The Totem
The original Totem is the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of rigging devices. Deceptively simple looking, the Totem is remarkably versatile. Use it for belaying, releasable rigging and hauling systems, or as a rigging plate. Use it for rappelling – it’s simple to add friction mid-rappel and simple to lock off. You can even ascend with it.
Designed by ART of RopeWork instructor Rich Carlson and produced by Rock Exotica, the Totem is available worldwide through your local Rock Exotica dealer or directly from Rock Exotica.
Tech Info
MBS: 30kN
Weight: 4.5 oz (128 gm)
Height: 7.5” (190 mm)
Width: 2.5” (64 mm)
Rope: 8mm to 10.5mm
Color: Teal
Belay, Haul, Ascent
As a belay device, one of the unique features of the Totem is it’s ability to be used as a lever in plaquette belay mode. If the belay operator needs to lower the climber, they simply need to pull up on the long end of the Totem instead of running cord through…
Totem Descent Modes
The Totem has over 10 different descent modes. From auto-locking to quick attach/detach, the Totem has a mode to suit short or long rappels on small or large diameter ropes. It is easy to vary friction mid rappel or lock off. The unique length of the Totem allows it…
Releasable Contingencies
The Totem is capable of several releasable contingencies offering different levels of friction. It is smart to rig for rescue and be prepared for any challenge a canyon descent throws at you. Whether the rope is not long enough or someone’s hair gets caught in…
Adaptable Totem Response Rack
The A-TRR (Adaptable Totem Response Rack) – inspired by North American Rescue’s A-VRR (Adaptable Vertical Response Rack) – and the training in its use provided by Sean McKay of Element Rescue and Bryan Howell of Prevail Rescue.
The A-VRR is available as a kit from www.narescue.com
Our A-TRR is similar, but includes items that are compatible with the systems and techniques we have been teaching in our rescue, rigging and rappelling courses over the years.
INCLUDED IN THE A-TRR:
- Rock Exotica Totem
- Multi-Purpose Cordellette
- 180cm Dyneema Sling
- Bluewater 7mm VT Prusik
- Petzl RollClip Carabiner
- Petzl Tibloc
- Petzl Micro Traxion
- Rock Exotica Mini PMP Pulleys (2)
- Rock Exotica RockO WireEye Carabiner
- Rock Exotica Pirate HMS Carabiners (4)
The Passion
It is gratifying to know that the Totem has so many fans who love it and continually come up with innovative new ways to use it. It is also gratifying to see all the different ways those fans show their passion for its design, treating it as a work of art. The Totem truly has a loyal cult following.
More Totem Videos
When I designed the Totem I had six or seven ideas in mind for how it would be used. In the early days I offered “Totem Workshops” to teach those systems. Students in the first workshop came up with a dozen more ways to use it. So, in the second workshop I had more systems to teach, which inspired that group of students to come up with even more. I continue to be inspired by the many creative systems and techniques people are developing with their Totems.
RICH CARLSON
Disclaimer
All of the videos below were created by other people. They depict systems and techniques that we may not have tested ourselves for either efficacy or safety. Use the information presented in the videos with extreme caution. If you choose to try any of the systems or techniques depicted you should practice somewhere safe, low-angle and close to the ground until you are certain you fully understand how things work and the risks involved.
In the vertical realm, mistakes could result in serious injury or death … and that would really suck.
KungFu Totem
In this video, students in Hong Kong are doing a very good Bruce Lee impression while finding yet another use for their Totems.
The Totem was not conceived as a martial arts weapon, but it is comforting to know that you can create improvised nunchuks for self-defense if you ever encounter problems in a dark alley.
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