Rope solo climbing (both Top Rope Solo and Lead Rope Solo) is often seen as a safe alternative to free soloing, but as with any form of climbing, things can and do go wrong. Until now, reports of rope solo accidents have been scattered across forums, social media, and private discussions. But that’s changing.
We’ve compiled a growing list of publicly documented rope solo accidents and close calls. The goal? To raise awareness, learn from others’ mistakes, and help solo climbers make informed decisions about their systems, backup strategies, and overall approach to safety.
Why This Matters
Solo climbers don’t have the luxury of a partner to catch mistakes or provide immediate help in an emergency. This means every failure, no matter how small, can have severe consequences. By studying past incidents, we can identify patterns, common failure points, and ways to mitigate risk.
Some key takeaways so far:
- System setup errors (incorrect attachment, improper backup, failure to test)
- Equipment failures (slippage, unexpected device behavior, anchor failures)
- Human factors (complacency, overconfidence, lack of redundancy)
Access the List
We’ve put together a document with links to each known rope solo accident and incident report. If you’re serious about solo climbing, this is a resource worth checking out.
LINK TO THE SHEET (more than 100 reports as of 2025-02-27)
Contribute Your Experience
If you or someone you know has experienced a rope solo accident or close call, consider sharing your story. The more data we have, the better we can understand the risks and refine best practices. Contact us trough our CONTACT PAGE.
Learn Proper Techniques
If you’re looking to build a solid foundation in rope soloing, consider enrolling in our Top Rope Solo (TRS) and Lead Rope Solo (LRS) online courses. These courses cover essential techniques, gear selection, and safety protocols to help you climb with confidence. Buying into the courses supports Bliss Climbing in our mission of making rope soloing safer, more accessible, and growing the knowledge base. It is a lifetime membership. LINK TO THE COURSES
Safety First
Rope soloing offers freedom, but it also demands responsibility. Take the time to learn, test your setup thoroughly, and always have a backup plan. Let’s make rope soloing safer: together.
Stay safe, stay smart, and climb on!