loop as brake
- Grab stick/platform on the way down
- Once on the ground, disconnect bow from 35' paracord and move it out of the way
- Use 35' paracord to pull rope down out of the tree

It sounds complicated if you have never done it before, but it really is super simple. Once you do it 3 or 4 times, it becomes second nature.
 
I go through phases where I’ll one stick for a weeks, then use 4 sticks, then back, I’m just all over the place with climbing. I always just one stick back down, I don’t find it too big of an issue. Now, if you’re gonna one stick back down, a short bridge is almost necessary in my opinion. For some reason a long bridge really seems to get in the way. Just my 2 cents.

But yes, I do wanna try rappelling, I even have a local firefighter that will help me to make sure I don’t end up swinging by a foot somehow haha


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I've said this before and will repeat it: if you're only rappelling and not using SRT, an ATC and autoblock are much cheaper and work as well or better.
That is what I was going to say. However, if you have the money it would probably be best to get the automatic transmission.
 
I don't think I ever considered one sticking down. Even when I'm using 3 sticks I keep the extra rope so I can rapel down for an emergency mid hunt **** if needed.
 
Have ATC and 2 hollowblocks.

Now have Safe Guard.

Kicking myself for thinking I'd save money using the ATC & hollowblocks. They're hassle and management complications.

The Safe Guard is straight up ascender like a Ropeman + Rappel controller, in 1 device... never have to switch ropes, and manages stops without having to perfect the right prussik/kleimheist knot to fully hold you to undo your platform on the way down.

Just skip the steps, get the Safe Guard. Spend your saved money on a doyles hoist.
 
Oplux, figure 8, and paracord to pull the rope down once back on the ground.

I run a weird figure 8 system, where you have your carabiner clipped into the big figure 8 hole and use the small hole as a lever to descend. If I keep it loaded with weight, it's easy street. It isnt the absolute safest method, but I have used it 70ish times without trouble.
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Like all the others said. If you’re going to 1-stick. Go ahead and purchase :

Madrock safeguard
Beal jammy
Petzl screw link
40’ of oplux
Doyle’s hoist to pull down rope from tree

@DanO at Eastern Outdoors can hook you up. ( Doublesteps.com)

This is 40 foot of oplux. Takes up no room

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Lol so what would be the best gear or my necessary pieces I would need to rappel down?
I see there have been several replies to address the question. But I will give you my opinion since I offered help and you asked.

1. You need rope. What rope depends on what device you plan to use to rappel and whether you want to stay with in manufacture recommendations for rope size for said device. I use a rope and device that are not in spec but I have never had a problem. And I don't anticipate I will.

2. A device to rappel on, there are several. Cost and rope size will be your determining factors. There are ATCs, Figure 8's, Levered Descenders/Ascenders (Madrock Safeguard and Petzel Grigi).

3. I recommend a friction hitch as an auto block. Some rappel methods it's almost a must, others it would be optional but wise.

Those are the 3 must. An option is a quick link for the the end of your rappel line. I use a carabiner but people will warn against that. I am not saying they are not correct in their warnings. I'm just smart enough to make my own decisions and understand what side loading a carabiner means and we aren't doing that in our applications when rappelling.

So I would get an 8mm rope. Personally I prefer the Samson Ultra Tech @DanO sells. 8mm packs much better than even 9mm. With 8mm you then have to decide if you want a rappel device designed for 8mm rope. If you do, you are looking at finding a Grivel Master Mono which they don't make anymore or a figure 8 device. If you don't care to be in spec then the door opens. I use a safeguard, the rope I used is not in spec with it but I have never had an issue. You have to make that decision though. Next is your friction hitch. Just buy a 35cm Beal Jammy. It will work with whatever rope you go with and you are set. Quick-link/carabiner are optional but highly recommended. Anymore questions just ask.
 
I’ve never tried rappelling down and I have used one stick for a couple years now. I doubt I ever try it either but am not against it. I don’t really have any trouble going down with one stick and seem to be faster than going up.
 
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