Using Paracord for an Emergency Rappel

Quick Video Summary

This tutorial is a guide on how to create an Emergency Rappel Using Paracord. A straightforward and easy method to overcome tough situations!

WARNING! This can be dangerous!  Do not attempt at home!

Create an Emergency Rappel Using Paracord

Have you ever been stuck in a situation where you are being chased off by a bear and the only two choices that you have end up being either get eaten by the bear or jump off the cliff? You haven’t? Oh, then it is just me.

But I am sure certain situations might call for emergency rappelling. This is an essential skill you should know, even if you aren’t planning a vacation in the Amazon. Why? Sometimes you can get caught up in a hazardous situation where rappelling can save your life. For example, getting stuck in a building which is on fire, and the ‘exit’ paths are blocked. A quick rappel can help you come down a window.

Sometimes, this skill can save somebody else’s life as well. For example, imagine someone fell down a deep pit. Imagine how helpful would it be to save the person with an emergency rappel.

Therefore, here we discuss how to create an emergency rappel using a Paracord. A paracord is an easy and cheap thing to keep in your house. We use Paracord 550 for this (and most other) technique. The 550 in the name suggests that the paracord can handle 550 lbs of weight.

For this tutorial, you would need a hank or roll of MIL-SPEC Paracord, and a heavy-duty carabiner.

Remember that rappelling with a paracord could be dangerous and hazardous. Therefore, it is advised to be used in emergency situations only. Caution is mandatory in this exercise as the consequences could be ‘fatal.' Therefore, this method should only be used if there is no other way out!

Also, while using this method, remember to descend very slowly. If you are going down at a fast rate, it will multiply your weight and the cord could snap.

1. Learn your knots. Your life depends on your knots, so making bad knots could kill you.
2. Take two cords parallel and stretch them out three times the distance between your arms from end to end.
3. Tie a secure knot that doesn’t open. You will now have created a loop. This loop would be your seat in your rappelling.
4. Divide the loop in half and pass it around you to create your seat. Secure the ends through the carabiner.
5. Use the other rope that is tied to an object to create a rappelling knot. Pass it through your carabiner.
6. You are ready to emergency rappel.

Now you know how to create an emergency rappel using Paracord. Remember that this setup is a dangerous operation and should only be used in case of emergencies. Try to have someone besides you to ensure your safety. Always exercise caution, and do not use it as a fun toy.

WARNING!!!  If you want to try out rappelling for fun, there are more secure options available such as static rappelling rope.  If at all possible, you should be using better quality material suited for the intended purpose. Paracord should only be used in an emergency, and should be considered risky!