I'm going to be doing some routes that require a two rope rappel. I already have a Mammut 9.5 60m rope. I'd like to keep things light, so I'm thinking I should get a double or half-rope for the rappels.

Any recommendations? Ideas?

6mm static line

D-
If you don't think you'll need the tag line for any emergency climbing then I'd have to 2nd Alexanders suggestion. I doubt that you'll find anything lighter or less expensive than 6mm static cord.
cheers, BA

I use a 6mm 65m cord (a few extra feet because your 60 can stretch). Some may think this is too skinny. Depends how you use it.

Feed you main line through the anchor.

Join ropes using a square-eight. My choice, but others that can't fit through the anchor will work.

Rap the two ropes.

Pull the tag line.

If you are not completely sure the knot won't pass through you can clip a biner to the knot. When the first person finishes the rappel, he/she can tie an overhand and clip it to his belay loop. Now, second person can remove the biner at the anchor but have the same security the first did.

6mm is super light and inexpensive. Good rope management is important or you will have a rats nest.

I use 7mm also, it's light and doesn't seam to " fly away" as bad as the 6mm does when the wind is blowing

Just some food for thought... (maybe pointing out the obvious... if so, just ignore)

Carrying a single 9.5 + 60m of 7mm cord won't save you much weight over a pair of 8.1 or 8.5 doubles -- and is way less versatile. In fact, it likely weighs more (I had a 7mm static tag line and sold it, b/c I usually just carried doubles). The 6mm/7mm will be static, so it cannot be used as a 'backup' rope. And... most folks doing anything alpine or ice want to have a pair of doubles laying around, anyhow!

Cheers!

Blue Water makes a really nice 8mm tag line that would also work great for hauling a small bag on wall in a day walls.

7mm Tag is good. I like carrying a twin or double though. U can rap on these as well as lead on them if need be. They are getting small enough these days that they weigh in at almost the same as the 7mm tag.

Remember if getting a static, get it 5 meters longer because it doesn't stretch much.

Tastes Great Less Filling is probably the best tagline - but it's already taken...

David,

What kind of routes are you doing? Rock? Alpine? Snow? Also, will you be doing many rappels? Hauling a pack/bag? Are you climbing in a team of 3?

If you go the route of buying a tag line, 7mm is the best choice. However, if you are doing routes that you know you have to rappel, carrying a 7.5 or 8mm twin rope could be a great choice. It makes the rappelling and pulling of the rappel ropes much easier. Be aware that if you choose some kind of double rope system (half or twin) the rope management and belaying of the 2 ropes is more complicated vs. a single lead line and tag. Both options have their pros and cons, it really depends on what you will be doing with them.

Double ropes are great for snow and ice, wandering rock routes and long raps. But they do have drawbacks. Belay complexity, yes. Another thing is, what do you do on a steep rock route if you want to haul the pack? Bring 3 ropes? Pull one rope up and throw it down (can work)?

The best thing is to have both setups, and bring whichever works best for the climb you are doing. But this is expensive and you have to replace ropes pretty often.