HI! So this tutorial saved me before. I was attempting to free solo the flat irons in Colorado and luckily my friends brought a rope with us, Because i got stuck on this one part next to a tree, the rock became chossy and didn't feel comfortable climbing up or down. I luckily had service and quickly googled a tutorial on how to rappel with only a rope. Your video came up, I watched it and safely rappelled myself down to a ledge. So thanks!
Finally, a normal person adventuring without a pack full of heavy, and incredibly expensive gear, blabbing about some weird new knot configuration that nobody can tie, who has clearly forgotten what its like to have fun. Thanks for renewing my faith in outdoor adventurers. I will be your newest subscriber.
Well, depends on what you do. I do rock climbing, and I NEED the gear and knots, otherwise, I can't really push my physical boundraries. Of course, I could just do easier and/or shorter routes without a harness, even without a rope, but that's just betting your life on something stupid.
This seems safer than the swiss method. I apreciate your well presented instruction. Your demostration down that hill really proves the talk, you were perpendicular with your feet on the rock in full rappel!! and it worked perfect!!!
It's about time someone shows how to rappel without a pack mule full of equipment.. Thank you for full screen and closed caption also. three for three. A real survival lesson, for real hard time.
@@ReWildUniversity Words can't express my gratitude. I bought 100 feet of rope and bring it with me in the car. Hunting, fishing, I'm carrying it with me. If I don't need it, maybe I can help someone else. Thanks again.
That was a GREAT tactic to keep in my bag of tools in my brain. Thanks man for the demonstration. It's always great to have options that are effective in case of emergency. Along with the Swiss Seat tactic, The South African Method is going to be practiced as well. You never know what might happen out in Nature. Be prepared !
Daniel Moulson Glad you like it. I appreciate good gear, but like you, I like to know how to get things done if my equipment is lost/fails/I forgot it at home =) Thanks for commenting! Kenton
Hi Kenton, all the time I watch you videos I wonder where have you learned all these things?! Do you have a military background? I'm really glad that there are people like you who is not addicted to comfort and is willing to share and teach others some very useful skills. Way to go, Kenton! I want to say, I'm proud of you!
Sasha, thank you! I'm just a lifelong learner. My childhood was spent with a friend who went on to the military, and we wanted to be "ninjas", so we trained mercilessly in all sorts of things. Later I spent a summer at a survival school as an apprentice. But mostly it's just been an adventuring attitude, always seeking out new opportunities to learn more! Love, Kenton =)
I love this video, it's pretty much the only example I can find on RU-vid and here you are bare footed and in shorts and singlet going over the side of a proper little chunk of rock!
This is practical for cavers. We typically have some rope or webbing for short drops or may encounter a short vertical drop in a horizontal cave. We wear cave suits or tough clothing so rope burns should not be much of an issue. I did a 20 foot arm rappel once and there were a few foot rocks on the way down. If the walls were straight down they your method would provide more stability and be safer. Thanks for the demo.
The National Speleological Society, NSS, is the parent organization for safe, responsible and fun caving. Individual organizations are called Grottos and are in most of the states. Google "NSS find a grotto"' to find the nearest grottos and contact information. A grotto will introduce you to caving and a group of friends to go caving with.
Let me know if you find a grotto and how it works for you. Hope you have some wonderful experiences. I know I did. There is a whole world of exploration underground, much of it is very beautiful.
Lee O I really appreciate you opening this door for me. It's been a dream since childhood, actually -- just one I never moved on. I'll probably put it off another year since I'm just starting with two new 11-month students who will be taking up most of my time, but at least now I know how to get started! =) Kenton
When I was seventeen years old my brother myself and a friend got stuck on the side of a mountain in the Philippines. Long story. but I knew a similar technique and we were able to use it to get down to safety!
