Abstract: An apparatus and method for braking a mountain climber's descent while rappelling. A unique brake bar is provided which permits the use of two carabiners adjacent one another in a braking apparatus for attachment to a supporting rope thereby providing increased strength, redundancy and great braking effectiveness. Due to its novel shape comprising an elongate body provided with an oblong aperture at each end, the brake bar is adapted to readily accept the two carabiners simultaneously and, in particular, the configuration of the oblong apertures minimizes the possibility of the accidental release of the carabiners, thereby increasing the ease and safety of rappelling.