Rigging & friction

Friction hitches, lowering systems, and why more is safer.

Friction is your friend

More friction means a slower, more controlled descent. A figure-8 with a twist, a second carabiner, or a Munter on a sling — every rig adds control at the cost of speed.

The toolkit

figure-8     the standard, fast, hot
ATC / tube   smoother, less rope twist
extra biner  more friction, on demand
auto-block   the backup that catches

How we beta it

Technical routes list the rig we recommend for each pitch — including when to add friction because the rope is wet.