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Chockstone Forum - Accidents & Injuries

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Rescued in Blue Mountains May 31, the analysis 24-Jun-2015 At 2:17:41 PM BBSR

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While lowering is often an option people should consider, I think in this case it wasn't to the ground, so I'm not sure I'd want someone top lowering me to a belay station half way down a cliff.

I think there is a case for backups, and I certainly think about it (I must say I usually choose not to). If you could get knocked out (loose rock) or crush your hand / arm somehow and lose control, then they might make sense. Similarly if you are abseiling somewhere where you think you might need to come back up ( looking for the next anchor, which you aren't sure is there ). I think you need to consider what makes sense in each case.

One thing I've noticed about the leg loop, below device, not-extended method is that you need to be very careful with lengths. The lengths can look ok when you are standing up, but when you lean back, your leg loops rise up a bit and get closer to the device... which could make it long enough for your device to prevent the auto block catching.

I've tried the extended device method (as per the Petzl suggestion) , and I found it a bit awkward on most belays, especially where the anchor is relatively low down. Not an issue for me, but you need to be careful with getting you hair caught in this method.