Page Contents:
Overview
This page contains all the details and length specifications for the Longhorn Agile Hitch, a novel friction hitch introduced by JRB which works well in SRT, DSRT and MRS/DRT applications. The evolution of the hitch is captured on the YouTube playlist of the same name: Longhorn Agile Playlist.
- The hitch can be tied in a compact version (C) which allows the carabiner to also serve as a tending device, minimizing wear on the rope and cord.
- A recommended configuration is one with produced loops of a few inches ($$) allowing a girth hitch to be placed in each loop if we want the hitch to be more compact.
Longhorn Loop
The Longhorn Loop is a necessary building block in creating the Longhorn Agile Hitch. Analogy: Just like a Prusik knot requires a Prusik Loop to create it, the Longhorn Agile Hitch requires a Longhorn loop to create it. The amount of cord that is needed is detailed in a later section.
Longhorn Agile Hitch
Introduction
This video shows the introduction of the hitch.
Warning: It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the hitch is properly tied, inspected before use and that BOTH loops are engaged by the carabiner.
Tying the Longhorn Agile
MUST WATCH! This is the detailed knot-tying video:
Optimal Size
The following video explains why the optimal size recommendations are made in the table below, denoted as : $$$
Compact Longhorn Agile
The following video shows how to create the compact variant which is as small as possible and uses the carabiner as a tending device, for smoother operation and less wear on the cord. Note that unlike th standard LA, in the compact option, the carabiner also captures the ROPE.
Diameter / Performance
The optimal cord diameter is approximately 65-75% of the rope. See the cord page for a table of Cord:Rope ratios:
- A smaller ratio (thinner cord) binds tighter and requires more effort to break. This is typically preferred by lighter (weight) climbers.
- A larger ratio (thicker cord) move easier, easier to break, but are more bulky. This is typically preferred by heavier (weight) climbers.
Length Spec’s
Below are a set of reference specifications. In general, it’s best to error on the side of using more cord rather than less and having longer tails rather than short. We can always untie, trim the size and retie when we are happy with the result. We can’t cite every combination, so consider:
- In order to create a longer pair of loops, for every additional inch of desired length, add approximately 4 inches to the overall cord length.
- In order to create a shorter pair of loops, for every inch of reduction in the loop size, the working ends need to be two inches longer (or remove 2 inches from the cord length).
Each row in the table below contains a reference specification. Some of the combinations are outside the 65-75% range; performance may vary.
- The 1st column provides the cord diameter and the number of wraps, on the upper part of the hitch.
- The 2nd column is the total amount of cord used.
- The 3rd column is the length of the 2 working ends for the Longhorn Loop.
- The 4th column is the length of the working loop used to start the Longhorn Agile.
- The 5th column is the approximate length of the 2 loops produced.
- (C) indicates an optimally COMPACT result; loops are just big enough to squeeze a carabiner through.
- $$$ Indicates the OPTIMAL size (for most applications; see video above)
7 mm Ropes
Use 6 wraps as standard on 7mm ropes due to reduced surface area.
| Cord, # Wraps | Cord Length | Working Ends | Working Loop | Produced Loop Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm 6wrap | 72″ 183 | 11″ 28 | 17″ 43 | 3.5″ $$$ 9 |
8 mm Ropes
In wet conditions, 5 wraps have been observed to slip; consider 6.
