The most common way of rappelling without a harness is to use a rope to tie yourself to something that’s stable, like a tree or rock, and then lean back away from the object and let go with one hand. This will allow you to slide down the rope using your legs as brakes while keeping your other hand on the rope for safety.
Rappelling and mountain climbing gear did not exist until late 1879.
Jean Charlet-Straton figured out how to rappel securely after a couple of terrifying climbing endeavors.
He depended on the strongest rappelling rope he could find at the time to rappel back to the ground during his first risky climb.
About 50 years after Charlet-Straton’s climb, a mountain dweller named Hans Dülfer concocted the body rappel, or the Dülfersitz, which is truly a work of art.
This newly developed non-mechanical rappelling includes folding a rope over your body to control your journey back to ground level.
What Equipment Do You Need to Rappel Without a Harness?
The only items you really need to rappel without a harness is you, rope and gloves are highly recommended.
You should only attempt delicate inclines or short declines when attempting to rappel without a harness.
1. Choose a Rope
Ideally, you should choose a static rope. Dynamic ropes are not utilized for rappelling.
More stretch in the rope would be dangerous as stretch increases “play” or movement when rappelling without a harness.
Further, you can read more about static vs. dynamic rope for rappelling.
2. Lower Your Gear
Since you will fold the rope over your body, you do not need anything cumbersome in your way.
Lower your stuff to the ground so you will not have anything to move while you are descending.
3. Find a Sturdy Anchor
Pick a thick tree, enormous stone, or strong rock, and ensure the item is strong and will not move.
Also, be sure that the rope will not be able to slip off or around your anchor.
Then loop the center of the rope around the anchor but do not tie it.
Then throw the two rope ends over the mountain or wall you are looking to rappel down.
Check to ensure the rope is the correct length so you do not come up short of the ground.
Which Rappelling Methods Can You Use to Rappel Without a Harness?
You can use the two most popular rappelling methods to rappel without a harness.
- The Dulfersitz Method of Rappelling
- The South African Method of Rappelling
1. The Dulfersitz Method of Rappelling
The most well-known strategy for rappelling without a harness is the Dülfersitz technique.
It includes tactically attaching the rope to your body to give you control over your drop to the ground.
The Dulfersitz Rappel strategy is a non-mechanical rappelling method or harnessless.
This method is really not suggested today, since harnesses are easily purchased at an outdoor store or online.
Rappelling with a carabiner and modern harness provides significantly more security.
The Dulfersitz Rappel strategy is based on the rope being twisted around the body so the speed of the climber’s descent is slowed down by the grinding of the rope against the body.
In the event that you do end up in a crisis circumstance, rappelling with just a rope is feasible, as long as you use this method accurately.
When using this technique the rope will not endure a huge amount of wear and tear.
The drawback is that contact and grinding against the body makes heat, which can possibly hurt your shoulders and thighs.
2. The South African Method of Rappelling
The second rappelling method, the South African Rappel method was created in 2000 by a South African mountaineering educator named Andrew Friedemann.
While participating in a Mountain Leader course in Mooi River, South Africa he created a strategy that improves rope control and reduces the stress and grinding of the rope against the body.
Later in 2000, in Chamonix, France, the South African Rappel method was examined during a UIAA International Training Standards Working conference.
Even though UIAA members had not seen the technique in action it was widely accepted.
This acceptance was mostly due to similar fundamental standards as the Dülfersitz strategy.
But the South African Rappel has a progression of benefits.
For example, the climber can have one hand totally free during their descent.
Other methods require two hands to be on the rope.
This implies that the client can more readily zero in on the actual plunge to the ground.
The rope goes around and over the back then underneath the armpits.
Subsequently, this reduces the climber’s possibility of falling backward.
Lastly, wrapping the rope around the body as indicated in the South African Rappel method will diminish the friction of the rope on the body and will help in protecting the integrity of the rope itself.
Whichever method you choose to use to rappel without a harness be careful.
Not using a harness is fun and exhilarating but it is extremely dangerous.
Be sure to have an experienced buddy with you when attempting to rappel without a harness.
Learn the fundamentals of how rappelling works.
Why Would Someone Try to Rappel with Just a Rope?
Rappelling with just a rope can save your life if you don’t have adequate equipment.
It can help you escape a structure.
You have to use the munter hitch approach.
You may need a locking carabiner here.
Learning how to rappel without a harness will help you in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rappelling Without a Harness
We have arranged a list of frequently asked questions to teach you how to rappel without a harness.
You will feel more secure on the climbing wall after knowing the answers to these questions.
Is it difficult to abseil?
Abseiling requires knowledge of techniques and practice.
It is difficult when you start or at some critical points on the cliff.
Once you practice it and learn to depend on your equipment, it will become less harsh.
What are the requirements for abseiling?
To control your speed of descent in abseiling, you can use a device to increase resistance.
You can get a harness and a rope for the abseiling.
Most experts suggest using a belay device to enhance your safety.
A rope and harness should have enough strength to handle your weight.
How do you come down yourself if you’re on your own?
You can come down yourself by lowering the rope from the cliff as it reaches the bottom.
You can double the rope along the length and ensure both ends touch the ground before coming down.
You can fix your rappel device to it.
Most people use the toss-and-go technique.
Can I abseil with the help of a single rope?
It is possible to abseil with the help of a single rope because you can double the rope from the med point.
You can make an abseil point and drop one end of the rope.
Using one rope is better because you need to tie a knot when using two ropes.
Can I Climb Glaciers Alone?
It is possible to climb glaciers alone when you learn the accurate technique to climb on the ice.
These three steps will help you climb with ease.
- You can look for an ice sheet with some slope.
- Use force from your legs to climb three meters above the ground.
- You can move sideways from this point.
You can think that you are not tied to a rope at the start to ensure you do not take the unnecessary risks of falling from ice.
Which type of rope should I purchase for rappelling?
You may need different types of ropes for rappelling at some locations.
Most experts recommend using a 7.7 millimeters diameter rope to rappel solo.
You may need a specific rope for rappeling with a partner.
Is it mandatory to be strictly fit to abseil?
It is better to consult your doctor if you have some medical conditions because you require physical and mental energy to abseil.
It is better to have a high fitness level and sharp mind to ensure safety during the abseil.