A safety harness for rock climbing and rappelling, correctly referred to as a "Swiss seat," is a critical piece of safety equipment for mountaineering activities. From abseiling off the side of a sheer rock face, to strapping a climbing party together for crossing glaciers and ice fields, the safety harness is vital. As safe and secure as a manufactured harness, the military's style of tied harness from a section of rope is simple to tie and secure, and provides ample safety.
Step 1
Fold your 20-foot long section of climbing rope in half, forming a tight bend, or "bight," in the center.
Step 2
Place the bight against the front of your left hip. Wrap the rope twice around your hip from that starting point, meeting in the middle of your body, in front of your belt buckle.
Step 3
Wrap both free ends, referred to as the "running ends," around the original body wraps of rope twice each, then pull the ends straight out in front of you. Tighten the body wraps as snug as possible.
Step 4
Drop the running ends between your legs, and bring them up behind your hips, wrapping them once around the original body wraps.
Step 5
Drop the running ends back through, between your legs, and bring them up, straight in front of you, in order to pull the harness tight. Arrange the ropes between your legs, so they rest in the crease of your legs, below your buttocks, but not crushing your genitalia.
Step 6
Wrap the running ends at least twice around the original body wraps, pulling them tight, and tie the two ends off with a square knot. Secure the ends running ends of the square knots with half-hitches or overhand knots around the standing ends of the square knots.
Step 7
Attach your locking-gate carabiner to your safety harness by snapping it around the body wraps and square knot in front of your body, with the gate facing up. Screw the locking-gate of the carabiner closed.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are left-handed, you may reverse the procedure in Step 1, placing the bight on your right hip.
- Mountaineering, rock-climbing and rappelling are hazardous activities that require expert knowledge. Mistakes kill. Do not participate in these activities without professional instruction.
Things You'll Need
- 20-foot section of 5/8-inch climbing rope
- Locking gate carabiner
References
- "Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 8th ed;" The Mountaineers; 2003
- "FM 3-97.61 Military Mountaineering;" US Army Infantry Center and School Ranger Department; 2002
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