Climbing knots It’s one of the few knots people learn (along with the Overhand Knot and Figure 8 Knot) because it’s old school and reliable. Rope Knots. Bachmann Knot. It is used by arborists for ascent and descent and the strain should only be taken on the line below the hitch. 6 kN. To learn more, see our videos on Slide & Grip Knots including Climbing Slide & Grip, knots that Control Heavy Load Descent, as well as boating, decorative and scouting slide & grip knots. This type of climbing knot is used as a temporary tie for gear, second backup tie-in to an anchor, or quick utility knot. Learn how to tie various climbing knots using animated diagrams and step-by-step instructions. Here is a video of how to do it: Arborist Knots. Below are the three types of anchoring devices on two fixed points, used in climbing, mountaineering, and mountain rescue. They differ in the amount of webbing or cord required for their construction: the first requires a knot on the vertex, the second two knots, and the third a comprehensive knot with all the branches of the vertex. Mouse over the name of the knot below to see a description of that knot. Essential Climbing Knots that can get you out of any situation. Jul 11, 2022 · How To Tie the Figure Eight Double Bowline With Backup Pros. Welcome to Knots and Climbing! On this website you will find all the knots you can think of, as well as their applications. It is a very strong climbing knot, and with enough of a tail it is easy to see how it is safe from becoming un-tied by loading weight or applying force to the rope. The Figure Eight Bend, also called the Flemish Bend, is used to safely join two ropes together. I say style because it has given birth to the three popular knots and bends – Figure 8 follow-through, Figure 8 on a bight, and Figure 8 bend. Dec 30, 2021 · Solid knowledge of rock climbing knots becomes essential once you graduate from the climbing gym to the crags and cliffs of the great outdoors. Yes, there are some good illustrations of knots & ways to anchor rope but its written in a format unsuitable for a novice climber without prior instruction. It forms a neat, flat knot when pulled tight. May 4, 2025 · Knot tying is a surprisingly useful skill for camping, climbing, boating, or even daily tasks—learn a few basics and solve real-life problems with just rope. The rope skills presented here are a collection of mountaineering knots and hitches that climbers should know in order to feel comfortable and properly prepared when joining an expedition. She covers the Clove Hitch, the Double Fisherman’s Bend, the Figur Apr 18, 2021 · The gigantic knot is a Stopper knot by Ashely. Figure-eight follow-through. When one end of the rope is pulled the knot "slips" tight. The Figure 8 Knot represents a fairly basic knot that can be useful for attaching ropes to harnesses or anchors. Feb 2, 2025 · The Bowline Knot creates a strong loop at the end of a rope. Feb 9, 2020 · There is little in climbing as important as rock climbing knots. What it is: The most common knot for tying into a harness. Ashley's Book of Knots Knot enthusiasts are encouraged to get a copy of Ashley's Book of Knots (ABOK), first published in 1944, with several revisions over the years. It is the basis for tying other knots like the Figure Eight Bend. The simple Figure 8 Knot has formed the basis for an entire family of Figure 8 Knot variations. Minimizing variability reduces the odds of making a mistake. Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death. The Offset Water Knot, otherwise known to climbers by the misleading (and inaccurate) name of “Euro Death Knot” (EDK), is the best knot for joining two ropes together for a rappel. Climbing Knots compiled by Caltech Alpine Club ’08-‘10: do not distribute Page 1 of 3 Butterfly (aka Alpine Butterfly) Knot There are several methods to tie this; many people prefer to use the “hand” method. 3. Learn how to tie various climbing knots for rock, tree and rope climbing. Oct 15, 2015 · How to say this; this book is designed for trained climbers explicitly. We show you how to tie the knots with clear step-by-step pictures and a tutorial video, which also shows the process clearly. Jan 24, 2022 · Figure 8 is the most commonly used style of tying a knot. com Learn how to tie six essential climbing knots, hitches and bends for securing the rope to a harness, rappelling and building anchors. Find out the basic guide, list and tips for different knots and their applications. . Find out the best knots for joining, looping, rappelling, and webbing ropes, and their advantages and disadvantages. Jan 29, 2022 · 3 Tips for Tying Climbing Knots. It forms a secure, non-slip loop at the end of a rope. Climbing: How to tie climbing knots. The girth hitch is a fast and straightforward knot for connecting slings, useful for various applications like fastening slings to trees or attaching a personal anchor sling to a climbing knot for harness and carabiner. Dress to impress. It has become the standard knot climbers use to “tie in” – that is, to tie the climbing rope to the climber’s harness. See full list on climbing. Blake's Hitch is a Friction, or Slide and Grip, hitch. It is reasonably easy to remember, tie, and check. Uses: The Figure 8 Follow