Years ago I ran across this video while looking at emergency ascent/descent methods, and had no idea it was you that had done it! It's really nice to run back across this video, again. ^_^
kc329191 I had seen a lot of people show it in photos, but it was always tough for me to really get the hang of it until someone showed me in person. This isn't in person, but videos are perhaps second best ...=) Kenton
The technique of rappeling down a slope or cliff is excellent. Your technique also allows you to retrieve your rope. Otherwise, You will need real elvish rope:)
Old video but a good one! I am going to try this method and a couple other ones while out in west Texas this week. Great demonstration and explanations. Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work!
I'm researching this for climbing the 'Inn Pinn' on Skye (more specifically for getting off it!), not being a rock-climber and not wanting to haul up a load of fancy metal gear and harness and not wanting to pay thousands for a 'guide' when a bit of adventurousness and common sense can suffice. Really well explained, it looks doable with a bit of practise, but thanks for stressing 'your life is literally on the line' - well worth remembering!
Sounds like some exciting adventures you're embarking upon! Thanks for keeping that important tip in mind -- and I'd love to hear how your adventures go! With love, Kenton =)
Interesting. Never seen this method before. I've always used the "hot seat" method for rope only rappels, in emergency. Through the legs, around the waist, and over the shoulder. Learn something new everyday, thanks.
Absolutely, Bruce. I love the technique you describe -- it's probably my "go to" these days, though I still enjoy knowing how to do this one. =) Kenton
Wow. Thanks man. Nothing worse than a half-cocked idea of how to handle a situation. You described the importance of focus, and trusting the rope, two things that must be paramount in climbing. I am not a climber, but find this absolutely helpful to have an understanding of. Situations call, and being a man, and maybe being called to do a "manly thing" in an emergency, is something I need to know. Thanks again.
Great advice, Greg. I haven't used this method for a few years, but I'm soon going on an adventure where I might need to do a bit of rappelling, so I'll be watching my own video as a refresher and adding your advice to my execution of the skill!
Nice. This is a good technique to learn for emergency’s or something. I always tie my rope at the ends too. I leave about 2 feet on the tail and then tied off. I’m going to pull out my climbing rope and practice this.
Clet Rodriguez Thanks! I'll try to keep the videos coming! I'm out in the woods a lot with students, so it's tough to get filming time, but comments like yours definitely inspire me! =) Kenton
All I kept thinking whilst watching you demonstrating the method of rapping the rope around was "ouch" looked abit eye watering lol great skill to share and loved watching the whole thing.
It does have some ouch factor, and I think I know what you're talking about =) Not too bad if you get the ropes to the sides and don't squash anything =)
Such an awesome set of lifesaver videos on your channel and you have just 51K subs as of this date. Meanwhile... meaningless vlogs with no discernible useful content have millions of subs AND paid endorsements... SMH!. Just subscribed, mate and keep up the good work.
Sydney, thanks for those encouraging words. I'm sure we could get a lot more subscribers and such if we would just add in some "fluff" =) But we are very devoted to sharing things that can make a real difference in people's lives, and it's worth more than any number of subscribers to hear from someone like you who values our work. Love, Kenton =)
Thank you for the video. I memorized it for an emergency which hopefully will never come. Because of the rope burn I was surprised why you did it in this light clothing and not recommended, when available to use a long sleeved smooth jacket (leather if possible) and some sturdy pants. I am sure some Bavarian Lederhosen would be ideal for this method to protect the groin. :)
My friend, I wish I had an intelligent reason for not wearing better clothes, but the truth is that when I was going to film this, I just decided a bit spur-of-the-moment, grabbed my rope, and went out into the woods to this cliff. I'm a bear of very little brain sometimes =)
Interesting variation of Dulfer rappel. Seems to be more stable - nice to have one hand free. However, the friction is equally horrible in both methods. I think it makes most sense to climb down having weight on your feet, using the rappel knot just as safety - it will hold if you fall.
no need for 10mm rope if youre alone . thats for rescue . 6 or 7 mm is fine and much lighter to carry around . and it still creates alot of friction for rappel . also much cheaper
Maybe a way to atop the friction to your arm is to strap some sticks to the front part of your arm. A big piece of bark or old she could work. If you have webbing, a belt or make quick cordage to wrap would be helpful. I realize this is a quick fix, but sometimes wounds like that in the woods can have devastating consequences. Especially if you have make more than one descent. Thanks for the video. It is good information on how to get yourself out of a bind with no gear.
