Page Contents:
Overview
There are potentially thousands of knots that we COULD use. On this page and subpages, JRB focusses on those which have been used and discovered by JRB. In addition to the the information in the Dictionary page, the following video outlines the basic knot tying concepts and terminology.
Note that unless otherwise stated, the term “line” (as used on this page) applies to rope, cord or webbing.
Books
Below are some books you might want to consider adding to your library.
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’s a masterpiece. Link:
Tree Climber’s Companion
This book was written for arborist applications, and is currently on it’s 3rd edition.
Essential Knots
Although JRB recommends that you review all the information presented, new climbers are frequently overwhelmed by the multitude of knots and want a recommendation on the absolute smallest number of knots needed to create a climbing system. JRB has compiled that list on a dedicated page:
Basic Knot Types
JRB characterizes basic knots as those types of knots that the general public has some familiarity with, even if not related to climbing.
Bends
A BEND is a type of knot which joins two lines together or joins two ends of the same line. Every time we tie our shoes, we form a bend.
Hitches
A HITCH is a type of knot which secures a line to another object. Friction Hitches, trunk anchors and canopy anchors are specific type of hitches, described in the Advanced Knots section below. The basic hitches described on this page are used for basic applications such as securing a line to an object like a post, rail, carabiner or ring:
Fixed Loops
A fixed loop is one that is not adjustable in size. See:
Stopper Knots
A stopper knot is a simple knot formed on the end of a line, providing grip and minimizing the change the rope will slip through a friction device. JRB recommends a double-overhand knot (no video on this.)
Climbing Knot Types
The sections below describe what JRB characterizes as particularly relative to climbing applications.
Friction Hitches
A friction hitch is a “slide and grip” knot which allows the location of attachment to be adjusted along the line:
Adjustable Loops
Adjustable loops are great for creating slings, adjustable, removable bridges and other utility applications.
Trunk Anchors
Terms used by arborists like “choking anchors” or “spar anchors” will often confuse a saddle hunter. Therefore, JRB refers to them as “trunk anchors”. Trunk Anchors are a category of hitch, specifically used to secure a rope to a tree trunk, allowing lengthwise, angled and horizontal pull. This includes anchors used for basal anchor SRT. In the context of saddle hunting, these anchors are used for a life support connection to the tree, however, they are also useful by arborists when rigging down parts of the tree during removal. Trunk anchors are set manually or with the use of a pole. Anything that is a ‘running knot’ which is pulled up from another location is covered under Canopy Anchors.
Canopy Anchors
Canopy anchors are a type of hitch, specifically one used to secure a rope to a crotch in the canopy, particularly for SRT applications. Canopy anchors should be running knots, such that they can be installed from the ground, and remotely retrievable after rappel. These can also be used for arborist rigging applications.
Floating Anchor
A simple device installed on the trunk and used to remotely set an anchor around the trunk.