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Tag Line

Original Post
Will M. · · Oakland · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 15

I'm looking into buying a tag line to make rapping off long routes easier when climbing long multi-pitch on a single rope. I just spent a weekend in Red Rocks and, rather than purchase doubles, I figure it would be nice to have a lightweight tag line for retreat.

I know it's possible tie a big stopper knot in conjunction with a blocker 'biner and rappel of the one single strand lead line and then pull the tag line. My question: can you rappel on both strands of the rope when using a pull cord such as this one?:

backcountry.com/sterling-ta…

I'm familiar with the potential danger of rappelling on a single strand (serenity sons accident comes to mind) and would prefer to keep it simple with a double rope rap if possible. Just checking to see if the non-static 7 mm cord I linked to is good for such a scenario.

I've seen videos of people like Steph Davis and Honnold using a similarly skinny rope for rappelling before, just want to be sure that's something that mortals do as well.

Thanks for the advice!

wivanoff · · Northeast, USA · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 674

This doesn't answer your question.

Just curious, why not buy a dynamic half rope or even a twin? I sometimes climb with a 10mm and an 8.5mm. A bit heavier, but no problems rapping on both stands. Can be used for DRT or SRT and tag line.

In a pinch, I could tie in the middle and lead on the half rope. Something you can't do on a dedicated tag line.

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

i have used a 10mm with a 7mm sterling tag for years...you'll be fine rapping on them together because the 7mm doesn't stretch much..a second line like a 8mm dynamic does.

you will be glad you have this combo

ChefMattThaner · · Lakewood, co · Joined May 2013 · Points: 246

I have rapped down on a 7mm single line with a munter. I am just guessing that you will be more than fine with the set up you described.

Jeremy Riesberg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 5

I use a 65m 7mm line to complement my main line it has been a great setup. Question with the skinny tag line, anyone use a microtrax to haul a light load such as a day pack?

john strand · · southern colo · Joined May 2008 · Points: 1,640

never used a microtrax to haul,,but i have done plenty of hand hauling with the 7mm..not bad up to about 20lbs or so

Will M. · · Oakland · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 15

Cool, thanks guys. Seems like the perfect thing to throw in a pack or tag along on climbs that necessitate a rappel.

Shelton Hatfield · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 650

If it were me I think I'd go with something like this:

backcountry.com/blue-water-…

You could use it as an emergency lead line like someone mentioned earlier. The price is about the same and I seriously doubt you'll notice the extra 4 g/m. Unless there's some benefit of having a static tag line that I'm missing.

marty funkhouser · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 20

I personally think having a static tag line is key for pulling ropes after a rap. I've seen a lot of people discuss things like biner blocks or using thin cord as a pull line after rapping off a single rope but these scenarios don't jive with the common reality of rapping down chimneys or near rope eating cracks.

Will M. · · Oakland · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 15

The rope you linked to is only 37m long. I'm looking to facilitate full rope length rappels. I definitely see what you're saying - I'm hoping to spend $70 - $80 for a tag line. A twin or double rope is usually a lot more expensive.

Will M. · · Oakland · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 15

Hey Jeff - what's the advantage of rapping with a static line when in a chimney or near a rope eating crack?

marty funkhouser · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 20

Much less likely to get stuck. A dynamic rope becomes skinnier under load and if it works its way into a crack and is then unloaded it will get stuck. Also, once stuck a dynamic rope is much harder to pull loose. Getting ropes stuck during rappel is without a doubt the most common screw-up that happens during long multi-pitch climbs so I do everything possible to minimize its occurance. I always set-up the rappel to pull the heavier rope and never tie knots in the end. Having an experienced partner is key also because the first person down needs to be able to find the next station and the second needs to direct the rope away from any hungry cracks. Sometimes the second needs to extend the knot past the lip, etc. The biner block method or pull chord method sound good on paper but are a disaster in real world scenarios. Of course if you're rapping down a clean face then pretty much any method will work fine.

Shelton Hatfield · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 650
fivefun wrote:The rope you linked to is only 37m long. I'm looking to facilitate full rope length rappels. I definitely see what you're saying - I'm hoping to spend $70 - $80 for a tag line. A twin or double rope is usually a lot more expensive.
D'oh! Forgot to read the fine print. I thought that seemed like an especially good deal for a 60m. And I can see why you'd want your tag line to be a similar length as your lead line :)

And come to think of it I can relate to the frustration of getting a dynamic rope stuck, and just feeling it stretch when I pull.
Will M. · · Oakland · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 15

I just realized there are already several threads on this topic so I'll go ahead and delete tomorrow. Thanks everyone.

JohnnyG · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 10

rather than delete the thread, why not post the links to those old threads?

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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