Great instructional vid. I had a go at this in Namibia, althought it wasn't this high or steep. Worked well although my friction points were in my groin area! Ouch. See, do and understand... only way to go. Surprisingly I felt in total control and the psychological effects of 'the force' wanting to pull me over the edge to my doom more or less went away. I like the way one can do this without harness and are able to recover the rope. Once is never enough and this has reminded me of the finer details. Ta.I have subscribed.
Cliff Abrahart Cliff, great to hear from someone who has used this method. You're absolutely correct -- it can hurt when the friction points are in the right places =) Also, thanks for pointing out the psychological effect. Finally, thanks so much for your subscription. I really appreciate it! =) Kenton
I love adventure, but I also like to be able to go adventuring again, again, and again =) So for me, safety is an important issue, even when we choose to do things without the usual safety gear. Thanks for watching and commenting! Now, I must ask, because I have an interest in crytozoology . . .does the "beast" refer to yourself, to a not-classified-by-science animal, or to something else? =)
ReWildUniversity To answer your question, yes, it does refer to a not classified by science animal as you put it. If such an animal existed I believe it would avoid humans and live as nature intended. I don't really enjoy large crowds myself and prefer to be outdoors. Quite often, I'm thought of as odd. I, too, have an interest in cryptozoology so thought it was a neat channel name. I do not refer to myself as a "beast" in the commonly accepted fashion. Rather, a "beast" thats often misunderstood and means no harm. Love your channel by the way. :)
boggycreekbeast Thanks for the kudos on my channel. I really appreciate it! And I love your definition of beast -- not something brutal, but something natural and wild ALIVE and perhaps not easily understood by conventional thought. Now that you've told me, I'm going to learn more about the Boggy Creek Beast. Cool! Thanks for sharing =)
thank you for sharing. It is impressive stuff. And good to know that most of the technology is just to make us more comfortable (and possibly safer) but that we can do most stuff with simple gear. keep sharing your knowledge!
I too hope it's not something you ever have to use! I remember hearing from a climber (she's down in the comments somewhere) who got stuck on a cliff-edge. She had her phone and googled how to get down with rope only (as she had run out of equipment) and this got her down. Pretty cool story =)
helli my friens,finally had a chance to use this technique,good lordy did it burn,but I did enjoy only using such a small quantity of equipment,thanks for the great video
chopstick thrower Ha! It really does burn, doesn't it? I still have a burn mark from when I did this video, and it may end up scarring. Gloves and long sleeve shirts . . . priceless =)
Great vid i learnt a similar technique in the military, but we were instructed to hold the ropes singular in each hand! I think your style is better though. Best wishes
I wish I had known this years ago. When my parents wouldn't let me out at night I had to make a crappy rope ladder to get out of my second floor window and the I had to throw the end back in through the window. Rappelling would have been so much safer and classier xD
+Dantick09 Ha! What a cool vision, rappelling out your window! You reminded me of one of my own childhood escapes, jumping from the second floor. If I had known how to rappel, it would have been much safer and classier, as you've said! =) Kenton
Great video, and really easy to follow. It must feel pretty liberating to be able to walk around with just a rope and know you can get down most cliffs. How long is your climbing rope?
AdventureArchives I'm not actually sure of the length. It began as a 60 meter rope, but part of it was cut and made into a lasso for a pig rescuing adventure last year =)
Climbing rope usually comes in length of 150 ft, a good brand is edelweiss, that's what I use, and you must practice the repelling technique on a shallow incline till you master the technique and are quite comfortable and secure with it, now normally I use a descending eight carabiner at least two locking gate a Swiss seat, and a another person on ballet, climbing should never be done alone, which is the first rule in safety and always wear a helmet, you will find that the equipment is not cheap !!!