Through Knot allows the simple and reliable Figure 8 loop to be tied to a ring, a carabiner, or your own harness. When you’re up on the wall, you don’t want to be Sep 14, 2020 · Tying knots is an essential skill for climbing. What are Climbing Knots? Climbing knots are the knots you'll use when tying and using rope during your Girth Hitch. What is it: A knot used for joining two climbing ropes together for a rappel. The Figure Eight Knot is a quick stopper knot but can come undone easily. Although any safe end-loop would be acceptable, each loop is usually a Poacher’s Knot, a loop secured with a Double Overhand Knot around the lanyard. This is the first knot many climbers learn. Don’t get in the habit of tying sloppy knots. Climbing Knots Every Climber Should Know Figure-Eight Follow-Through Knot. In our video tutorial above, we cover step-by-step how to tie various tree climbing knots such as the Bowline with a Yosemite finish the Running Bowline, the Alpine Butterfly, or the Blakes Hitch. Tying the correct climbing rope knots could be the difference between life and death, so it’s critical you know how to make them tight and secure with every climb. And techniques how to tie them super fast and in a way that you will never forget. 00:00 Intro0 Jun 15, 2023 · Whether you're learning how to climb rocks, cliff faces, or trees, there are certain rope knots every climber should know. Figure Eight. See animated and illustrated instructions for each knot and its uses. The Clove Hitch. Uses: At the end of both ends of the rope when abseiling, to prevent another knot from slipping. The clove hitch is the knot of choice for clipping into an anchor because you can adjust its length without untying it, and it’s easy to untie even after it’s been weighted. When properly tied and dressed, the figure eight knot is super strong, relatively easy to tie, and simple to inspect visually. Jan 6, 2016 · Climbing knots might make you feel like you’re back in the cub scouts but they’re a vital area of knowledge for every rock climber – in fact, one of the best tips for beginner climbers is to get a few of these down. From Munter Hitch to Prusik Knot, this guide covers the basics, variations, and applications of each knot with diagrams and instructions. How to tie the Figure Eight Knot. Credit: Christine Rosakranse This type of climbing knot remains extremely popular amongst climbers. The figure eight follow through is one of the strongest knots. Learn how to tie the Figure 8 in this video. Aug 2, 2024 · Why Knowing Knots is Essential for Climbers. Includes Prusik, Alpine Butterfly, Double Fisherman's, Figure 8 Follo The document provides instructions for tying several common climbing knots: 1. Link: Ashley's Book of Knots Tree Mar 16, 2023 · The top 5 climbing rope knots every climber needs to know for basic, advanced, and emergency rock-climbing safety. Bends Beer knot: The Beer knot is often used in tubular webbing, usually for making slings. Uses: The Alpine Butterfly Bend is derived from the Alpine Butterfly, or Lineman’s, Loop (ABOK # 1053, p 191). Jan 1, 2024 · Climbing Knots: The 8 Essential Climbing Knots You Need To Know Climbing is an exciting adventure that requires skill, accuracy, and safety above all else. There are 8 knots that I ever needed for rock cl Page Contents: Fundamental Concepts Books Below are some books you might want to consider adding to your library. Overhand Knot Another foundational knot (like the Figure Eight) that helps you build other knots. If you say to most people, "Put a knot in this rope," this knot is what they will typically tie. IMPORTANT Once you’ve figured out how to tie the below climbing knots from our instructions, be sure to get someone to check them before you use them in real life. Uses: The Distel Hitch is a slide and grip knot used to ascend a climbing rope. Eight Essential Climbing Knots 1. It’s reliable because it provides a strong, non-slip loop that won’t tighten under load and is easy to untie after bearing weight. The Bowline Knot forms a fixed loop at the end of a rope. The best climbers are Aug 31, 2023 · The double figure eight follow-through knot, also known as a “figure eight” knot or “eight knot,” is the quintessential rock climbing knot. But for decades, pioneers such as Royal Robbins, Tom Frost, and Warren Harding safely used the double bowline as their climbing knot of choice. It provides a pair of secure loops in the middle of a piece of rope. Figure Eight on a Bight – Follow-Through Method. The importance of knots in climbing for both safety and efficiency can’t be overstated. Portable, durable, waterproof reference guide that you can practice with at home or take to the crag ; Includes easy to follow, step-by-step directions for the 19 most common and useful climbing knots Mar 10, 2025 · The poor double bowline has gotten a bad rap for coming untied when it was never properly tied in the first place. Whether tying in as a climber, building an anchor, or rappelling, using the right knot will make your climbing experience safer and easier. Learn how to tie all of the best climbing knots in simple step-by-step animated videos. This knot is easier to slide than a Prusik. It is easy to tie and you can use it in many situations. Climbing