Do you have a rappelling plan?

• Research the descent routes/options

• What rope length do you need (could be different than the ascent/climb)

• Traversing rappels

  • Consider bringing some trad gear with you to protect the traversing rappel from large pendulum swings

What should you be wearing on your body and your feet?

• Rappelling can get cold without the right layering system. Keep in mind that you won’t be exerting as much energy as you did on the climb.

• You probably won’t be needing those super tight climbing shoes either, consider bringing approach/hiking shoes to wear during long rappels.

• If you’ve got longer hair that could get caught in a rappel device, avoid getting scalped by putting your hair into a hair tie/braid.

Rappel Extension Tool

• Locker draw

• Double-length sling basket hitched to your tie-in points with a figure-eight knot (for redundancy).

• Daisy chain P.A.S.

• Connect/Dual Connect Adjustable P.A.S.

Friction Hitch Back-Up (aka, Third Hand Back-Up

• Auto-block friction hitch below the extended rappel device.

Rappel Device (single vs. double strand device)

• Single sided/strand device exist, but limit you to single strand rappels.

• Use a guide-style rappel device with high and low friction modes give you lots of options when rappelling and therefore can be the safer/better purchase.

Transitional Anchors

• Consider having a pre-built anchor (I like the “quad” anchor) to make your rappel transitions safer and more convenient for your party.

Please note, climbing and rappelling are dangerous acticivites, and this article is not meant to be a replacement for professional training. You should look to trained professionals to teach each of these highly relevant and technical skills.