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Your SELF-RESCUE method when rappelling?

E

emerald ghost

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Jul 14, 2018
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When rappelling on a single rope, what method do you apply for self rescue ?
Thank You in advance for your input.
 
I carry an extra ropeman 2, two extra biners, and two different lengths of hitch cord, and an ATC. Additionally I have my tether/linemans belt.

My primary rappel is a assisted belay device with an autoblock. If something goes wrong most likely my device is jammed. I then unweight the rope with a foot loop, hook into the atc, and continue rappeling (simplified general process, there is a very important set of steps within that so you are always connected). I've practiced this part many times which imo is essential. If you haven't practiced your backup you don't have a backup.

If I were to become tangled or for some reason my rappel rope is compromised worst case scenario I can basically 2 TC down. Admittedly I haven't practiced this.
 
Redunancy!!! :cool:

Whatever method I'm using to rappel, I have a backup method to that method.
If I'm using a Figure 8 to rappel. I also have a Prusik above it.
I always carry a razor sharp knife to cut away anything that impedes my progress or escape!

ALL of the equipment I'm using is rated HIGHER than I need it, for the task. :)
 
No matter the climbing method I use that day I always have my foot tether for 2TC with me. It would allow me to take pressure off the rappel rope. I would also have my linesman and tether handy as well in my pouch. Always need a knife accessible as well.

I’ve tried to think about self rescue as much as I can. Even practiced it a few times. If you get familiar with 2TC climbing down is pretty simple. Other than that I stay in the best shape I can for strength and cardio abilities
 
I always keep a linemans belt with me and extra biners hanging off my saddle and bag as well as a knife on my person in case I have to cut myself free.
 
I have 2 versa straps wrapped around a carabiner that is attached to the molle of my saddle on one side. This is the bare minimum for a 2TC setup. Its not going to be quick, but I'll be able to get down the tree if my whole rappelling system fails me.
 
emerald ghost said:
When rappelling on a single rope, what method do you apply for self rescue ?
Thank You in advance for your input.
Click to expand...
Depends on what you're rapelling setup is. I can get out if 99% of rappelling issues with an extra Prussik loop or double length sling. And a knife.

I always have about a 12' loop of cordollete on a locking biner on my harness/saddle within reach.
 
Hall17 said:
No matter the climbing method I use that day I always have my foot tether for 2TC with me. It would allow me to take pressure off the rappel rope. I would also have my linesman and tether handy as well in my pouch. Always need a knife accessible as well.

I’ve tried to think about self rescue as much as I can. Even practiced it a few times. If you get familiar with 2TC climbing down is pretty simple. Other than that I stay in the best shape I can for strength and cardio abilities
Click to expand...
This is the answer right here. Aside from self-rescue, it can be used for the climb-o-shame because the rappel line got hung up and the components of 2TC can be used to climb the rope.
 
I may be mistaken, I only scanned the responses, but I didn't see anything that would help you self rescue if you rappelled so that your rappel device ends up below a foot stuck in the tree somehow. Not sure how you get back up to free yourself in that situation.

On second thought I do carry a ropeman that I could attach above my Safeguard, route the tag end of my rope through the biner and go up in a modified srt climb.
 
Vtbow said:
Depends on what you're rapelling setup is. I can get out if 99% of rappelling issues with an extra Prussik loop or double length sling. And a knife.

I always have about a 12' loop of cordollete on a locking biner on my harness/saddle within reach.
Click to expand...

what are you rappelling with ?
 
I carry more crap than I need, so when rapelling I'll usually have an autoblock and either an ATC or a safeguard connected and in use. I also have a tether and linesman belt in a pouch on my left hip and keep an extra amsteel daisy chain in my back right pocket. This way I can reach either way in an emergency, though I thankfully haven't had a real one yet. I have practiced using the daisy chain with two girth hitched, one around the tree, one around my foot. To be honest it sucks and it hurt my foot a bit but it worked when I was testing/pretending my tether was stuck.
 
emerald ghost said:
what are you rappelling with ?
Click to expand...
Depends on the situation. Generally an extended atc with an autoblock below. What I use doesn't change what I can do or carry emergency wise with limited additional gear though.
 
boyne bowhunter said:
I may be mistaken, I only scanned the responses, but I didn't see anything that would help you self rescue if you rappelled so that your rappel device ends up below a foot stuck in the tree somehow. Not sure how you get back up to free yourself in that situation.

On second thought I do carry a ropeman that I could attach above my Safeguard, route the tag end of my rope through the biner and go up in a modified srt climb.
Click to expand...

A hand ascender could also work in that situation :)

I use a safeguard backed up with an autoblock that is far enough away that it cannot get "sucked in" the safeguard in any way. I also carry an ATC and HMS biner as an alternate rappel method. I also keep a hand ascender and foot loop with me, although I may be switching that to a Kong duck and foot loop. Oh, and I always have an extra tether on me.
 
boyne bowhunter said:
I may be mistaken, I only scanned the responses, but I didn't see anything that would help you self rescue if you rappelled so that your rappel device ends up below a foot stuck in the tree somehow. Not sure how you get back up to free yourself in that situation.

On second thought I do carry a ropeman that I could attach above my Safeguard, route the tag end of my rope through the biner and go up in a modified srt climb.
Click to expand...
By extending your rappel device, you reduce this risk way may than significantly....
 
BowhunterXC said:
Redunancy!!! :cool:

Whatever method I'm using to rappel, I have a backup method to that method.
If I'm using a Figure 8 to rappel. I also have a Prusik above it.
I always carry a razor sharp knife to cut away anything that impedes my progress or escape!

ALL of the equipment I'm using is rated HIGHER than I need it, for the task. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks 4 the response. How did you settle on a figure 8 ?
 
emerald ghost said:
Thanks 4 the response. How did you settle on a figure 8 ?
Click to expand...
I watched a lot of instructional videos on YouTube, but also...trial and error. :)
I've had good luck with the JRB Ascender Hitch too. It holds well and breaks easy for rappel. Just the same, I prefer 2 means of holding and rappelling for the safety/redundancy that I mentioned earlier. :cool:
 
I just added about 6’ length daisy chained amsteel to my pouch. I have extra prussik loops, biners and an ez accessible knife. I also have a secondary bridge. When rappelling, I use an ATC with prussik below for the brake(hands free). I got rid of the ropeman and use a schwabish now. Also, when rappelling, my really only concern would be using a prussik loop to long that may go into the ATC….but this is tested. Once im ready to come down, I rappel down enough to take off platform, then again a little more to remove stick. By this time it’s all been tested and as long as I don’t get my stick cord tangled up in my rope, I should be good to go the rest of the way down…..safely!
 
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