Rope in emergency

[mcjtom]

Here is a dramatic scenario: you are trying to escape from a balcony on the 5th floor.  You have a long rope and nothing else.  What would you do exactly?

I could try to slide on a single rope tied to the balcony, hoping not to fall off...  But maybe there are some better ways?

I'm not sure, but I was thinking of tying the Karash harness, wrapping the rope around the (round) balcony railings, and try to lower myself this way, but how to control the long tail other than with hands?  I could tie a loop at the harness and tie something akin to the Munter around it, but the moving rope friction would likely cut the loop...

Or maybe wrap more turns on the railing and reduce the tension in the rope I'm holding?

The best I can think of is the Karash harness connected to Munter or Super Munter wrapped around the balcony railing and me holding the long tail as I go down in the harness along it.  Maybe wrapping it twice around my thigh for some security ..

[roo]

Here is a dramatic scenario: you are trying to escape from a balcony on the 5th floor.  You have a long rope and nothing else.  What would you do exactly?

I could try to slide on a single rope tied to the balcony, hoping not to fall off...  But maybe there are some better ways?

I'm not sure, but I was thinking of tying the Karash harness, wrapping the rope around the (round) balcony railings, and try to lower myself this way, but how to control the long tail other than with hands?  I could tie a loop at the harness and tie something akin to the Munter around it, but the moving rope friction would likely cut the loop...

Or maybe wrap more turns on the railing and reduce the tension in the rope I'm holding?

The best I can think of is the Karash harness connected to Munter or Super Munter wrapped around the balcony railing and me holding the long tail as I go down in the harness along it.  Maybe wrapping it twice around my thigh for some security ..

A simple method is something used by aerial performers, and would probably depend on the size of the line for comfort.  Spiral the line up around one leg and have the line emerge upward from between your legs.  Clamping your legs together should allow braking.  Getting started would be probably be the trickiest part.

A foot-based technique may require a little bit more skill and dexterity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1ZDvZT69sQ&t=36s

Would you have time to fashion a harness in a true emergency?

[mcjtom]

Would you have time to fashion a harness in a true emergency?

Good point.  But say you do (e.g. you're an elderly Princess escaping from a tower after decades in captivity - just borrowed a rope for a few hours).  Would tying a harness and lowering yourself via the Munter on the railing be the best of ideas?

p.s. I tried it and tying the Karash harness takes seconds, but then what?

[KC]

 Fireman's pole thickness may disperse frictions enough for more workable as is, climb/inchworm rope laced try arcs in legs and arms and slide down .
More normal thinner lines:
2x drop length rope could make seat in end, go around strong round anchor and back to self, several times with control leg around load leg for more frictions
or even without extra frictions if simply lower self with control leg only get half your weight to control back as a potential, and the support friction reduces that some...in this direction on loaded axis.
or have long tail from seat reach over from load to control leg  in a Pro-Grip and can slide/rest at will.
.
Unlike single rope friction Hitch clamping hard under load, the hitch here can be made to slide as can unload hitch when do so as load leg temp holds load as hitch slides on control leg.  Pulling hand over hand above hitch on control leg gives 2/1 over self but the add back support frictions against efforts this direction on load axis(increasing work some but decreased work coming down).  DO NOT reach over to friction hitch with same diameter and pull on both ends of a friction hitch, maintain single leg Friction Hitch input like Taut line, ProhGrip, open but not closed Prussic of both ends pulled. ref. ABoK lessons 480/481 for tree climbing setup.
Doubled length gives retrievable setup to go another 5 if needed if safe haven found/made between.
.
But, then there is olds-cool body wrap that forms changing/not fixed support at climber as load point.

In Kung-Fu tv series I believe was even shown barefoot down mountain side.  Thicker clothes disperse contact stress and thermal insulation from frictions.
.
Arcs are largest key to rope forces and conversions, linears are just simplest extensions in rope force logistics.
To me much of our study beyond making etc. is simply rope force principles inside microcosm of knot.
Rigs/systems of rope are just larger view of logically same defining principle set. 
Then as climber like this get inside the feel of the usual microcosm itself to know frictions real hot, rope after each arc/frictions as tension reduced are softer etc. i think, at least for me.

[ParLeijonhufvud]

But, then there is olds-cool body wrap that forms changing/not fixed support at climber as load point.

Having rappelled this way many times that would be my choice. Unless the rope is long enough to reach the ground make sure to tie an indicator knot well before the end: people have rappelled off their rope, withe the expected but tragic consequences. If the rope in not long enough try to go from balcony to balcony. If you want to see where you are going there is the Australian rappell https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_rappel

The stylish had is not mandatory equipment, but you will a happier person for having a sturdy jacket and pair of trousers. Work-gloves are nice too (in my teens I tried this in shorts and t-shirt, using 5 mm polyester flag-line: I did have nice rope marks on my shoulder. I do not suggest that this choice of rope was in any way shape or form safe, even if my body-weight was about 1/3 of the listed breaking strength of the rope...   

[alana]

at some stage i've practised tying this harness made of webbing;
the loops for legs are made of twists and you can step into them,
go round the waist,
put all the (four) horizontal lines in a carabiner,
then good to go.

[alana]

i've had a couple of goes at the Australian rappel, 
didn't know it was called that 😊
we called it a run-down