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Cairn Anchor

Description

If you can't find a suitable anchor to rappel from, one option is to create a cairn anchor. This is similar to a deadman anchor but above ground. To make a cairn anchor:

  1. Tie your webbing around the largest rock you can find. 
  2. Stack lots of other rocks on top of the large rock and in front of it (behind it doesn't help anything).
  3. Cross your fingers that it holds you.

Disadvantages

Cairn anchors are time-consuming and risky. I recommend using them only as a last resort.

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Counterweight Anchor