Munter hitch rappel. In any case, using a rappel backup system is recommended.

Munter hitch rappel The Munter Mule is a releasable contingency rigging system that combines a Munter Hitch with an additional locking component, the "Mule," to secure the hitch in place. But, if you use the right technique, you can rappel twist free! Check out this clever method and short video from Petzl Germany to learn how. In any case, using a rappel backup system is recommended. First is multiple hitches means no single hitch is being used for 100% of the friction for the climb or rappel. This video illustrates how to rappel using a Munter hitch (aka Italian hitch) as a backup rappel method. This knot is particularly useful in scenarios where temporarily locking off a rope is Aug 17, 2024 · With all these methods (especially the Italian/Munter Hitch), rappelling slowly is paramount as they aren’t the easiest to break if they get up to speed compared to a normal belay device. In fact, the German name for the knot is Halbmastwurf Sicherung, or “half clove hitch”, which provides the abbreviation “HMS”, used to designate Munter hitch compatible carabiners. com or visit the CMC School page for class schedules. Lost your belay device before a rappel? Do you know how to rappel with just your carabiners? Learn about the carabiner brake and munter hitch methods here. Learn more Munter Mule Combination Hitch. Included: Rappelling gear list, what is rappelling, rappelling styles and more! May 13, 2017 · Easy step by step instructions in this guide. Often, Saddle Hunters use stick climbing and "one The Munter hitch (aka. Person above feeds out green rope through the Munter hitch. Step 3: Redirect the brake strand back through a locking carabiner clipped to the locking carabiner on the prusik The Munter Hitch is another essential knot to know as it can provide a way to rappel down a rope in the event you lose or drop your “rappel device”. May 9, 2025 · The Munter Mule Overhand (MMO), Why is it Important? The Munter Hitch The munter hitch or Italian hitch is a foundational tool that serves many purposes in the rock and alpine environment. The munter can work as a belay tool, to lower a climber or even to rappel. Then take the unloaded end, go around the loaded end (steps 2-3 The Munter Hitch, tied correctly, resembles an unfinished clove hitch. Lightning Academy, 25th Infantry Division, US Army. The monster munter generates considerably more friction than the munter hitch, making it ideal for lowering large loads, like 2 people, or for slippery, small-diameter ropes. AMGA Certified Rock Instructor Erik Kramer-Webb shows how to rappel if you drop your rappel device. The munter-mule contingency anchor is used to set up a single strand rappel line that can quickly and easily be converted to a lower (aka contingency anchor). It gives you enough space for a doubled rope munter hitch to go on and run freely without snagging. The Munter Hitch essentially involves looping the rope around your carabiner in such a way that you can create friction by pulling it in one direction and decrease friction by pulling it in the other. Master basic techniques: figure‑8 device for smooth descents, Munter hitch as a backup. May 18, 2020 · 6 Usually I rappel using a tubular belay device such as an ATC and tie a stopper knot at the end of each strand of the rope such as a fisherman’s knot. (In a doubled rope MRS, it is possible, but still not recommended). e. The Münter hitch is useful as it is reversible—line can be fed in and out from the carabiner depending on the application. Quick Guide: Tying the Super Munter Hitch To tie the Super Munter Hitch, first tie a regular Munter Hitch (step 1). Oct 4, 2018 · Instead of trusting a mechanical device, I went with a carbiner and a Munter or Super Munter Hitch, for rappelling. Secondly are the NFPA rescuers trained before demonstrating this? Is the training live or simply over the internet? Aug 17, 2025 · I've used the same procedure 3 or 4 years now. (For clarity Jun 1, 2010 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Don’t tie Description, tutorial, and pros/cons of rappelling with the munter hitch. The munter hitch, Italian hitch or crossing hitch is hitch knot used to add friction around a carabiner for rappel, belay or for load transfer. For a retrievable rappel, loop the middle of your rope around a tree or through an anchor (it can be nigh impossible to pull ropes that are wrapped around a tree). Clove Hitch: A versatile knot used for