Twin Tensioned Highline Anchors with Removable Bolts

In high-angle or canyon-based rescue environments, systems must perform reliably while minimizing their environmental footprint. This twin tensioned highline system was specifically built with that balance in mind. It uses removable bolt anchors (RBs) set into solid stone to create a symmetrical, load-sharing configuration that supports both operational efficiency and minimal long-term impact.

The anchors are installed with ¾” RBs, seated into the rock with a quarter-inch inset. These RBs are capable of withstanding a minimum of 22kN under ideal loading. What’s most notable is how the system handles redundancy and equalization—not by accident, but by design.

The two primary anchors on each end are equalized to share the load. A dyno enforcer is included on one line to actively monitor tension. The mirrored setup on the opposite side functions identically, just without a load cell. This provides both load awareness and operational symmetry.

Why This System Works in Real Environments

This highline isn’t just a training model—it’s built for active use in a high-traffic canyon environment. The use of removable anchors ensures minimal trace once the mission is complete, while the mirrored, redundant structure ensures that no single point of failure compromises the system.

The highline spans a river, requiring consistent tension and adjustability across its full length. The load path is clear, the components are well thought out, and the planning accounts for both vertical and lateral control.

Supporting design elements include:

• Twin tensioned lines for balanced load distribution and smoother movement

• Removable bolt anchors to meet structural demands while leaving little to no permanent trace

• Dyno enforcer load monitoring to verify safe tension during rigging and operation

• Water knot with >4″ tails to maintain secure terminations

• Mirrored anchor layout ensures full redundancy if one leg or anchor fails

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Environmental Sensitivity and No-Trace Execution

While the anchors are technically “low trace” rather than “no trace,” their design aims to disappear once the system is disassembled. The small bolt holes can be filled post-operation with quickset cement, dirt, or gravel, blending them into the natural surface. This is critical in an area frequented by climbers and hikers where visual and physical impacts must be minimized.

Versatility in Lowering and Tensioning Systems

The tagline side of the system is equally adaptable. In this instance, a brake rack is used, but it could easily be replaced with an ID, RIG, twin Prusiks, or other approved lowering devices depending on the team’s preference or equipment cache. The system isn’t tied to a single piece of gear—it’s designed to accept substitutions without compromising safety or function.

One Rope, Two Systems

Interestingly, the highline is run using a single 600-foot rope—continuous from anchor to anchor—but rigged with separate knots to maintain independence. If one knot fails, the other section remains intact. It’s a smart compromise that allows for quick deployment while maintaining failover integrity.

This also introduces one of the few trade-offs: weight. A rope of that length adds bulk and requires thoughtful handling, but in return, the team gains a one-span deployment with fewer midline transitions.

Conclusion

This twin tensioned highline system reflects thoughtful engineering, agency collaboration, and environmental respect. It’s built for real deployment, not just demonstration, and provides rescuers with the control, redundancy, and low-impact footprint they need to work safely and responsibly.

By combining modern hardware like RB anchors and dyno enforcers with well-established techniques like Prusik backups and independent rigging, this system demonstrates what’s possible when field realities drive system design.

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