Hand Loops

Sometimes it’s advisable to make a few hand loops as a backup. For example, if you need to climb a more difficult section, you can unravel the loops to have enough rope to ascend, while your client waits for you to climb. The client must not move while you are on that section.

Now, let’s think about what happens if you, as a guide, have loops and your client starts to slide down.

• If the loops wrap around your hand, the rope will tighten immediately, locking your hand. This means you lose control, and you might end up sliding after your client unintentionally. You definitely don’t want your hand to be stuck this way!
• If the loops don’t wrap around your hand, there’s no risk of your hand being blocked. The rope from the loops will stretch instantly, and you’ll be left without loops, transferring the tension to your harness. You still have two free hands!

The friction between the hand and the rope is the same in both cases.

So, avoid loops over your palm!

Please take note of the warning from Trekking Switzerland Blog!