knots are the foundation and starting point for anybody starting an adventure in the great outdoors. It is one in a family of knots based on interlocking overhand knots. Always tie the same way. It is tied using a lanyard with a loop in each end. Basic Arborist Knots . Nov 11, 2016 · About this item . This selection of over 100 of the best rope knots is for use by boaters, paddlers, scouts, search and rescue, arborists, climbers and all outdoor pursuits. For big falls, this knot, which is easier to undo, solves the fused-figure-eight problem. Practice. They are, after all, what keeps you tied to the rope, which ensures you stay alive if you fall, and gives you the confidence to venture off into the vertical. Figure-eight, clove hitch, munter hitch, and pr Nov 29, 2016 · This is part four of our series, Learn to Climb Trad: A Complete Beginner’s Guide. Basic method: Create a figure-eight in the rope. It matters whether you’re on a casual trip or tackling tough routes. See videos and step-by-step instructions for each knot, hitch and bend. The figure eight follow-through is the first knot new climbers learn and the one that every climber should know; you’ll tie this knot more than any other, often many times in one climbing session. An assortment of knots that may be useful for climbing, mountaineering, camping, etc. It’s a single strand knot by the end of the rope. Welcome to Arborist Knots Selection. Oct 1, 2022 · Knots were also used for record keeping in ancient China, and the Chinese Book of Changes, almost 2,500 years old, associates knots with contract and agreement. This is the most common knot for tying the rope into your harness, and the most frequently used of all climbers’ knots. Learning the fundamental knots is one of the most important parts of climbing. In this video, Miranda shows you how to tie five of the most commonly used climbing knots. But there are so many different types of knots - how are you supposed to know which ones are the most useful, and in what type of situation? Which knot is best for sport Best Used for: Tying into the harness, constructing belays, securing abseil ropes. Mar 26, 2025 · Learn how to tie 20 essential climbing knots for safety, security, and efficiency. Neat knots are easier to assess at a glance, which means you’re more likely to catch a mistake. Type of Knot: Inline. Master how to tie Climbing Knots with step-by-step animations and videos. Feb 21, 2020 · I get a lot of questions about climbing knots and wanted to share some things I've picked up over the years. Learn how to tie various knots for climbing, such as Alpine Butterfly, Bowline, Figure Eight, Prusik, and more. The figure-eight follow-through is the go-to knot for tying into your harness, known for its strength, reliability, and ease of inspection. You don’t get second chances with climbing knots, and reading our instructions alone doesn’t qualify you to use them actual climbing scenarios until someone experienced has physically seen you do them. Learning to tie knots is key for safe and successful rock climbing. Apr 22, 2025 · Go to your local gym or crag and you’ll see that the majority of climbers use the figure eight follow-through to tie in to the rope. 2. To form an overhand Stopper Knot, we curl the cord on the hand once. It's a masterpiece. Features: The Double Alpine Butterfly Loop is a derivative of the Lineman’s Loop (ABOK # 1053, p 191) or Harness Loop (ABOK # 532, p 87). Tie a Slip Knot Slip knots are easy to tie. Those that have already practised roped climbing at the gym will already have a good grasp of how to tie into a harness, but once you start to eye up multi Blake's Hitch. The Figure 8 Knot is one of the first knots that every climber will use. Apr 1, 2011 · This completely revised and updated edition of Craig Luebben’s bestseller covers the ten essential climbing knots all climbers need to know, then presents sixteen others for special situations. This guide covers the most important arborists knots for tree work and includes references on how to tie them. Hitches, such as the Blake's Hitch are useful for aerial work in trees. The Figure 8 Knot is the most common knot for tying the rope into your harness. May 11, 2013 · Intermediate Knots for Building Climbing Anchors. Knot Strength: Weakens Rope by 20%, Static Rope strength reduced to 21. These animated knots are for arborists and other tree-climbers. Feb 6, 2025 · When it comes to climbing, don’t underestimate the power of a well-tied knot. A Figure Eight knot is shaped like, well, a figure 8. Here is a selection of knots for arborists, animated and illustrated. : Double fisherman knot (also known as Grapevine): The Grapevine knot is useful to tie together two ends of ropes. The Double Fisherman's Bend May 27, 2025 · Bowline Knot Diagram. This selection is based on consultation with tree climbers and, in particular, Jeff Jepson's books for Arborists 1, 2. Arborists use it to tie ropes around a tree or anchor point when climbing or securing gear. Learn knots like Figure 8 Follow Through Knot, Bowline, Alpine Butterfly, and more. Tied correctly, the double bowline is a safe, versatile climbing knot and will hold the weight of a fall without fusing. fejlnpaeugebmgjlmcaybloeiscckkzzjmfbocopijuzuoomzke