let downs,ropes & stuff

Jumpers don't use ropes for let downs, they carry a tape, very thin and light (strong enough to tow a truck with). This is braided into a birds nest which can be tied off and dropped. Gravity will unravel it. Several loops are run through a "D" ring, bring it around your butt and down you go. Normally a hundred feet is carried unless you jump out of North Cascades where you carry at least 150'. In the Baker Wilderness that is often not enough. I was trained in tree hazard reduction using the prussic system. It is possible to ascend the double line by placing it around the outside of your left foot, catch the rope with the top of your right foot then place it on top of your left foot trapping the rope. (your knees are bent) push up with your legs, get a new grip with your hands and repeat.

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