How to Tie a Swiss Seat Rappel Harness

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A Swiss seat rappel harness is a simple harness made from a piece of rope or webbing. It is good for those who need to make a harness on the fly, or for those who don't want to buy a commercially made harness.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. Place the fold in the center of your lower back, ends out to either side of your body so that you're holding an equal length in each hand.
  2. Pull one side under the other to make a half hitch. Repeat so that the rope turns twice around itself. This will eventually be where the carabiner is placed and it keeps the rope from pinching down on your testicles (if you have them). Drop both of the free ends so that they dangle in front of you (probably touching the ground). [1]
    Advertisement
  3. Pass each free end up through the portion of the rope wrapped around your waist. The free ends should now be between your body and your 'belt'. [2]
    • Place the free ends over your shoulders so that the ends are dangling down in front of your chest, one on each side.
  4. This is an important step as this is what will tighten your harness. Stand up and squat several times while pulling on the free ends. You should feel it squeeze you between your legs – make sure key parts are not between the rope and your leg.
  5. For both sides, maintaining tension on the free end, drop it behind your back and pass it behind the length of rope that cups your bum, from back to front. This binds the seat in place. Pull the free end towards your front, along your hips.
  6. Connect the two ends together using a square knot off-centre to your body. Most right-handed people will place the square knot by their front left hip.
  7. Note that the half hitch must pass around both 'belts' of rope that now exist.
  8. Place any excess rope out of the way in a deep left pocket (cargo pants are an asset) if you have one, and if your knot is on the left. Make sure that the rope is in a place that it won't interfere with your carabiner during a rappel. [3]
  9. Now attach your carabiner and happy rappelling.
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Where can I find a rear view picture of the harness?
    Community Answer
    Look for pictures on the internet. Or try making one for yourself and taking pictures as a reference.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 8
  • Question
    What kind of harness is good for a rappel?
    Community Answer
    It's an emergency harness only. It hurts a lot,l but if tied correctly it will get you down.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 11
  • Question
    What is the rope length that is needed for this?
    Community Answer
    This will completely depend on your waist size, as everyone will need a different amount of rope.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 22 Helpful 7
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If it doesn't hurt when you're putting it on than your doing it wrong. The tighter it is before getting on the rope the safer it will be and less pain you will have while on the rope. Nothing is worse than getting halfway down a line and a "key part" get injured due to a loose seat.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Care for your rope. Don't step on it, don't store it when wet, don't spill fuels or other chemicals on it. Don't leave it in the sun for long periods, and untie tight knots before storing as they reduce the tensile strength of the rope.
        Thanks
        Helpful 27 Not Helpful 7
      • Always test your harness before using at any height. Pull up on the carabiner until your whole weight is supported. Or, have your friend lift you up by the carabiner and shake. Your harness, although probably not comfortable, should not be too loose, pinch your manly parts, or slip.
        Thanks
        Helpful 15 Not Helpful 6
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Rope. Approx 6-10 ft (182-304 cm) length depending on your size. Most ropes used for Swiss seats are braided hemp , 550 paracord, or other natural fiber rope. The rope should be clean and new, and rated to support at least two times your body weight, preferably more. Diameter should be approx 12-16mm.
      • Carabiner. This is to be rated and approved for climbing and supporting a human's body weight. Must have a lockable gate.
      • Leather gloves. Although this is not a lesson in climbing you must protect your hands when rappelling; there will be a lot of friction, heat, and the possibility of particles in the rope as it passes through your hands. Or, you can use a simple pair of mechanic's gloves.

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tie a Rethreaded Figure of 8 Climbing Knot
      How to
      Make a Rope Harness
      How to
      Climb a Tree
      How to
      Climb a Rope
      How to
      Hop a Fence
      How to
      Climb Mount Everest
      How to
      Climb a Wall
      How to
      Climb a Mountain
      How to
      Climb a Tree With No Branches
      How to
      Use a Harness for Rock Climbing
      How to
      Climb a Palm Tree
      How to
      Climb a Coconut Tree
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wz9Ogy52Y0
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wz9Ogy52Y0
      3. ↑ https://www.canyoneeringusa.com/techtips/swiss-seat-webbing-harness

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 353,400 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement