Prusik loop types. Nick Bonner explains the pros and cons of four different .
Prusik loop types. [1][2][3] More The Prusik Knot (technically it’s a hitch) is the most common friction hitch. . If you have a dynamic climbing rope attached to your static anchor, the dynamic rope will provide some shock absorption. I refer to the fixed loop that’s created by first tying a Double Fisherman’s Knot as a Prusik Loop and I primarily use it as a backup during rappelling. In fact, it’s one of the most popular “slide-and-grip knots The Prusik Knot is a friction hitch used to attach a loop of cord around a rope, commonly applied in climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, caving, rope rescue, ziplining, and by arborists. Prusik Hitch A "hitch" is a type of knot that must be tied around another object to maintain its structure. They will lock while pulling in one direction, but allow you to easily push up or down with slight adjustments. These variations (The French Prusik/Autoblock and the Kleimheist) are less prone to jamming than the original Prusik. If you don’t know how to tie a prusik knot, you can learn here. This prusik loop is particularly appealing for its ability to endure demanding conditions, thanks to being made from resilient materials that resist wear and abrasion. Learning the pros and cons of this hitch can help climbers understand the best situations to utilize it in. See full list on 101knots. Jul 10, 2025 · To tie the Prusik Knot, tie the Girth Hitch around the main line using the Prusik loop. How to tie a prusik knot by ComtrainHow to tie a prusik knot There are several variations on these types of hitches and it is common for climbers to carry several loops of line or continuous slings to form these fast handy connections. Prusik cords comes in a variety of types, you can purchase spliced eye and eyes, or even fashion your own using bulk by the foot and creating the eyes to clip a carabiner into with double fisherman’s knot at each end. The knot requires a "Prusik Loop“. This is a means when clipping the loop to a carabiner to choke the shrink tubing up tight to the spine of the carabiner thus eliminating any chance of side-loading the gate of the carabiner. Its principal use is allowing a rope to be climbed - ascending or "Prusiking". A prusik Mountaineering expert Laurence Reading shows how to tie a perfect prusik loop in easy to follow steps. In that Entertainment rigger and rock climber here. A climber will often attach a carabiner to a prusik. How to Tie a Prusik Knot? Variations, Uses & Step Instructions. These come in a variety of forms, either without a bulky knot or with the knot sewn together and covered by a plastic sleeve. Discover techniques for preparation, material selection, and more. This could mean you’re connecting two separate ropes, which is common in rappelling scenarios, or you’re joining two ends of the same rope or cordelette to create a loop, which is used to create slings, Prusik knots, and countless other situations. If you use a Blake's or Tautline hitch, introducing a A Prusik (/ ˈprʌsɪk / PRUSS-ik) is a friction hitch or knot used to attach a loop of cord around a rope, applied in climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, caving, rope rescue, ziplining, and by arborists. – The Purcell Prusik System is standard personal protective equipment for many rescue personnel operating in technical Search and Rescue settings. Table of Contents Introduction What Is the Prusik Knot? How to Tie the Prusik Knot Applications of the Prusik Knot Alternative Knots and Their Advantages Practical Tips for Using the Prusik Knot in the Outdoors Conclusion FAQ Introduction Imagine you're scaling a rugged cliff, the wind whips around you, and your only means of ascending is a thin line tied securely to a solid anchor. Here are some popular options: The Prusik is a slide and grip hitch used to attach a loop of cord around a rope, primarily in activities like climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, caving, rope rescue, and arboriculture. This will ensure proper grip. This characteristic makes it suitable for tying a Prusik using a long rope. A Prusik is a knot primarily used to attach a loop of cord to a rope in a way that it can be easily adjusted. There are many different types of Prusik knots available, each with their own unique advantages and uses. Prusik loops are perfect for tree work, rappelling, and use as rescue loops. They can slide up and down easily, but lock around the rope when weighted. To