| Cord, # Wraps | Cord Length | Working Ends | Working Loop | Produced Loop Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm 5wrap | 64″ 163 | 12″ 30.5 | 16″ 40.5 | 0.5″(C) 1.5 |
| 5 mm 5wrap | 72″ 183 | 10″ 25.4 | 16″ 40.5 | 3.5″ $$$ 9 |
| 5 mm 6wrap | 72″ 183 | 10″ 25.4 | 18″ 46 | 3″ $$$ 7.6 |
| 6 mm 5wrap | 68″ 173 | 13″ 33 | 17.5″ 44 | 0.5″(C) 1.5 |
| 6 mm 5wrap | 72″ 183 | 12″ 30.5 | 17.5″ 44 | 2″ 5 |
| 6 mm 5wrap | 78″ 198 | 12″ 30.5 | 17.5″ 44 | 3″ $$$ 7.6 |
| 6 mm 5wrap | 84″ 213 | 12″ 30.5 | 17.5″ 44 | 4.5″ 11.4 |
| 6 mm 6wrap | 72″ 183 | 12″ 30.5 | 20″ 51 | 0.5″(C) 1.5 |
| 6 mm 6wrap | 84″ 213 | 13″ 33 | 20″ 51 | 3″ $$$ 7.6 |
9.5 mm Ropes
| Cord, # Wraps | Cord Length | Working Ends | Working Loop | Produced Loop Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mm 5wrap | 72″ 183 | 13″ 33 | 18.5″ 47 | 0.5″(C) 1.5 |
| 6 mm 5 wrap | 72″ 183 | 12″ 30.5 | 18.5″ 47 | 1″ 2.5 |
| 6 mm 5wrap | 78″ 198 | 12″ 30.5 | 18.5″ 47 | 2.5″ 9 |
| 6 mm 5wrap | 80″ 203 | 12″ 30.5 | 18.5″ 47 | 3.5″ $$$ 9 |
| 6 mm 5wrap | 84″ 213 | 12″ 30.5 | 18.5″ 47 | 4″ 10 |
| 6 mm 6wrap | 80″ 203 | 12″ 30.5 | 21.5″ 54.5 | 1″ 2.5 |
| 7 mm 5wrap | 76″ 193 | 14″ 35.5 | 20″ 51 | 0.5″(C) 1.5 |
| 7 mm 5wrap | 84″ 213 | 14″ 35.5 | 20″ 51 | 2.5″ 6 |
| 7 mm 5wrap | 94″ 239 | 15″ 38 | 20″ 51 | 4″ $$$ 10 |
10 mm Ropes
| Cord, # Wraps | Cord Length | Working Ends | Working Loop | Produced Loop Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mm 5wrap | 72″ 183 | 13″ 33 | 19″ 48 | 0.5″(C) 1.5 |
| 6 mm 5wrap | 78″ 198 | 12″ 30.5 | 19″ 48 | 2.5″ 6.3 |
| 6 mm 5wrap | 84″ 213 | 13″ 33 | 19″ 48 | 3.5″ $$$ 8 |
| 7 mm 5wrap | 80″ 203 | 15″ 38 | 20.5″ 52 | 0.5″(C) 1.5 |
| 7 mm 5wrap | 84″ 213 | 14″ 35.5 | 20.5″ 52 | 2″ 5 |
| 7 mm 5wrap | 94″ 239 | 14″ 35.5 | 20.5″ 52 | 4″ $$$ 10 |
11 mm Ropes
| Cord, # Wraps | Cord Length | Working Ends | Working Loop | Produced Loop Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 mm 5wrap | 84″ 213 | 15.5″ 39 | 21″ 53 | 0.5″(C) 1.5 |
| 7 mm 5wrap | 84″ 213 | 14″ 35.5 | 21″ 53 | 1.25″ 3 |
| 7 mm 5wrap | 96″ 244 | 15″ 38 | 21″ 53 | 3.75″ $$$ 9.5 |
| 8 mm 4wrap | 84″ 213 | 16″ 40.6 | 20″ 51 | 1.5″ 4 |
| 8 mm 4wrap | 94″ 239 | 16″ 40.6 | 20″ 51 | 4″ $$$ 10 |
| 8 mm 5wrap | 96″ 244 | 16″ 40.6 | 24″ 61 | 1.5″ 4 |
| 8 mm 5wrap | 106″ 269 | 16″ 40.6 | 24″ 61 | 4″ $$$ 10 |
Single Loop Variant
The Longhorn Agile Hitch can be easily converted into a Single Loop Variant.
Stability Considerations
When not in use and jostled in transport, the Longhorn Agile hitch can come apart or fall off the rope entirely. This is more likely with shorter loops or compact hitch variants. (The single loop variant does not.) If the hitch stays on the rope between climbs, it is best to secure the 2 loops. Options:
- Unless compact: Shorten the Supply Loop and run the Other loop through it. (see Optimal Length video)
- Leave a carabiner on the loops
- A cable tie or gear tie (not tight)
- A piece of paracord tied with a Slipped Overhand Bend, as per the following video. The absolute minimum amount of paracord required is 18″, but 24″ is a safe length to cut.
Special Applications
Self Tending MRS Mode
When using the Longhorn Agile in MRS/DRT or other doubled rope applications with progress capture, a compact version is recommended. The exact dimensions are difficult to prescribe so start with the COMPACT dimensions and go from there.
Compact & Shackle Mode Options
The following video shows advanced options for special applications such as an adjustable bridge.