Releasable rigging

Introduction

A releasable rigging (different from a releasable anchor) is one where the rappel rope may be lowered, even while weighted by a rappeller, by releasing part of the system. This kind of system is often called a "contingency anchor" in the United States.

Advantages

Releasable riggings are used for a number of reasons, including:

• Safety in class C canyons to avoid rappeller drowning in the case of rope entanglement, a device jam, etc (see Team dynamics (swift water) for more information)
• Quick rescue of beginners who are more likely to jam their rappel device with hair, a shirt, etc

Examples

• Figure 8 block
• Joker
• Jester
• Releasable munter hitch