Down

Down: The Complete Descent Manual for Climbers, Alpinists and Mountaineers is a groundbreaking encyclopedic guide to the art and science of descent, written by award-winning climber and author Andy Kirkpatrick.

Published in 2020 (Cragmanship series), this comprehensive 420-page book (with over 300 illustrations and around 80,000 words) serves as the definitive single source for all descent techniques—from foundational rappelling/abseiling basics for novices to advanced, cutting-edge methods used by experienced and professional climbers.

Drawing on four decades of Kirkpatrick's personal "epics, retreats, and f**k-ups," the book covers every aspect of getting down safely: anchors, equipment selection, standard and improvised rappels, lowering heavy loads, problem-solving in stuck or complex scenarios, and risk management in high-stakes mountain environments.

With clear explanations, detailed diagrams, and Kirkpatrick's trademark blend of technical precision, humor, and hard-won storytelling, **Down** addresses a critical gap in climbing literature—where accidents during descent remain one of the leading causes of serious incidents.

Reviewers praise it as thorough, well-illustrated, and indispensable for anyone who climbs, rappels, or spends time in the mountains—making climbers more self-reliant and challenging them to refine their judgment on safe descent practices.