Knot Catalog

Prusik Knot

AdvancedCamping & Utility

A friction hitch tied with a separate loop of cord around a main rope — it grips tight under load but slides freely by hand when unweighted. Used for climbing self-rescue, ascending a fixed line, or as a safety backup on a rappel.

Profile

  • Strength: 6/10
  • Ease: 4/10
  • Speed: 3/10
  • Reliability: 8/10
  • Versatility: 4/10
  • Compactness: 4/10

How to Tie It

  1. Wrap a loop of cord around the main rope, crossing over itself.
  2. Pass the loop through itself around the main rope 2-3 more times, keeping the wraps neat and parallel.
  3. Dress the wraps flat and snug them down — the hitch should grip tight under load and slide freely by hand when unweighted.

Best For

  • Rope

Tips

  • Never rely on a single Prusik as your only protection — always back it up with a second attachment point per standard climbing safety practice.

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