use a prusik loop, tie one end of the climbing rope to the lower end of the prusik knot. Attach it to your harness and make micro-adjustments accordingly. Hence it can also be termed as a type of friction hitch. Apr 14, 2023 · The prusik knot is not the only type of friction hitch used in rock climbing. I tried the Prusik, Bachmann and Klemheist initially with two wraps of slippery Dyneema 3/16 (4. You can tie the Prusik hitch with either a Prusik loop or an eye to eye Prusik cord. Not all accessory cord is rated for use as a life support prusik, so if you are creating your own slings or prusik loops be careful to check the rating on any material you use Sep 6, 2021 · A Prusik knot is a friction hitch used to grip a rope in climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, caving, rope rescue, ziplining, and by arborists. Our prusiks are available in 3 lengths to match your hitch and rope. Actually two variations on the original Prusik Knot as designed by Dr Prusik. The 8mm Prusik cord is sewn into either 40cm or 56cm loops. This design does away with bulky, time-consuming knots and is stronger with its sewn loop construction. These simple pieces of kit can literally be a life saver if you keep them on your harness and know how to use them properly. To make a prusik loop, you will need two pieces of climbing rope and a prusik knot. Do you have accessory cord on-hand to make a Prusik for a rappel backup? Here's a tip to make sure you’re Oct 15, 2021 · Rock climbers often use the Purcell Prusik loop, a popular friction hitch, as a personal anchor system to belay or rappel. This should give you the approximate set up. What we shall loosely term Prusik knots have numerous uses - here are a few : What's the Best Prusik Cord in 2024? Here's a list of top 7 Prusik Ropes And Loops based on years of experience, real users’ reviews and most important features Strong sewn loop prusiks, prusik cord rope grabs for progress capture in rope rescue access & rescue school training. [1][2][3] More casually, the term is used for any friction hitch or device that can grab a rope. May 20, 2020 · Prusik knots (also called friction hitches or climbing hitches) are one of the foundations of climbing and work positioning for arborists. Dec 3, 2024 · A Prusik knot is a type of friction hitch tied with a loop of accessory cord that grips a host rope under load but slides freely when not weighted. The Prusik knot is easy to tie on the go, so it’s an obvious go-to climbing knot for professional climbers and enthusiasts. Prussiking is a simple and efficient way to ascend or descend a slope Eye and eye prusiks and bulk prusik cord for tying your favorite climbing hitch. In this video we will see how to create a loop using a piece of climbing accessory cord. Nick Bonner explains the pros and cons of four different If you are planning to use your prusiks frequently, you should consider buying some pre-sewn prusik loops. Applications Assistance in ascending a rope Process capture in hauling/dragging Oct 9, 2008 · Replied by TreeTramp on topic Re:Eyed Prusik cord vs. Jan 31, 2014 · A Prusik knot is considered a friction hitch type of knot that is commonly seen and used extensively in the realms of caving, climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, rope rescue, and by arborists. In the case of a Prusik hitch, it is tied around another rope. This is the most redundant hence safest method. This ensures the loop performs reliably in demanding outdoor environments and maintains long-term durability. These pre-sewn prusik loops are perfect for river rescue applications since attach to a wide range of rope types and rope diameters. This one is simple. Anyplace where there is a need for a strong and secure loop that can slide when needed. It is also used to create a rappel backup or to extend The Prusik Knot is a versatile way of attaching a loop of cordage to a larger rope. Watch our introduction to prusiks video first for some ke Rappelling is an important skill for all climbers. They are tied (created) with a double overhand bend and are tightened down using a compound 9:1 pulley system until 2 inches of tail remains protruding from the bend. It is also used to create a rappel backup or to extend The term Prusik is a name for both the loops of cord and the hitch, and the verb is “to prusik”. May 15, 2025 · The Autoblock knot, also called French Prusik knot, is a friction hitch used as a backup when rappelling. Ascending a rope with prusiks. A better approach is to be more creative