What gear do I need for rappelling?
I interested in buying rappelling gear and I unsure as to what I need. Is there anywhere that I could find a list of must-haves for rappelling? Todd E. Clyde Hurricane, Utah
Anyway, that's what you need. But I've gotta ask: Why rappelling? Is it for caving, or just for some light recreation? Because, of all the climbing-type activities, rappelling is perhaps the most hazardous. When I'm climbing a pitch, my belay partner and various anchors create a redundant safety systemone part of that can fail without the whole thing failing. But in rappelling, you're hanging on a system that will fail completely if any one part of it fails. For that reason, many, many climbers I know thoroughly dislike rappelling, and view it more as a necessary evil than some great, fun thing to do.
In any event, don't just go to some cliff, toss down a rope, and have at it. Enroll in a climbing course so you learn the up as well as the down, and learn how to do both safely.
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