New from safety research: the so-called "Sicherheitshalbe" promises increased safety in mountain sports and especially when freeriding. A simple four-way prusik and a can of beer are the basic components of this innovation with a wide range of applications for freeriding.
The system and attachment
You need 3 meters of cord and a can of beer, a.k.a. "Dose of beer", "Halbe", "Hoibe", "16er Blech" or "Maurerbombe" as well as a safety carabiner (snap-lock carabiners are generally sufficient, but twist-lock or 3-way carabiners promise increased safety). First, as with any conventional prusik, wrap the cord around the object (the can) - take particular care to ensure that you have enough cord in the wrap, as you have to make 4 wraps. Then pull the remaining cord through the loop and hand-tighten. Finally, attach the safety halyard to the remaining line using the safety carabiner (e.g. via a sac knot). Studies have shown that an attachment to the shoulder strap of the backpack and a residual safety length of one cubit provides an almost perfect result: full freedom of movement of the body, free use of the arms for ice axes or similar and no impairment when sitting in lifts, crevasses or in guesthouses.
The underlying mindset
Safety is a top priority in skiing and mountaineering. Whether it's a crevasse fall with delayed rescue time, abseiling from lifts that have suddenly stopped overnight or even as psychological support when skiing steep faces: The range of applications for the safety halberd is diverse and sometimes useful. In many years' time, this standard will be the norm and no serious freerider will be seen on the mountain without a safety half. At least that is our hope and also our motivation to bring this safety system to the world. Always use a safety half for safety's sake!
Give us your feedback on your practical use in the comments.
A development from Poweronov Industries.
