Here is an interesting variation on the "diaper sling" for a rappel harness: I take a length of standard 1 inch tubular webbing such that when doubled I can add fastex type buckels and wear it as a normal belt. In an emergency I can take off the buckels, tie a water knot in it to form a loop, then step into the loop with one leg. This allows me to bring the webbing from my back around both sides to the front and reach between my legs to bring up the webbing around one leg. Attach a carabiner and you have a "diaper sling" minus one leg. I've rappelled like this just fine. I'm not sure how the biometrics would scale, but a little more than twice around the waist works for me.<br><br>Using a carabiner for a buckel would leave you even more prepared. I'd suggest a steel one since life as a belt buckel would incur some abuse.<br><br>

New England Ropes has an interesting web page entitled "Micro Rappel" where they show a kit for emergency, personal rappelling using a 5mm or 3mm rope (yes, 3mm). They also depict a descender I've never seen before, possibly unique to their system. They list "emergency rappelling line" as one of the applications for their tech cord.<br>http://www.neropes.com/maxim_climbing/micro_rappel.htm<br><br>They manufacture what they call "tech cord" with a polyester cover. Tensile strength is 5,000 lbs and 3,200 lbs for 5mm and 3mm respectively.<br><br>The thought of a rappel on 3mm rope scares the daylights out of me -- I don't care what it's made out of.<br><br>Another article I found related to micro rappelling:<br>http://www.sbccom.army.mil/products/cie/MicroRappelSystem.htm<br><br><br><br>

It's not official military issue, but Sportsmans Guide (www.sportsmansguide.com) sells Para Cord. This is how the describe it:<br><br>100 yards of Mil.-style Para Cord. <br><br> Each individual inner strand has a tensile strength of 30 lbs. • Minimum tensile strength of all 7 strands together is 550 lbs. • 100 yds. per spool • <br><br>FX1M - 15502 - Para Cord, White<br> Qty: $14.97<br> <br>FX1M - 15500 - Para Cord, Black <br> Qty: $17.97<br> <br>FX1M - 15501 - Para Cord, Olive Drab<br> Qty: $17.97<br> <br><br><br><br>Willie Vannerson<br>McHenry, IL

Thanks for the tip. I have a use for this idea, but it’s not as a belt, it’s a shoulder strap. I have a German map valise that I use to tote my copy of the Boy Scout Handbook, Field Guide, assorted Merit badge pamphlets, maps and a steno pad. I picked it up at www.sportsmansguide.com for about $5. I know notice that you can get two of them for $8 (item #WX1-54131).<br><br> It came with thin plastic strap that was uncomfortable. So I replaced that with a short piece of rope that I eye spliced onto the rings. But that’s not working as well as I would like. I was contemplating braiding a new strap out of leather laces but haven’t had the time to get to it. But I think I’ll use this idea instead to make a shoulder strap instead out of para cord. <br><br><br>Willie Vannerson<br>McHenry, IL