{"id":28208,"date":"2025-07-09T20:28:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T18:28:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ripperkon.de\/?p=28208"},"modified":"2025-07-09T20:28:57","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T18:28:57","slug":"video-rappelling-on-paracord-dont-do-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ripperkon.de\/en\/video-rappelling-on-paracord-dont-do-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Video: Rappelling on paracord? \u2013 Don\u2019t do it!"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve spent any time around mountain sports or professions where ropes are used, you\u2019ll probably answer this question with a clear and immediate “NO!<\/strong>” When you trust your life to a rope, it should be certified and provide sufficient safety reserves. However, since paracord is relatively strong, this question might still be worth a closer look. Of course, I strongly advise against imitating any of this!<\/p>\n

To get an initial reference point, I used a Linescale load cell to measure the approximate load at which the paracord breaks. For this, I dynamically swung into the rope, and I only did each test once per type of cord. These values should therefore be considered only rough indicators, not accurate measurements. One strand of 550 parachute cord broke at 1.83\u202fkN<\/strong>, and one strand of 750 parachute cord at 2.3\u202fkN<\/strong>. So there’s not much margin \u2014 and sharp edges on the rock, especially over longer descents, pose a significant risk. That\u2019s why I used a backup mobile fall-arrest device (Petzl ASAP) for this test. While rappelling, it runs with me, and if the paracord breaks, I\u2019ll be hanging from the ASAP on a thick 11\u202fmm rope.<\/p>\n