CT Footloop - Snap

[Loki]

The webbing must have looked on the point of failure before going underground surely. People if it looks shagged it probably shouldn’t be used!

 

[Wardy]

The use of the rope from below to create a loop to stand in as Badlad describes works really well as when you stand the rope is tight and so your chest ascender is very efficient.
The problem comes if you try to change over as Maisie Syntax describes.
Your descender goes on the rope below your chest ascender and is therefore in tension in the loop that you stand in.
Your descender if on a single karabiner can hold you too tight to stand up enough to release your chest ascender.
Give it a try, it is easy to ascend in this way, but changeovers are challenging.
One solution is to extend your attachment to your descender - say using your short cowstail - then you have enough slack.

Worth a go above ground and helps with depth of knowledge

 

[Ian P]

I’m a big fan of a separate knotted “bag tether” and an even bigger fan of something that has multiple uses.
Today’s trip only has one planned up pitch so used my bag tether for my foot loop.
No knots to undo and really simple.

 

[hannahb]

 

[andrewmcleod]

I’m a big fan of a separate knotted “bag tether” and an even bigger fan of something that has multiple uses.
Today’s trip only has one planned up pitch so used my bag tether for my foot loop.
No knots to undo and really simple.

Mine have carabiners at both ends (twistlocks) but are basically the same - can be used as an impromptu belt and/or cowstails. My main one is made out of dyneema now - costs a bit more, but lasts much, much longer than 5 or 6mm cord.

 

[alanw]

My main one is made out of dyneema now

That's interesting. What diameter, and where did you buy it?

 

[andrewmcleod]

That's interesting. What diameter, and where did you buy it?

Just tied from 5mm dyneema cord. Join the two ends together with a double fishermans that incorporates the other strand of the loop, tie a few extra overhands in it for grip and clipping the bag short, and I then usually girth-hitch on the carabiners so they don't flap about. The design is totally stolen off Starless River since when I bought my first bag tether from there, that's how it was tied. I've just added a bit more length and an overhand or two, plus made it with dyneema - which at £4/m or so is pretty pricey at first but I got bored of replacing the cord when the knots get cored (as shown in Ian P's photos).

 

[IanWalker]

Triple fishermans recommended for dynemma

Beal Dyneema Cord Blue (x 1.1m length)

<p> Static 5.5mm cord that is almost as strong (1800 daN kg) as 9mm rope. 1.1 metre length. Enough to restring a Hex or other nut. Also a good length for restringing a double loop cam such as a DMM 4C

www.needlesports.com

Dyneema not recommended for cowstails

 

[andrewmcleod]

Triple fishermans recommended for dynemma

Beal Dyneema Cord Blue (x 1.1m length)

<p> Static 5.5mm cord that is almost as strong (1800 daN kg) as 9mm rope. 1.1 metre length. Enough to restring a Hex or other nut. Also a good length for restringing a double loop cam such as a DMM 4C

www.needlesports.com

Dyneema not recommended for cowstails

You are indeed correct (and my dyneema bag tether is indeed tied with a triple fishermans). Dyneema is indeed not a sensible material for general-purpose cowstails, but perfectly reasonable for 'expert' use on a short horizontal traverse where there is no possibility of a shock load. And much better than nothing when cowstails were not expected to be needed

 

[IanWalker]

we have a wide range of experience in the readership of this forum. i was just adding a couple of points in the interest of balance for any non-experts who might want to emulate your idea

 

[sneezinweasel]

I just wanted to say to you all thanks for your kind and thoughtful contributions on this post. Much appreciated and valued. I've made a new loop from a load of old static rope. Cheers!

 

[owd git]

I just wanted to say to you all thanks for your kind and thoughtful contributions on this post. Much appreciated and valued. I've made a new loop from a load of old static rope. Cheers!

Not really a swipe at 'ct' but has anyone here had a home tied rope footloop break in use? save yourself a little money and tie a loop there will, i'm sure, be recommendations on how to. wait for this posts.O.G.

 

[langcliffe]

Not really a swipe at 'ct' but has anyone here had a home tied rope footloop break in use? save yourself a little money and tie a loop there will, i'm sure, be recommendations on how to. wait for this posts.O.G.

I did, but it had served about 20 years.