Common Rock Climbing Knots

Knowledge and mastery of climbing knots is essential to a successful climbing experience.

Here are a few knots to get you started.​

1. Overhand Loop Knot

​This is the simplest knot used to form a loop.

1. Double the end of a rope to create a large loop or form a bight anywhere on the rope.

2. Fold the loop over to form another loop

3. Pass the first loop through the second loop.

4. Adjust to desired length and pull to tighten.

2. Figure 8 Follow Through

This is the most common knot in climbing. It is used to the climbing rope to the climber’s harness.

1. Grab the working end and pull rope to desired length.

2. Make a Figure 8 knot as follows:

· Make a loop with the working end of the rope.

· Pass the working end of the rope under the standing end, then over it and through the loop from below.

· The knot should appear like the figure 8.

3. Wrap the working end of the rope around the support to form a loop. In case of tying into a harness, this would be pulling the rope through the tie-in loops.

4. Complete the knot by passing the tail down following the strands in of rope in the figure 8 in parallel.

5. Adjust to desired length and pull to tighten.

3. Double Fisherman’s Knot

This knot is used to secure 2 ends of a rope or cordelette.

1. Overlap the two ends of the rope.

2. Loop one end around both ropes with two full loops. Then pass this end back through these loops and pull the tag end to tighten.

3. Similarly, Loop the other end with two full loops around both ropes, then pass this end back through these loops and pull the tag end to tighten.

4. Pull on the both standing parts of the ropesto draw the knots togther and tighten.

4. Clove Hitch

​Used to fasten a rope to a carabiner (tied around the wide base of a carabiner), this versatile knot used for anchoring purposes.

1. Make two identical loops in the ropes. With ne front loop and one reaer loop.

2. Put the rear loop over the top of the front loop.

3. Clip a locking carabiner through the two loops.

4. Pull to tighten knot and lock the carabiner

Knotty Animals

It's not just people that can tie knots, some animals can too!

Knotty Wattana

Wattana a female Orangutan is able to tie knots with both her hands and feet! She learnt to do so simply by observation and then practiced making the knots herself...many times.

Practice makes perfect!

Hagfish

Hagfish are able to tie themselves into tight knots for a very unique reason! They are the 'vultures of the ocean', they tie themselves into a tight knot to be able to bite through tough flesh!

The Nest Expert

Weaver birds are able to make their nest look beautiful and strong, thanks to their ability to weave and make knots!