An external energy absorber may include a hub having a line associated therewith, the line including a first end directly or indirectly attached to the hub and a second end opposite the first end attached to a user, an energy absorbing arrangement directly or indirectly attached to the hub, the energy absorbing arrangement comprising an outer ring directly or indirectly attached to the hub, an inner ring directly or indirectly attached to a housing, and at least one energy absorbing member positioned between the outer ring and the inner ring, wherein the at least one energy absorbing member is configured to generate friction between the outer ring and the inner ring upon rotation of the hub, and the housing configured to hold the hub and energy absorbing arrangement.