>>2563527Nta but,
Rope recommendation: Any rope that is specifically made for personal safety, such as any climbing rope including arborist ropes. You could use a bull rope but it would be heavier than necessary. If you're rappelling for fun (and it is fun no matter how many climbers say it isn't) a static 9mm to 12mm (3/8" to 1/2") rope is best because static rope is more durable than dynamic rope. BlueWater makes a good 3/8" static line that comes in various lengths including whole spools. It's tough and comes in a nice tan color. Search ebay for a seller from Georgia who sells only BlueWater ropes, hopefully he's still around. Any other 'murican rope maker like New England Ropes and Sterling probably make high quality static line as well, and European rope makers such as Mammut will make quality static line. If you find a deal on a dynamic rope you can use that but dynamic ropes are usually more expensive and aren't as durable... usually.
Unless you already have experience using mechanical belay devices like the GriGri, I'd just use an ATC or similar device. They're a little harder on the rope than figure-8 devices but they don't twist the fuck out of the rope and they're easier to brake with.
You can use a prussik above or below the belay/rappel device as long as you know what you're doing. As a matter of fact you can rappel on a manila rope without any harness or other gear at all as long as you know what you're doing. That's the catch: If you know what you're doing climbing and rappelling are pretty safe, but it takes some years of experience to get there. Practice creating safe anchors first and I don't mean clipping a bolted chain anchor . It's a bit different from tree climbing. Stay safe, anon.
Yes you can use your tree saddle.
