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Stick up and rappel down?

dlist777 said:
FWIW, Kong Chuy says 8-12mm on their web site....so i think oplux is in spec.
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That's what I was thinking all along, but I believe that doesn't apply when using a single rope. I've been using it just fine but I believe it may be out of spec for our use.
 
DanO said:
That's what I was thinking all along, but I believe that doesn't apply when using a single rope. I've been using it just fine but I believe it may be out of spec for our use.
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Ahhh. Good info. Thx.

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DanO said:
That's what I was thinking all along, but I believe that doesn't apply when using a single rope. I've been using it just fine but I believe it may be out of spec for our use.
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Yes @DanO you are correct. That is the case for most ATCs. The lower rope rating size usually relates to the size if using twin ropes.
 
DanO said:
Last weekend I climbed with knaider and sticks and rappelled down. At my own property I have some presets with climbing ladder sticks and I still rappel down after the hunt. The one tree has a couple branches that are tricky to get my lineman around so rappelling solves that. I've tested the Oplux with BD ATC, Kong Chuy, MR Wingman, and Grivel Master Mono. For single rope, I think the Grivel might be the only one in spec for 8mm rope so I might start stocking that one. Only issue is the Grivel has more aggressive teeth - so us bigger guys may need to replace the rope more often. The others all worked fine and I'm still here.
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What I use is out of spec, so use at your own risk. I've been using Oplux and a MadRock Safeguard for tether/rappel. I back it up with a 35cm Beal Jammy as an autoblock hooked to a lineman loop with a carabiner. I have had zero issues of slippage. I can reef the hand of the Safeguard all the way open and it doesn't move until I tend the autoblock with my other hand. Also makes for super smooth operation when rappeling.
 
tmattson said:
Not sure how significant the weight difference is between 40 feet of Oplux 8mm vs. HTp 9mm, but there sure looks to be a difference for packing (size/space).
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There is a huge difference in the HTP and the Oplux. I have 40' of the HTP and it is tough to fit in my pop-up 28 with stand and clothes. However with 52' of Oplux I have no problems and in fact have room to spare.
 
So after having my 1-stick fall partway down the tree while I was at hunting height, I switched to a 30' rope for my tether so I can always rappel down.

Since then I've tried using all 3 sticks, and I've also tried using the base from my self climber and I've done 1-stick. No matter what I do I use the 30' tether. At the end of the day it's just much easier, safer and faster to come down. If you are doing 3 or 4 sticks or several steps you can remove them on the way down.

I use a RCH + homemade saddle so I remain connected to the rappel rope/tether with my ropeman and then put my saddle bridge via a prusik above that and let some slack into the RCH so my weight is in the saddle. I also tie a quick knot in the rope below me.

I'm waiting on a Safeguard and when it shows up I'm going to try it instead so I can rappel down without having to switch devices. (I'm using a figure 8 right now)
 
robstewart said:
So after having my 1-stick fall partway down the tree while I was at hunting height, I switched to a 30' rope for my tether so I can always rappel down.

Since then I've tried using all 3 sticks, and I've also tried using the base from my self climber and I've done 1-stick. No matter what I do I use the 30' tether. At the end of the day it's just much easier, safer and faster to come down. If you are doing 3 or 4 sticks or several steps you can remove them on the way down.

I use a RCH + homemade saddle so I remain connected to the rappel rope/tether with my ropeman and then put my saddle bridge via a prusik above that and let some slack into the RCH so my weight is in the saddle. I also tie a quick knot in the rope below me.

I'm waiting on a Safeguard and when it shows up I'm going to try it instead so I can rappel down without having to switch devices. (I'm using a figure 8 right now)
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I am thinking about doing something like this too. Let me ask a question....I'm trying to visualize a scenario. I'm asking this out of ignorance....

So, I think you are moving your 30 foot tether up as a you climb the tree and it is connected into your belay loop via friction hitch. Let's say a prussik for simplicity. Now, let's say your stick or hand climber gives way during your ascent and you are hanging from the prussik on your 30 foot tether. How would you add the belay device into the system and shift your weight onto it? I picture myself safely hanging from the prussik, then taking the rope, inserting belay device, putting in the carabiner, clipping into belay loop, adding auto block, but then what? My weight is still on the prussik and I don't know how I would get it over to the belay device...don't you need to have something to stand on remove the prussik from the system?

Sorry, if I"m missing something obvious here.....
 
dlist777 said:
I am thinking about doing something like this too. Let me ask a question....I'm trying to visualize a scenario. I'm asking this out of ignorance....

So, I think you are moving your 30 foot tether up as a you climb the tree and it is connected into your belay loop via friction hitch. Let's say a prussik for simplicity. Now, let's say your stick or hand climber gives way during your ascent and you are hanging from the prussik on your 30 foot tether. How would you add the belay device into the system and shift your weight onto it? I picture myself safely hanging from the prussik, then taking the rope, inserting belay device, putting in the carabiner, clipping into belay loop, adding auto block, but then what? My weight is still on the prussik and I don't know how I would get it over to the belay device...don't you need to have something to stand on remove the prussik from the system?

Sorry, if I"m missing something obvious here.....
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In this case you cpuld use a self rescue technique where you tie another hitch above the one you’re hanging on Clip a foot loop to it. Stand on the foot loop to remove weight off the original hitch and release. If all you had was the prusik originally you may have to use this technique to get yourself down by lowering each hitch as you unweigh them in turn.

Look up self rescue and texas system
 
If I climbed up with 3 sticks, my climb down seens easy enough without needing to being rappel gear.

On my to do list is to try one sticking and then I believe I would rapp down.
 
Would using a grigri be a good option to rappel down?


