Cowstails

Part of the SRT, or Single Rope Technique kit, which is used to overcome vertical drops, using a single rope to descend and ascend. Attached to the centre maillon. They are used to protect the caver from falling by clipping in to the rope on traverses and while getting the descender, or ascenders on and off the rope. Made from stretchy dynamic climbing rope, which absorbs shock loads and reduces the risk of injury in the event of a slip. There is one short cows tail and one long. Each has a karabiner at the end for clipping in to rope, or anchors. This important piece of equipment is typically replaced annually.