Alternatives for Rappelling Seats

The rappel seat, also called the Swiss seat, is an emergency harness that can be rigged to protect a climb or rappel. The Swiss seat can be used to transport an injured person if they don't have a harness. The Swiss seat is just one type of rappel seat, though, and there are several other options.

  1. Bowline on a Coil

    • According to the American Alpine Institute, one alternative to the tying a Swiss seat is to use a bowline on a coil. A bowline on a coil involves, as the name implies, tying a bowline knot to secure a rope that has been coiled around your waist three times. The Institute does not recommend using this, though, unless it is absolutely necessary.

    Webbing Harness

    • According to ITS Tactical, 1 inch tubular webbing can be made into an emergency harness. ITS calls it a "hasty webbing harness" and it is similar to the Swiss seat, but a little quicker to make. This harness is also only for emergency use and requires at least 12 feet of pre-knotted tubular webbing and a locking carabiner to be effective.

    Manufactured Harness

    • The Swiss seat and other hand-tied harnesses have been around for a while, but, according to REI, today it's safer to buy a professionally manufactured climbing or rappelling harness. Manufactured harnesses are not only more comfortable than a webbing or rope harness, but they are also tested for safety and tailored to specific climbing or rappelling activities.