Originally Posted By: clearwater
Rappel extensions are gaining popularity. Easier to keep your eye on the belay device, keeps it away from clothing, is easier to use a prussic/autoblock backup, avoids twisting of the carabiner/belay plate or eight to a degree.

https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/extended-rappel-and-updated-belay-techniques



Haven't know any better the last decade. Tying a backup prusik on you leg look is uncomfortable and if not positioned right will open up the leg loop buckle.

As for old carabiners; I just replace them over time. Aluminum doesn't have a minimum threshold for fatigue (not sure if that is the correct English term). I'm slowly upgrading to lighter, stronger and snag free type of gates (keylock for screws or those fancy things for the clippers).
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