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dlist777 said:
I am thinking about doing something like this too. Let me ask a question....I'm trying to visualize a scenario. I'm asking this out of ignorance....

So, I think you are moving your 30 foot tether up as a you climb the tree and it is connected into your belay loop via friction hitch. Let's say a prussik for simplicity. Now, let's say your stick or hand climber gives way during your ascent and you are hanging from the prussik on your 30 foot tether. How would you add the belay device into the system and shift your weight onto it? I picture myself safely hanging from the prussik, then taking the rope, inserting belay device, putting in the carabiner, clipping into belay loop, adding auto block, but then what? My weight is still on the prussik and I don't know how I would get it over to the belay device...don't you need to have something to stand on remove the prussik from the system?

Sorry, if I"m missing something obvious here.....
Click to expand...
So two options and I've done both.

Option 1, firmly pull down on the top of your prusik until you start moving and slide down slowly (so you don't over heat the prusik rope). This is somewhat problematic if the prusik is too tight.

Option 2, My usual approach when changing directions mid climb: Put a prusik or mechanical device above your RCH prusik and put your foot loop on just like you are going to do an ascent. Step down to take your weight off the RCH prusik. PUT YOUR RAPPEL DEVICE ON FIRST!!! then remove the prusik and head down OR maybe just leave the prusik alone and go up, depending on where you are and what you want to do.

I always climb with everything I need to "self rescue" on my person. Won't help if you need something and it's in your bag at the top or laying on the ground at the bottom!

This sort of situation though is partly why I'm looking at the safeguard because it can work in both up and down without having to take off. GriGri or a Guide ATC or a few other devices can do similar.

Also make sure you use some sort of autoblock/3rd hand and learn something called a leg wrap. All this stuff I learned on youtube since my previous experience was rappelling 30 years ago in the army!

Just do yourself a favour and play around on a nice day at or just above ground level so if/when you screw up you don't get hurt!
 
pesqimon said:
If I climbed up with 3 sticks, my climb down seens easy enough without needing to being rappel gear.

On my to do list is to try one sticking and then I believe I would rapp down.
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For me I prefer to have the 30' "tether" in case a stick falls etc. Another nice thing you can do is take your sticks down at night and when you come back the next day SRT. It's unlikely someone will come by and climb up the tree and steel your rope!
 
dlist777 said:
I am thinking about doing something like this too. Let me ask a question....I'm trying to visualize a scenario. I'm asking this out of ignorance....

So, I think you are moving your 30 foot tether up as a you climb the tree and it is connected into your belay loop via friction hitch. Let's say a prussik for simplicity. Now, let's say your stick or hand climber gives way during your ascent and you are hanging from the prussik on your 30 foot tether. How would you add the belay device into the system and shift your weight onto it? I picture myself safely hanging from the prussik, then taking the rope, inserting belay device, putting in the carabiner, clipping into belay loop, adding auto block, but then what? My weight is still on the prussik and I don't know how I would get it over to the belay device...don't you need to have something to stand on remove the prussik from the system?

Sorry, if I"m missing something obvious here.....
Click to expand...

I just remembered the third option. It’s called a foot lock. You use your feet to grab the rope and stand up. Some people can SRT like this. It will take the weight off the prusik so you can push it down a bit or maybe add a figure 8 to rappel but it’s tricky.


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Squirrels said:
What I use is out of spec, so use at your own risk. I've been using Oplux and a MadRock Safeguard for tether/rappel. I back it up with a 35cm Beal Jammy as an autoblock hooked to a lineman loop with a carabiner. I have had zero issues of slippage. I can reef the hand of the Safeguard all the way open and it doesn't move until I tend the autoblock with my other hand. Also makes for super smooth operation when rappeling.
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Madrock states 8.1mm to 11mm so a gnat's eyelash away from being in spec.
madrock.com

Safeguard (Springless)

Springless Lifeguard By constructing the Lifeguard without the internal spring, the Safeguard is a great tool for rescue and rigging work. It will lock onto the rope with very little force giving you the confidence that once the position of the rope is set the device will not creep or slide...
madrock.com madrock.com
 
justinredig said:
Would using a grigri be a good option to rappel down?


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Click to expand...
Yes. I have used a GriGri and Madrock Lifeguard and Safeguard and had had zero adverse events using Beal 8mm dynamic rope with all three.
 
dlist777 said:
I am thinking about doing something like this too. Let me ask a question....I'm trying to visualize a scenario. I'm asking this out of ignorance....

So, I think you are moving your 30 foot tether up as a you climb the tree and it is connected into your belay loop via friction hitch. Let's say a prussik for simplicity. Now, let's say your stick or hand climber gives way during your ascent and you are hanging from the prussik on your 30 foot tether. How would you add the belay device into the system and shift your weight onto it? I picture myself safely hanging from the prussik, then taking the rope, inserting belay device, putting in the carabiner, clipping into belay loop, adding auto block, but then what? My weight is still on the prussik and I don't know how I would get it over to the belay device...don't you need to have something to stand on remove the prussik from the system?

Sorry, if I"m missing something obvious here.....
Click to expand...
Once you have your belay device and autoblock on the rope and clipped to your harness, reach down and grab a bight of rope and tie a figure 8 that your foot will fit into. Stand on that to unweight your prusik and move it down. Once you are fully hanging from your belay device, remove your prusik. Untie the figure eight and rappel down.
 
I've just started using my LWHC to go up the tree and rappel down using 40" of Oplux. Kong Chuy and an auto block. I got everything from @DanO Eastern Woods Oudoors. When I rappel down I just leave the LWHC on my feet just cocked so it doesn't grab the tree unless I want it to. I've got a Mad Rock Safeguard I'm going to use for climbing with the LWHC but haven't tried it yet.
 
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