What is the purpose of a backup tether in a harness system?

• A. Increases the load on the main anchor during a fall.
• B. Provides an additional independent connection so a primary connection failure does not lead to a fall.
• C. Serves as a decorative element to the gear.
• D. Allows faster detachment and release during ascent.

Answer: (B)

Redundancy in fall protection is the key idea here. A backup tether gives you an additional independent connection so that if the main connection fails or becomes detached, you’re still attached and won’t immediately fall. That independent link is typically anchored separately to avoid a shared point of failure, providing a safety net during critical moves like traverses or transitions. It’s not decorative, and it doesn’t help you detach faster; it adds a layer of safety by keeping you connected even if the primary line fails.