A device for ascending or descending using the single rope technique. The device includes a clamping mechanism that has a plurality of clamping segments interconnected by a flexible spine arrangement. A release mechanism is coupled to the clamping mechanism. A reduction mechanism is coupled to the release mechanism. The reduction mechanism includes a body portion having a rope slot configured to accommodate the single rope and a housing portion disposed over the body portion. The housing portion includes a cammed groove configured to accommodate the single rope. The cammed groove is rotatably aligned with the rope slot. The reduction mechanism is movable with at least two degrees of freedom between the clamping position and the released position. The reduction mechanism is configured to frictionally engage the single rope in the released position.