Climbing Knots

How to tie climbing knots.

A strong understanding of knot fundamentals and techniques is critical during rock climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering and other vertical pursuits. These knots secure climbers to anchors, connect ropes together, create friction for belaying and rappelling, and establish attachment points for gear. Mastering fundamental knots such as the figure-eight follow-through, clove hitch, munter hitch, and prusik requires understanding when and how to tie each knot. Regular practice maintains muscle memory and is the basis for safe climbing—allowing climbers to adapt to various conditions.

Climbing Knots

Climbing Knots

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Alpine Butterfly

Alpine Butterfly

Secure loop in the middle of a rope.

Alpine Butterfly (Hand Method)

Alpine Butterfly (Hand Method)

Secure loop in the middle of a rope.

Alpine Coil

Store and transport climbing rope.

Ashley's Bend

Join two lines of stiff, slippery material.

Bowline

Relatively secure fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Bowline on a Bight

Bowline on a Bight

Secure double loop in the middle of a rope.

Bull Hitch (Bight)

Bull Hitch (Bight)

Securely attach a rope to a post, spar, or ring.

Bull Hitch (End)

Bull Hitch (End)

Securely attach a rope to a spar, post or ring.

Chain Sinnet

Chain of loops used for decoration and rope storage.

Clove Hitch

Secure a rope to a post or spar.

Clove Hitch (Two Loop)

Clove Hitch (Two Loop)

Attach a rope to a carabiner without access to ends.

Cowboy Bowline

Fixed loop Bowline variant with outward facing tail.

Double Bight Figure Eight

Double Bight Figure Eight

Two secure loops in the middle of a rope.

Double Bowline

Slightly more secure variant of the Bowline.

Double Fisherman's Knot

Double Fisherman's Knot

Securely join two ropes of similar size, often used in climbing.

Double Overhand Knot

Double Overhand Knot

Reliable, bulky stopper knot at the end of a rope.

Edwards Bowline

Edwards Bowline

Bowline variant with additional security.

Estar Stopper Knot

Estar Stopper Knot

Bulky stopper knot for standard and high-modulus rope.

Figure Eight

Simple stopper knot preventing rope from slipping through belay device or hole.

Figure Eight Bend

Figure Eight Bend

Securely joins two ropes, often used in climbing and rescue operations.

Figure Eight Follow Through

Figure Eight Follow Through

Secure loop knot used to tie a rope to a harness or anchor.

Figure Eight Loop

Figure Eight Loop

Secure, fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Figure Nine Loop

Figure Nine Loop

Secure, fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Flat Overhand Bend

Flat Overhand Bend

Simple joining knot, often used in rappelling.

Gasket Coil

Neatly store rope or cords, preventing tangles for easy handling.

Icicle Hitch

Slide and grip knot for securely attaching rope to smooth or tapered objects.

In-Line Figure Eight Loop

In-Line Figure Eight Loop

Secure, directional, load-bearing loop in the middle of a rope.

Klemheist

Directional friction hitch for ascending or descending on a rope.

Munter Hitch

Friction hitch for controlled descent or belaying in climbing and rescue.

Munter Mule

Lockable hitch for securing and releasing a loaded rope during rappelling.

Pedigree Cow Hitch

Pedigree Cow Hitch

More secure variant of the Cow Hitch.

Poacher's Knot

General purpose noose used in climbing, fishing, and snares.

Portuguese Bowline

Portuguese Bowline

Adjustable two-loop knot for securing multiple points in climbing, rescue, or sailing.

Prusik

Bi-directional friction hitch used for ascending or descending on a rope.

Prusik (End-line)

Prusik (End-line)

Movable friction hitch that attaches a cord to another rope.

Reever Knot

Secure knot for joining two ropes or bungee cord.

Rethreaded Bowline

Rethreaded Bowline

Double loop tie-in knot.

Scaffold Knot

Secure knot for binding a rope to carabiners or shackles.

Scott's Locked Bowline

Scott's Locked Bowline

Secure tie-in knot for lead climbing and anchor systems.

Snap Bowline

Quick to tie, Relatively secure fixed loop.

Swiss Seat

Basic rappel harness fashioned using rope or webbing.

Triple Bowline

Form three fixed loops in the middle of a rope.

Triple Overhand Knot

Triple Overhand Knot

Compact stopper knot used in climbing and decorative applications.

Water Knot

Join two ends of webbing.

Yosemite Bowline

Yosemite Bowline

Secure Bowline variant for making a fixed loop.

Zeppelin Bend

Excellent, jam-resistant way to connect two ropes.

⚠️ Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.

Knot Categories

Knot Types