Tie every
climbing
knot.
15 essential climbing knots — from the figure-8 follow-through every climber learns first to the alpine butterfly used in glacier rescue. Step-by-step tying guides for every knot.
Beginner Knots
8 knotsFoundational knots every climber should know — the figure-8, the overhand, the clove hitch.
Clove Hitch
beginnerThe clove hitch is a fast adjustable hitch that attaches a rope to a carabiner or post. Climbers use it to clip into anchors at belay stations.
Double Overhand Stopper Knot
beginnerThe double overhand is an overhand knot with two wraps instead of one. The standard climbing backup knot — secure under cyclic loading.
Figure-8 Follow-Through
beginnerThe figure-8 follow-through is the climbing tie-in knot used by virtually every climbing gym and instructor in the world. Tied through both tie-in points of the harness.
Figure-8 Knot
beginnerThe figure-8 is a simple stopper knot that creates a bulky knot in the rope. It is the foundation for the figure-8 follow-through, the standard climbing tie-in.
Overhand Knot
beginnerThe overhand knot is the simplest knot — a single loop with the working end passed through. Used as a stopper, a backup, and the foundation for more complex knots.
Slip Knot
beginnerThe slip knot is a quick-release loop knot — a fixed loop that can be untied by pulling the working end, even under tension.
Square Knot vs Granny Knot
beginnerThe square knot is a secure binding knot. The granny knot looks similar but is unstable and slips under load. The difference is the order of the two crossings.
Water Knot
beginnerThe water knot (also called the "tape knot") is the standard knot for joining two ends of flat webbing — used to make slings and runners.
Intermediate Knots
7 knotsKnots used in routine climbing situations — bowline for tie-ins, double fisherman's for joining ropes, Prusik for self-rescue.
Alpine Butterfly
intermediateThe alpine butterfly creates a strong fixed loop in the middle of a rope. Used for glacier travel, isolating damaged rope sections, and middle-of-rope clip-ins.
Bowline
intermediateThe bowline is a fixed-loop knot used to attach a rope to a hard point. It is famously strong, easy to inspect, and easy to untie after heavy load.
Double Fisherman's Knot
intermediateThe double fisherman's knot is the climbing standard for joining two ropes. Two double-overhand knots tied around each other create a low-profile, bombproof join.
Fisherman's Knot
intermediateThe fisherman's knot joins two ropes by tying an overhand knot in each rope around the other rope. Strong but harder to untie than the double fisherman's.
Italian Hitch
intermediateThe Italian hitch is the European name for the Munter hitch. Same knot, same applications, same technique — the friction hitch used to belay or rappel without a device.
Munter Hitch
intermediateThe Munter hitch (also called the Italian hitch) is a friction hitch on a carabiner that lets you belay or rappel without a belay device. The essential backup technique.
Prusik Knot
intermediateThe Prusik knot is a friction hitch — a thin cord wrapped around a thicker rope that grips when loaded and slides when unloaded. Foundation of self-rescue and rope ascent.
Take it further
Knots are best learned through hands-on practice. Find a climbing gym near you to take a belay course where instructors will teach you to tie the figure-8 follow-through correctly.