There are a two methods that I've developed to use the entire length of rope for repel by using a secondary significantly lighter rope to remove the repel rope from above.
No, haven’t posted it. Make a loop at the upper end and place the rope around a tree/boulder/whatever and pass the other end of the rope through the loop and throw it below. Then take a low weight line, 85 lb test strength or greater and tie it to the loop and throw it below. Belay to the bottom of both ropes. You could have made a harness with a portion of the rope with a “D” or “O” ring instead of using the free style method you use. Pull down the lightweight rope attached to the repel rope loop and you end up with the two ropes, (repel rope and lightweight rope) at the bottom of the repel or intermediary repel location. Simple!!!
Wow! My mind isn't super visual, so I'm going to have to actually rig this up and try it. Sounds amazing! If I can get it working smoothly, would you be open to me doing a video on it at some point?
@@ReWildUniversity Now that you have the solution you have no need not to do a video. It would be helpful to me should you let your audience know that UL Performance, provided the solution that you are presenting. I’m the originator of the convertible zippered pants and the inventor of a survival/hiking pack and running pack that eliminates the eight bio-mechanical inefficiencies of the typical backpacks sold throughout the world. I’ve also created a 4.05 ounce Dyneema floorless tent measuring 4ft wide X 8.5 ft long X 3 ft, 11-1/2 in high, potentially the worlds lightest tent.
You radiates so much good vibrations :) Thank you for this video, thank you for keeping it simple. Subscribing and looking forward to your next videos :) Cheers !
Well, I wish it was more interesting than it sounds. It really just involved me getting locked out on my balcony. Had a rope out there just in case. Making that 30 foot drop using nothing but upper body strength was easily one of the most stressful things I've done in a while. Fortunately I found your video for future situations.
Amazing technique, thanks! 😃 I hope I can try that soon (safely, of course). To prevent or reduce burns, especially if you need to do it repeatedly, you could wear some protective clothing like, I don’t know, some kind of leather top and long gloves (which would be a little less wild and minimalist, but why not? 😛).
@@ReWildUniversity Ehm, isn’t this answer meant for another video and comment? 🤔 I mean the one with tree climbing and Daisy and your dog... Or maybe my brain is sleeping already, since it’s past midnight and I’m going to bed... 😅
@@brunosco Yes, that's correct. Actually there was a weird bug with YT, and I've been trying to answer this gentleman's comment, and it keeps going to other people's comment threads, including yours. I guess I'm just going to give up. Ah well!!! =)
Great video! Really clear and well explained. I think I learned something like this as a cadet (now forgotten!) but with one line in each hand and facing forwards (and running?!) Needless to say, they don't teach kids like they used to 😁 In an emergency situation, would paracord work? (I know, serious burns etc). I guess anything to help to minimise friction would be good too (leather jacket, gloves, backpack etc)
This video just saved my ass. My hunting stand ladder fell down and I was left standing on a platform 10 meters (30 ft) in the air. You're right if you wear thicker clothing rope burns are not that bad considering the alternative.
being a climber with years of experience this technique looks so ridiculously dangerous, how about just bringing a harness and rappel device? If you brought a rope theres no reason to not bring them they're lighter and smaller than the rope... just do it correctly and safely cmon people
We went on Adventure Training in the Alps at Garmisch when in the US Army, we did something called a Body Rappel, plus we made harnesses from 3 pieces of rope with 3 carabiners, do you know those, because I cant remember how we did it?
Hello, RezWildUniversity: Great video! Should you update video, lets see that German method included, and how to make Bowline-On-The-Bight knot with the method on how to rescue someone caught on a cliff ledge using the Bowline-On-The-Bight knot. Someone's got to show this. Kind regards: UK male.
very cool, I am south African.. haha.. so yeah learning something that I havent learnt growing up is quite cool, must be a south african army or special forces method, from back when our ground army was considered very very good. (70ies-80ies)