securing ropes to posts or carabiners, quick and easy to tie. However, the Super Munter Hitch Knot requires a double flip and has too much friction to make this useful as a climbing knot. Munter Hitch Applications: belay device replacement, rappelling, escaping the belay, passing a knot in a rappel, lowering objects from below The Munter Hitch is an incredibly versatile knot. attach linesman, attach pull down, lower hitch, remove biner and tie a super munter and reattach to the hitch, disconnect linesman, descend. This can be webbing slung around a rock, bolts or rap ring, or a piece of artificial rock (or ice Here's a technique that I use if I need to abseil / rappel with only 1 locking carabiner and a Munter Hitch (check out other videos on how to tie one). Great for going down, a bit inconvenient as a belay device (bight through the small end) but it works. ) However due to the fact that the braking position of the munter is above the hitch I can't think of a convenient way to Like the munter hitch, the monster munter can be used as a friction device for controlling descent. Figure Eight Knot: Commonly used for securing ropes to anchors, providing strength and reliability. The Munter Hitch is an excellent choice for belaying during rappels in slippery conditions, as it provides an adjustable and controllable descent. It works both ways, but twists ropes. Seek out expert instruction on belaying and rappelling with the Munter Master the Munter Hitch—a versatile and essential knot for climbing and rappelling! This knot is a game-changer for every climber, and in this tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to tie In this video, CMC shows how to tie a Munter Hitch, a sliding friction knot that can be used for a rappel or belaying a single-person load. Oct 19, 2021 · Yeah, I was just confirming why you remove the hitch eyes, install munter, re-install hitch eyes, vs installing munter without removing hitch eyes. This amazing hitch can lighten your load or get you out of a jam if you have forgotten or lost your go to belay/rappel device. Mar 24, 2025 · 2 -The (mostly) twist-free Munter hitch rappel Rappelling on a Munter hitch usually makes evil pigtails/twists in your rope. A Münter is a hitch that is tied onto a carabiner. The munter hitch or Italian hitch is a friction hitch that incorporates a carabiner. It allows you to go handsfree on belay and can be released and tied off when under tension. This provides a lot more friction than a normal Munter Hitch. Oct 5, 2021 · Rapping on a munter hitch can twist your rope, making pulling it difficult to impossible. g. It’s simple but requires constant attention and both hands – get an instructor to show you how. Allows controlled descent when rappelling (abseiling). Sep 17, 2025 · The Super Munter Hitch adds extra friction to the Munter Hitch, allowing smooth and controlled descent of heavy loads. However, if you flip your rope back over the carabiner like the photo below, this greatly reduces the rope twists. The munter hitch is fast and easy to tie, and it allows you to execute a rappel with very little gear—just a single locking carabiner. Problem with that is you need a friction hitch that can be released under your full body weight. It also has other common names, like the Monster Munter Hitch, Double Munter Hitch, Super Italian Hitch, and Super Crossing Hitch. The munter hitch should never be used as the primary means of rappelling because it damages the rope, but it is essential to know for emergency situations like when you accidentally lose your rappel device. See animated and illustrated instructions, tips and warnings. Forming the Munter Friction hitch needs to be memorized and mastered with our feet on the ground before embarking on an actual climb: Mar 26, 2020 · First person down raps on blue rope, single strand. Even so, there is a way to use the REVERSO with the RAD LINE cord: set up your REVERSO with two braking carabiners. It is commonly used for releasable rappels and can be released even under tension. Here’s also where a wide-top carabiner comes in handy. Mar 24, 2017 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Did The Munter Hitch, also known as the Italian Hitch or the HMS (Half-Double Munter) Hitch, is a versatile knot primarily used in belaying and rappelling situations in climbing and mountaineering. Oct 18, 2019 · If you drop your rappel device or just forget to bring it, knowing this variation of the old-school carabiner brake can come in handy. It does