How to Tie a Swiss Seat Rappel Harness

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For a basic harness, made in just minutes, tie a Swiss seat rappel harness. It is safe enough to use for climbing and does not require extra tools and accessories. Knowing how to tie a Swiss seat rappel harness comes in handy if you need a harness at the spur of the moment or you do not have enough money to purchase a commercially manufactured harness.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

7 to 10 feet of rope

Step 1

Find the center point of the rope by dividing it in half. Position the rope so the center point is aligned with the center of your lower back. Extend the ends outward and visually check that both sides are the same length.

Step 2

Wrap the rope around your waist, keeping it centered on your lower back. Pass one side under the other to make a half stitch. Repeat. Let the tag ends of the rope drop down to the ground in front of you. This is where you will attach the carabiner at the very end.

Step 3

Pass the tag ends of the rope through your legs. Continue up through the half stitch and over your shoulders. Let both ends drop down in front of you.

Step 4

Squat and pull the tag ends of the rope snugly. You will feel the rope slightly squeeze between your legs. This is to tighten the harness.

Step 5

Drop the rope behind your back and pass it behind the rope that cradles your buttocks. Pull both sides out past both hips and to the front of your body.

Step 6

Secure the two ends with a square knot. Position the knot on your left hip if you are right-handed and vice versa if you are left-handed.

Step 7

Close the harness with a keeper knot. A half hitch is the best choice. Pull the half hitch through both belts of rope.

Tips & Warnings

A Swiss rappel harness is suitable for all sizes.

The rope you use must be strong enough to hold twice your body weight. Check the rating before using.

If the harness is too tight, it can cut off blood flow as well as cause discomfort and pain.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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