On Rope: North American Vertical Rope Techniques for Caving, Search and Rescue, Mountaineering

A really outstanding book! It presumes a very basic level of knowledge and builds your confidence - from the history and making of climbing rope to all the hardware and knowledge needed to descend and ascend. All the techniques are listed and advantages/disadvantages noted for each. There is information for cavers and explorers as well as sportsmen and rescue pros. Some of the most interesting passages in the book describe real situations, poor planning, and what happened. If you want information good enough to go out and survive a dangle from a rope, this is it.

This is a wonderful book. It shows knots in detail, it shows when and how to use them. We use the book all the time as a training manual.

Bruce Smith and Alan Padgett writing from the center of the world of vertical caving, TAG (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia), bring their experience of "bouncing" the great pits like Neversink, Fantastic and Surprise to the printed page. TAG is the home of America's deepest vertical caves, ranging in depth from 30' to 586' deep.If it is your desire to read the definitive text on rope work in the extreme world of caving this is it.

Padgett and Smith put it all together in one volume. Actually two volumes, as the second edition is now out and between the two there isn't much left to know. If you like hanging out 200 feet above the ground on 11mm static, this is the way to go!

This book is a must for anyone beginning or experienced in caving and ropework of any type. The basics are discussed and illustrated in a clear precise manner. Whether you are rappeling, ascending, rebelaying, rescuing, or just interested in caving there is no better source for any on-rope techniques available. The reason it does not have a 10 rating is that On Rope II has actually bested its predecessor.