Top 5 Knots You Should Know For Climbing
Whether you enjoy rock climbing on the weekends or work as an arborist during the week, learning to tie climbing rope knots is essential for your safety and enjoyment. Rock climbing knots can secure rope and gear and create belay systems and rappel anchors. While it may seem daunting, it is relatively simple to learn how to tie climbing knots. And, once you know a few basic knots, you'll be able to tie just about anything. Best of all, learning how to tie climbers' rope knots is a great way to boost your confidence on your next climb. Keep reading to learn the top five rock climbing knots and how to make a knotted climbing rope.
5 Climbing Rope Knots to Master for Your Next Adventure
Whether you’re a novice climber or an expert looking to sharpen your skills, here are five climbing knots to master today!
1. The Figure-Eight Knot
The figure-eight knot is one of the essential climbers’ rope knots because you can use it for everything from attaching your climbing rope to your harness to belaying your partner. To tie a figure-eight knot, start by threading the rope through your harness or anchor point. Then, make a loop in the rope and pass the end around the loop to form a second loop. Next, thread the end of the rope through the second loop and pull tight.
2. The Clove Hitch
The clove hitch is another versatile knot that makes it easy to secure your climbing knot rope to a carabiner. The clove hitch isn’t the strongest knot, but it’s useful in situations where speed is more important than strength. To tie a clove hitch, start by placing the rope around the object you're tying it to. Then, make a loop in the rope and cross it over the top of the object. Thread the end of the rope through the loop and pull tight.
3. The Munter Hitch
The munter hitch is a handy knot for belaying, as it can be used to break a fall if your belay device fails. It’s also one of the best climbing rope knots for rappelling and securing loads. To tie a munter hitch, start by threading the rope around the anchor point. Next, make a loop in the rope and pass it around the anchor point a second time. Now take the end of the rope and pass it through the loop. Finally, pull on the standing part of the rope to tighten the knot.
4. Double Fisherman’s Knot
The double fisherman's knot is a type of knot used to tie two lines together. It is also known as the grapevine knot or the grapevine loop knot. Climbers often use the double fisherman's knot because it is slip-resistant. To tie a double fisherman's knot, start by holding one line in each hand with the lines crossed in the middle. Take the end of one line and make a loop around the other line. Then, take the end of the other line and make a loop around the first line. Pull on both ends of the lines to tighten the loops. Finally, tie each end of the lines together with a figure-eight knot.
5. Prusik Knot
A prusik knot is a friction hitch knot commonly used to attach a climbing rope to your harness or to tie two ropes together. To tie a prusik knot, start by tying a loop on one end of the rope. Then, take the other end of the rope and thread it through the loop. Next, make a loop in the middle of the rope and put it over the top of the first loop. Finally, pull on both ends of the rope to tighten the knot. Knowing how to tie a prusik hitch knot is essential, as it can be dangerous if not done properly. With a bit of practice, you can tie a prusik hitch knot like a pro!
