SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS
TRY BACKPACKER FREE!
SUBSCRIBE NOW and get
2 Free Issues and 3 Free Gifts!
Full Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email: (required)
If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.
Your subscription includes 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Or click here to pay now and get 2 extra issues
Offer valid in US only.
Canadian Subscriptions | International Subscriptions
CLOSE WINDOW

BACKPACKER PHOTOS

Email this page RSS feed
User rating:
-
Digg Delicious Yahoo Facebook Reddit StumbleUpon Google Newsvine Facebook Twitter

Knot Tying: Learn the Clove Hitch, Single Line Method

A readily adjustable rope-end knot for trees and large objects, but tougher to visualize than its mid-rope version.
Text and photos by Steve Howe
Need a primer on knot tying terminology? Click here.
«
  • Put the free end of the rope around your desired object.
  • Thread the rope end into a single loop.
  • Continue into a one-and-a-half loop, crossing the free end to avoid a simple spiral.
  • Once you've threaded two loops, take the free end and put it beneath the overlap, so both departing ropes are centered in the knot, with the central portion running over them, and snugging down.
  • Tighten the knot and adjust for tension as with the <a href="/skills-how-to-tie-a-clove-hitch/slideshows/112">mid-rope version</a>.
  • CAUTION: When tied anywhere close to a rope end, the clove hitch should be backtied to prevent slippage, especially on slick, small-diameter objects like carabiners. A simple overhand in the free end works well.
>
»
Put the free end of the rope around your desired object.
Image 1 of 6

Put the free end of the rope around your desired object.

READERS COMMENTS

Page 1

As a young man I didn't know many knots. For the last 6 years I've been working in the Tall Towers industry. I don't know how I ever lived before I knew how to tie good knots. The two used the absolute most in my industry being the clove and the bowline. If you learn these knots, along with a few more, (most shown in this fine knot presentation) you will "knot" be sorry :)
— Kyle

...good mention of the need to back up the "clove" if at the end of the rope.
— Anonymous


POST A COMMENT

Your Name:
Comment:
My Profile Join Now

Most recent threads

Trailhead Register
The Day I Found the Letter
Posted On: Mar 21, 2013
Submitted By: BradMT
Trailhead Register
True or False
Posted On: Mar 21, 2013
Submitted By: City Man

Most viewed Most emailed Top Rated

  1. The 10 Essentials

    The 10 essentials packing list was designed to ensure that hikers could a) ...

  2. How to Fit a Week's Gear into a Weekend Pack

    Don't own a massive pack for your big annual adventure? Here's how to make it ...

  3. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

  1. Hiking to Grand Canyon's Royal Arch

    Join photographer Elias Butler on this trek to one of the Grand Canyon's hidden ...

  2. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

  3. 2010 Reader Photo Contest

    Your best shots: BACKPACKER readers have been to some spectacular places and ...

TIP 9: Check the Weather

Most weather reports don't apply to backcountry or mountainous terrain. Gather specific information by calling ranger stations, checking guide books, and researching monthly climate trends.

Special sections - Expert handbooks for key trails, techniques and gear

Fall/Winter Gear Guide
261 reviews and camping tips

Boost Your Apps
Add powerful tools and exclusive maps to your BACKPACKER apps through our partnership with Trimble Outdoors.

Carry the Best Maps
With BACKPACKER PRO Maps, get life-list destinations and local trips on adventure-ready waterproof myTopo paper.

FREE Rocky Mountain Trip Planner
Sign up for a free Rocky Mountain National Park trip planning kit from our sister site MyRockyMountainPark.com.

Follow BackpackerMag on Twitter Follow Backpacker on Facebook
Get 2 FREE Trial Issues and 3 FREE GIFTS
Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
The Best Trails in America
YES! Please send me my FREE trial issues of Backpacker
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Full Name:
City:
Address 1:
Zip Code:
State:
Address 2:
Email (required):
Free trial offer valid for US subscribers only. Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions