In a complex sport such as rock climbing, knots are central features in any climbing activity. Knots are able to join everything, from the rope you tie your equipment with to your waist, to any climbing technique you perform, and rescue systems. There are various rock climbing knots, but you don’t have to burden yourself with learning all the possible ways you can tie a knot. If you can master some knots and their variations, you are well-prepared to take an adventurous rock climbing experience. These are easy-to-follow steps designed to take you through each type of knot without any hassle.
There are five general types of rock climbing knots: single loop knots, double loop knots, hitches, stopper, and bends. Each type is used in specific situations. Know more about them and how you can use them in your rock climbing activity.
Single loop knots
These rock climbing knots are useful when you need to throw a rope into something out of reach, or when you need to attach to a loop of rope during rock climbing. One of its main purpose is to wrap a person’s waist or around an object before tying the knot. The alpine butterfly knot, bowline, and the figure eight loop all belong to this type.
Double loop knots
This type of knot involves two loops, which adds more hold and security than a single loop knot. In rock climbing, you can use a double loop knot when lifting or lowering another person, or when hanging. Double alpine butterly and double figure eight are rock climbing knots belonging to this section.
Hitches
The use of hitches allows climbers to tie a knot which can conform to the size of the object it is tied to. There are different styles or rock climbing knots which are used for different purposes, such as: prusik knot, clove hitch, and the Italian hitch.
Stopper knots
As the name implies, these rock climbing knots are used to prevent the other end of the rope from unravelling or slipping through another knot. Some common types are the overhand knot, double overhand knot, and the figure eight knot.
Bends
These rock climbing knots are formed when two ends of rope are tied together from the same rope, or by joining two different ropes with a single knot. The water knot, fisherman’s knot, and the double fisherman’s knot belong to this class.
Remember that these are just the basics of rock climbing knots. Practice first before embarking on a rock climbing adventure. You may also want to consider advanced and other variations of the different knots mentioned once you progress with more difficult climbs and techniques.
Roz Curtis has been practicing rock climbing for five years and writes articles for ABC-of-RockClimbing.
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