so by acting as a friction device/hitch that can control the rate of descent in belay systems. Step 1: Step one attach a prusik to yourself with ~60cm or extension, on a sling girth hitched to your belay loop. It requires no additional hardware besides a carabiner. Jun 4, 2024 · The Munter Hitch is one of the most valuable knots used in climbing and every climber should become familiar with this versatile hitch. This is an important knot for climbers,Cavers and rescuers to know #learning #climbing #belay # Sep 8, 2018 · A variation of the Munter hitch is the "Super Munter", which adds a lot more friction and therefore control over your rope. While Werner Munter didn’t invent the hitch, a few Ital… Mar 23, 2014 · Hi all, I've had to/ opted to rappel off a munter hitch a number of times. Is there a safety knot which you can tie before rappelling using the Munter hitch (instead of an ATC) on a double-stranded rope which does not pass through your carabiner? MUNTER HITCH What is it: A knot that allows you to belay or rappel on a rope with nothing more than a single locking carabiner. The most basic use is for rappelling without a rappel device. WARNING! Don’t forget that getting off the couch is Jul 5, 2022 · For step-by-step images of tying the Munter and the Mule, a good source is Animated Knots. If you rappel using this hitch, be careful to use the Munter with the load strand close to the spine of the Feb 4, 2018 · For tethering you sometimes see a friction hitch above the rappel device / munter. Back up your lower: put a friction hitch on the brake strand and clip it to your belay loop. Oct 30, 2025 · Munter hitch & Rappel!#gopro#rope#climbing#chainsaw#arborist Parker Blackmon and 7 others 󰍸 8 󰤦 Last viewed on: Oct 30, 2025 Demonstration of a Single Rope Rappel using the Munter Friction Hitch (AKA Italian Hitch), as well as the JRB Ascender Hitch and the JRB Hitch. Oct 15, 2021 · The Munter hitch knot is an adjustable knot that acts as a friction device or belay device for climbers to control their descent. Learn how to tie a Munter Hitch in this video. It allows the belayer to Nov 2, 2023 · The Super Munter Hitch is a belaying knot that’s useful for lowering heavy loads. (Try to avoid a Munter hitch unless you really have no other options, it can seriously twist your rope if you do it wrong. Belaying: The Munter Hitch can be used as a friction hitch for belaying a lead climber or a second climber. Example: You are unhooking your descender device from the previous rappel and drop it in a pool of water and it’s too muddy to find it; or you when you are connecting to the rope, your Feb 3, 2023 · Munter Hitch If you drop or forget your rappel device, the first trick up your sleeve should be the munter hitch. longer abseils (rappel) Commercial abseils Caving/canyoning around water, where you want to be able to cleanly run off the end of the rope. The munter hitch is also used for belaying a rock climber. ) Tie two ropes together with a flat overhand bend. Related Videos In lieu of my lost belay device, the best choices came down to using a carabiner brake or Munter hitch. On Bird Brain we had a single strand plus a tagline, and I was concerned about using the unaccustomed carabiner brake system, especially in the dark. The most widely used method for this type of rappelling is the munter hitch method. So, no mechanical devices in my setup - no GriGri, Mad Rock, etc. (It’s pretty much the same for rappelling. Learn how to tie the Munter Hitch, a knot for belaying and rappelling without a device. If you have any questions about knots, equipment, or education, please email the CMC Instructors at askaninstructor@cmcpro. It can also be used as a A Munter hitch, also known as a Italian hitch, is a simple and versatile knot used for belaying and rappelling in rock climbing. Testable Knots of the Rappel Master Course, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Students should demonstrate use of both hands and both techniques (device and munter hitch). Munter Mule Combination Hitch. Then tie a munter hitch on both strands of the rope. How to Tie a Munter Hitch? Tips, Variations & Video Instructions. The Munter Hitch severely kinks the rope, especially in a Rappelling We use a rappel technique where the rappel device is extended away from the harness using the PAS. For example, you accidentally dropped your rappel or belay device. I realize not everyone is a rope climber though and so the choice of a friction hitch is up to the climber. Some climbers use the Munter Hitch as an emergency rappel or belay device by itself, especially in the event that another belay or rappel device is forgotten. An even better option is the ‘Super Munter Hitch’. If the rapper has to go back up for any reason, they have a top rope belay for any part they can climb, with the option of ascending up the rappel rope (or even getting an assisted hoist) if it gets steeper. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Aug 2, 2025 · TL;DR Start with the right gear: helmet, harness, static rope, rappel device, locking carabiners, and a friction hitch backup. . The majority of the friction should be provided by a device, such as the Munter Setting up an improvised rappel with or without a carabiner is another essential skill in our rope-craft series. I’d used the Munter many times to rappel, particularly on skinny lines while ski mountaineering. The Munter hitch knot provides a method for belaying and rappelling without a belay/rappel Device . This can be a serious problem when you pull your rope, because the twists can get caught at the anchor. Named for Swiss mountain guide Werner Munter, the knot is known by several names, including HMS—an abbreviation for the German term for the “half clove hitch ”—Italian hitch, tag knot, and crossing hitch. We use an overhand knot so the bight is parallel to the rappel rope, not perpendicular. I also plan on learning the munter/caribiner for emergencies, but figure-8 is plan A. The latter would put the hitch eyes against the spine of the biner instead of the munter against the spine. This is a continuation of teaching the series of knots and skills need Page Contents: What's a Lifeline? Conventional Tether Components of a Lifeline 1: Saddle / Bridge 2: The Rope 3: The Anchor 4: The Moving Connection 4A: Longhorn Agile Hitch and a Munter 4B: Mechanical Device and a Hedden Knot Rappel Friction hitch is not a rappel device Tending the Friction Hitch During Rappel Dual Bridges The Super Munter Hitch Knot is also known as the Double Munter and the Monster Munter. To rig the munter-mule contingency anchor: Tie a munter hitch to a locking carabiner, ensuring that both strands reach the bottom of the drop. All rappels are backed up with an autoblock knot tied using a Sterling HollowBlock (13. Nothing to fail, extremely reliable and definitely affordable. This simple hitch offers you a way of rappelling or belaying without the use of a rappel or belay device. with the way the biner is oriented while hunting if I didn't remove the biner and tie the munter then the tail end of the rope is moving/dragging against May 23, 2019 · I like the munter hitch for the short distances we rappel and you can back it up with an autoblock knot just like anything else too! In this rappelling video, we explain a double-strand Munter hitch — a rappelling technique used to make your rope retrievable for rock climbing, rope rescue Jan 15, 2018 · Eli, of Live Rogue, walks you through the amazing Munter Hitch. Munter Hitch (steps 1 - 6 in animation) - Used in lieu of rappel device Article on self rescue techniques, core skill #3, has a good description Girth Hitch onto harness - Used to attach personal anchor to harness Water Knot - Used to tie two ends of webbing, such as chest harness for glacier travel or setting up a rappel anchor in certain Mar 28, 2025 · This hitch works for belaying and rappelling: pull back on one side, and the Munter hitch cinches onto itself, creating enough friction to hold a fall or control a rappel. If you are able to tie a prusik on the brake Apr 18, 2014 · Every climber should be familiar with the Munter, a simple but versatile hitch that has many helpful uses. Dec 11, 2020 · A complete guide to all things rappelling gear. Look for announcements of new images (e. Prioritise safety: double‑check anchors, use a Prusik/autoblock, communicate with your climbing partner, and do buddy inspections. Perfect for: Fat or dirty static lines. This is Munter Hitch where the rope passes around itself a second time. ) Demonstration of rappel in the JRB climbing system using the munter friction hitch and variants. Compared to carabiner brake, the traditional backup rappel… The Munter Redirect Rappel Is it possible to use a prusik with a Munter hitch whilst rappelling? Yes, absolutely. In a normal rappel I'm one of those safety conscious nut cases who likes to rap with a backup (auto block) just in case and to ease dealing with any hiccups I have on the way down (ropes in trees etc. It can be