What is a Prusik?

Prusik is mainly used as a rope grab to attain progress capture in a rope system, normally a Mechanical advantage system. A Prusik is simply a thin piece of chord or webbing tied into a loop normally with a double fisherman’s knot. The Prusik is then tied onto the thicker rope in such a way that it will not slide down the rope when loaded by pressure.

Why you should always carry a prusik？

• As a backup for rappelling : Carry a Prusik is to use it as a “third hand”. Adding a Prusik backup while rappelling makes dealing with stuck ropes, traversing, cleaning gear,much safer and easier.
• When tandem rappelling in the event of an accident: In the event of an accident where you must tandem rappel with your partner, having a Prusik backup is invaluable.
• For assistance in ascending a rope: Carrying a Prusik gives one the ability to easily ascend a rope should they need to. Rappelling past an anchor in the dark and floundering on the end of the rope until a rescue arrives
• For use in self-rescue scenarios:Prusiks are the foundation of almost all self-rescue techniques. Whether you are involved in partner rescue, having a dedicated Prusik will ease the process.