Fixed rigging

Introduction

Fixed riggings attach rope to anchors in a way where it cannot be retrieved from the bottom. Creating a fixed rigging is often called "placing a fixed rope".

Usage

If the group will be returning to a rope later, such as in the case of an in-and-back trip, the rope can be rigged simply by tying it to an anchor and then untying it from the top when it is no longer needed. Knots or hitches commonly used to attach a rope to an anchor vary by the type of anchor.

• Small anchors (anchor rings, metal pipes, small tree branches, small chockstones, etc.)
  • Figure 8 knot
  • Figure N knot
  • Clove hitch
• Trees, or other rough objects
  • Tensionless hitch

Advantages

Fixed riggings are usually simpler and more secure than other riggings and only require as much rope as the height of the drop.

Disadvantages

The rope cannot be retrieved from the bottom making fixed riggings inappropriate for through-trips, which constitute the majority of canyoneering trips.