used with a variety of rope diameters and doesn’t put excessive wear on the rope. Jan 4, 2017 · The Munter Hitch Knot is often used to descend a rope through a locking carabiner or belay a second in situations when a different device is not available. How to do it To tie a munter hitch, first grab the rope where you’d normally load your belay The Munter Mule hitch is a combination of the Munter and Mule hitches. , the left side of the Munter’s smile shape). Why it’s cool: This knot could save you if you drop your standard belay/rappel device. On a larger diameter rope, lowering extra heavy loads like haul bags or two people at once On a smaller diameter rope, lowering a person or rappelling Rappelling Feb 3, 2025 · Key accident takeaways When rappelling with a Munter hitch, attach the Munter to your harness using two opposing locking carabiners Extend your Munter hitch using a sling, then add a “third-hand” rappel back-up, like a Prusik hitch When climbing chimneys, consider attaching your belay device to your harness with an auto-locking carabiner Jul 16, 2025 · Single rappelling is a lot easier than double rappelling. During rescue operations involving quick descents or complex setups, the Munter Hitch allows rescuers to respond quickly and effectively, ensuring safety across those they assist. We all know it’s a great replacement if you accidentally drop or forget your belay device, but it’s especially handy in alpine and ski mountaineering environments because it handles a frozen and icy rope better than traditional belay devices. com Sep 24, 2023 · The basic Münter hitch is a “hitch” clipped into (ideally) a specific carabiner (more on this later) that provides friction on the line/rope when either rappelling or belaying. It can be used to rappel or to lower someone else. Jan 27, 2025 · Knots Similar to the Munter Mule Knot Munter Hitch: A foundational knot used in climbing for belaying and rappelling, offering friction control. If on a long rappel or multiple people rappel this way, the rope can turn into a tangled mess. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Step 2: Tie a Munter hitch on your belay loop. We discussed this decision. Red Flags/Rules: Not recommended for anything other than emergency use. The plan was to Jun 17, 2013 · The munter mule is perfect for contingency rigging because the mule knot can be easily untied under load so that you can lower the entire system using the munter hitch. Apr 10, 2013 · Fig 3: The munter is a lightweight tool for rappelling that requires only a locking carabiner. It's a must know for all climbers! Jan 21, 2016 · The Munter Hitch can be used as a personal belay ‘device’ or on an anchor to lower or belay another. Make sure nothing gets sucked into the munter hitch like loose clothing, long hair, your See full list on outdoortroop. Try guided tours: expert‑led sessions at Sep 15, 2020 · Here’s where learning to belay and rappel using a munter hitch comes in handy. Italian hitch or the Crossing hitch) is strongest when both strands of rope are parallel, so belay off the anchor and avoid belaying from below the climber where possible. 8mm diameter size). To use the munter mule rigging, you must first build or place an anchor. Now you have a secure tie-off: the clove hitch. Notice, however, the ending knot is a half-hitch. Jul 8, 2019 · No matter how I climb (SRT, MRS/DRT, JRB or JRB hitch climbing), i don't tie friction hitches in the woods and don't use mechanical devices. Mar 2, 2016 · The way I learned decades ago is consistent with Nols Wilderness Mountaineering by Phil Powers: The Munter hitch differs from a belay device in that the braking position is forward, toward the anchor, rather than back toward the hip. 5" long, 6. With a munter hitch (Italian hitch) you'll be able to belay (both lead belay and bring up the second) safely without a belay device. Tie a munter hitch onto the large diameter carabiner on the anchor master point, and start lowering your partner. I use them all the time. Like the plain Munter Hitch Knot, it is possible to flip the knot to take in slack with the tail. Tie your partner in one end of the rope. The advantage of the REVERSO is its simplicity of use, especially for a beginner with poor Munter hitch skills. I have 9mm C-IV rappel rope that I also plan on using as tether as I Feb 2, 2019 · Here’s how it works for lowering. The Munter is also reversible, meaning it can be pulled from either side and still work just the same. Rappel on the Munter Before we