In reply to JJL:
> Half ropes are fully rated to take a factor 2 fall, no worries.
It's a bit more nuanced than that. The UIAA half rope test was specifically designed such that 5 falls (the minimum) was approximately equivalent to 1 fall in the existing single rope test which is a factor 1.77 fall. This 5:1 ratio is still roughly valid when looking at the specs for triple rated ropes.
Also, being pedantic, factor 2 falls are actually not the worst case. It is worse for the rope when some gear is actually in place.
Anyway, most half ropes SHOULD easily hold at least one massive fall. However with thinner ones nearer to the limits of the standard, it is not guaranteed that they will hold a second fall and it isn't even completely certain they'd hold one fall with a very, very heavy climber (>>80kg).
> In summary, no worries - and I have done exactly this many times.
Not great advice.
First, not all half ropes are remotely equal. There is around a three fold spread in the number of test falls between some of the thinnest ropes compared to more substantial ones.
Second, not all climbers are remotely equal. Again there is probably a three fold spread between the weights of the lightest climbers compared to the heaviest.
I'd probably be happy leading relatively hard rock on something like a single 8.5mm Mammut Genesis (I weigh 60kg) but conversely I'd not be at all happy climbing the same rpute with a 110kg partner on something much thinner like a single 8.1mm Beal Iceline.