Rappel extensions started becoming in vogue around 2006 after a climbing accident in Wyoming where a friction hitch backup was likely tended or pushed down by the device causing the climber to lose control and eventually rappel off the end of the rope. The rappel extension helps eliminate this issue and sets us up for success in many other situations.
The rappel extension has morphed over the years as technology has improved. We now can consider using a dynamic extension like the Petzl Connect Adjust to extend our rappels and prevent high force shock loading when clipped to an anchor.
Petzl’s Connect Adjust
The double shoulder length sling is still a great option for extending a rappel and using nylon can allow for a larger margin of error. Most climbers now only carry UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) so basketing the sling is a good option and we should stay away from girth hitches with this material. Here are a few configurations with the sling.
double shoulder length sling rappel extension
I do still use a locker draw for extensions at times. Here is a video that I made about the locker draw and some of its uses in 2012.