climb, we need to rehearse our Rappel technique. To find balance with a hitch that will reliably hold full body weight, catch in case you lose control AND release when loaded, is tricky. Jun 6, 2021 · As one of the guys who mentioned safety for single rope hitch climbing, I have a couple questions regarding this post. It is sometimes used in conjunction with a Prusik knot. Munter friction hitch is the favorite type of knot that almost every hunter uses to ascend and descend from a tree. With the right friction hitch and knowledge of the Munter Friction Hitch and how to use it, a saddle hunter can rappel with nothing more than the carabiner on our bridge. Apr 26, 2022 · The munter hitch is quite versatile and has many uses including belaying, lowering, and self rescue. Spare 'biner for a munter hitch is a better backup rappel strategy rather than having a Oct 7, 2019 · The super Munter hitch is an excellent tool for lightweight rescue or min gear rappeling for heavy loads. Jul 26, 2025 · The Munter Hitch is a versatile knot for belaying, rappelling, and emergency descents without a belay device. This hitch, like most, has many names: Italian Hitch Nœud de Demi-Cabestan (French: ‘Nœud de Cabestan’ literally translates as the ‘capstan knot’ but refers to the Clove Hitch. Note: this page is a work in progress. Oct 24, 2024 · I decided that I am going to try rappelling. Make sure to watch my full tutorial on rappelling without a belay device! The Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch, mezzo barcaiolo is a simple adjustable knot, commonly used by climbers, cavers, and rescuers to control friction in a life-lining or belay system. Take your desired rope, make sure it is sturdy, and set up a rappel anchor. You can use the Münter as a descent control "device" (aka a "DCD") when lowering a load or rappelling, or you can use it as a belay device which allows you to take in slack while being ready to catch a sudden load. Especially in emergency situations, but also Page Contents: Essential knots Hitch: Scaffold knot Trunk Anchor: Bloodgood Hitch Trunk Anchor: Maverick & Variants Friction Hitch: Longhorn Agile Rappel: Munter Other knots Essential knots One of the most common inputs from new saddle hunters is something like this: "I want to be safe and I want to learn to climb using ropes, but The munter hitch has several uses. You can tie it anywhere in a rope, and it allows a climber to control passage of the rope through a carabiner with the same accuracy of a belay device. During rappel, use the friction hitch as a backup, which is manually tended in a loose state, but ready to hold us if we let go of it. ) Halbmastwurf (German: ‘Mastwurf’ refers to Jun 15, 2012 · Clove Hitch: Having built your one-handed Munter, simply add another loop — do the same quarter-twist, and clip it in. They Aren’t Rappel Devices Don’t use a friction hitch as a rappel device in a single rope application. To do this, just treat the two strands as one and tie a munter as above. It can replace a rappel device. Use a carabiner large enough to allow the hitch to be inverted through the carabiner when pulled. The appropriate application of the knot is in rock climbing and canyoneering. I always run my friction hitch above the munter as demonstrated in the videos. Ideal for rescue and rappelling. Tricks of the Trade The “Auto-Blocking” Munter: Clip a biner through the weighted strand and left side of the bight coming from the loaded strand (i. The Munter Hitch can be used to belay or rappel if you lose your belay device. I want to use a figure 8. This method was designed for tree climbing for Saddle Hunter Apr 15, 2019 · One of the problems with the Munter Hitch is it twists the rope. I teach the Munter, Double Munter, and Super Munter to control different weight loads. , when we have installed the new ropes). This will prevent the Learn how to properly tie the munter hitch in this tutorial. Feb 14, 2022 · The munter hitch knot will be utilized in the Rappel Master Course and the Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System and Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction System Course. It also twists the rope less than the Munter hitch. See animation here. Attach the carabiner to the anchor point. It may not have much application in day-to-day climbing, but in certain situations, it is a very useful tool. The ‘Demi-Cabestan’ is the ‘half-clove hitch’. jdfx gtif jio mripwun ucn krrtju yhjc kell agija ikjsbix tnexm zhi qmzeccw zqzf rstozqgmc