Tactical Rappelling: A Basic Equipment Guide
RAPPELLING: A descent from a height, (such as a wall, cliff, building or helicopter, etc.) in which one slides down an anchored rope by means of a specialized device and applies friction to control one’s speed.
SWAT teams, Military, and Rescue personnel all use rappelling in tactical situations to help them accomplish a variety of missions such as hostage rescue, stealth insertion, escape and evasion, helicopter insertion, Mountain rescue, direct action raids and many others. Rappelling is a valuably skill to have and can be applied in many situations.
Here are 5 basic pieces of equipment and its functions needed to rappel safely and effectively.
1. Rappelling Rope
When it comes to rappelling, static ropes are your go-to solution, as they lack the stretchiness of dynamic ropes, hence they are perfectly suited for descending. Now, apart from recreational rappelling, static ropes can also be used during rescue missions, caving, or performing various tasks at great heights. 150ft-200ft is the standard length for a rappelling rope.
2. Rappelling/Climbing Harness
A good harness for climbing and rappelling needs to fit just right, it needs to provide adequate support for the wearer, and it needs to include at least some dedicated loops for accessories.
A quality harnesses should include at least these five individual segments.
- Haul loop — It is located at the rear of the waist belt, and it has a single and very important role: to support extra gear such as a haul line or an extra rope. Keep in mind that the haul loop should never be used for load-bearing, as this could potentially put your life in danger.
- Leg loops — Leg loops are very important as well, as they are designed to provide support and control. Each leg goes through each loop, which should include adjustable straps. The leg loops in a rappelling harness are connected to the waist belt, and together they enhance overall stability.
- Gear loops — Just as the name implies, gear loops were designed to carry extra pieces of (small) gear such as carabiners. Therefore, it goes without saying that you should never put any bodyweight on these loops, as this could, again, put you at serious risk of harm.
- Waist belt and buckle — This area of the rappelling harness features a series of straps and buckles that help you adjust the harness to your individual needs. The waist belt is particularly strong, and it is able to hold quite a bit of weight. As for the buckle, it’s generally off-center, which is a good thing because it won’t rub with the rope tied at the front of the harness.
- Belay and tie-in loops — The belay loop is the strongest point in the harness, as it is able to bear the most weight. The belay loop sits at the front side of the harness, and it links up to both tie-in loops.
3. Figure 8 Ring
The figure 8 Rescue Ring is superior to the basic figure 8 ring. Designed specifically for rescue work, the Rescue 8 belay device features 2 side prongs that prevent an unloaded rope from slipping over the sides of the device and forming a girth hitch. Either device can be use belaying or rappelling. Climbers use it in tandem with a climbing harness as well as a locking carabiner for safety. They use it to control their own descent while rappelling and others’ descent during climbing. It’s a very useful piece of equipment and can be very effective if you know how to use it.
4. Rappelling/Climbing Gloves
A good rappelling glove needs to be tough yet flexible, and it needs to provide an adequate amount of grip on the rope. It should also be breathable to some degree. Rappelling gloves come with reinforcements at key areas, which allows them to take the punishment associated with this particular activity. Furthermore, they are much more durable when compared to regular gloves, mainly because they come with double stitching.
5. Rappelling/Climbing Helmet
Nothing is more important than protecting your head, especially in an environment where you risk banging it against hard surfaces or even having rocks falling on it. Climbing helmets are usually constructed of ABS plastics or polycarbonate shell.
Climbing helmets will provide protection even after an impact thus allowing the wearer to carry on with the climb or to go back down safely. You should not use other types of helmets because they’re just not designed for the job. For instance, you should definitely NOT use a biking helmet for climbing, as those helmets were not designed to provide protection after an impact.
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