with multi-use gear you're already carrying. But it also has some INCREDIBLE uses The term prusik can be used to refer to both a type of friction hitch as well as a loop of cord. The also come in handy for rope rescues and even spelunking in caverns. W Nov 24, 2024 · The Mammut 8mm Prusik Loop is known for its high-quality construction, offering outstanding strength and durability. They are most commonly used for abseiling but are also incredibly useful in a variety of emergency situations such as ascending a rope or escaping the system. The prusik knot is one of the most well-known hitches. Aug 23, 2023 · In this illustrated guide, we teach you how to tie a Prusik Knot, explain what situations it's best used in, and cover its advantages and disadvantages. The Gérard hitch is a variation of the Prusik knot, where the carabiner is clipped into the loop at the ends of the knot rather than the middle, and is generally now only tied by mistake, but was the first one used for prusiking, and is slightly easier to tie. In this article, we will explore ten different types of popular Prusik knots, including the VT Prusik and the Purcell Prusik. These are adjustable. Apr 2, 2016 · 8mm Prusik Loop - 24kN GM CLIMBING 8mm Prusik Loop is used to tie friction hitches on the standing line of 11~12. Prusik loop? The eye in eye cord is made for use with special friction hitches like the French Prusik (Valdotain Tresse). com The knot requires a “Prusik Loop”. A prusik knot and split tail are vital when utilizing a rope to climb, whether that is a high cliff or a tree. Prusiks and split tails are commonly used items in tree climbing and rigging. It can be challenging to find the best prusik cord for your particular needs, but fortunately there are quite a few pre-sewn alternatives to choose from. A thinner line will lock hard, and a wider line will not lock at all. Tips: Prusik loops should be made of a cord that about 60-80% the diameter of your climbing rope. The Prusik Knot is one of 23 essential rope knots included on the waterproof Pro-Knot Outdoor Knot Cards - click to see. Prusik Knots: Different Types Explained This article about prusik knots is part of the book - The Trad Climber's Guide To Problem Solving. However, there are a range of options when it comes to prusik material and of course each has its strengths and weaknesses. 5. Jun 20, 2012 · Alternately, tie the cord into a loop using a double fisherman's bend. Jun 17, 2025 · Knot Type Choosing the right knot type is vital for creating a secure and functional Prusik loop. Jun 12, 2025 · A prusik loop is a climbing gear used to ascend or descend a slope. Everyone I have talked to is perfectly okay with using 7mm static for anchors so I use the 7mm for my cordelettes. Rope Diameter: 6 mm (1/4 inch) How to Ascend a Rope Easily With the Prusik Knot - ITS Knot of the Week HD ITS Tactical / Imminent Threat Solutions 408K subscribers Subscribe The Sterling 8mm Bound Loop Prusik provides progress capture, tandem prusik belay and optimal rope grab for rope rescue. Prusik Hitch Knot Tying Instructions Make a sling of cordage (no more than 1/2 the diameter of main rope). Two Prusik loops are alternately slid up the static rope: a long Prusik loop reaches the climber's foot – to allow leg power for ascending, and a second short Prusik loop is attached to the harness – to allow sitting. The Prusik hitch grabs in both directions. It’s clever because it grips on the rope when loaded, but can also be released while still under load that’s why it’s used as an abseil back-up and in rescue scenarios as a clutch. Uses: The principal use of a Prusik Knot is allowing a rope to be climbed – ascending or “ Prusiking “. Mar 8, 2023 · Context Prusik Loops are tied with 3-wraps (3-on-3) onto the rescue rope to form a progress capture or rope grab in a pulley system for rope rescue. System Prussik Loops – The short prusik loop is 57” and the long prusik loop is 71”. It grips under load and releases even when loaded. Feb 10, 2025 · About this item High Strength and Durability: The AINIKEY 8mm Prusik Loop (available in 18" and 24" lengths) is constructed from high-tenacity polyester, providing an impressive 24kN (5400 lbs) MBS. using a Prusik to ascend). Making Prusik Loops: Prusik loops may be constructed by joining together the two ends of an accessory cord (5 or 6 mm) using a Double Fisherman’s Bend (or a Triple Fisherman’s Bend). The knot you select needs to be both strong and easy to tie quickly under pressure. The strength of 8mm material is (3630 lbf) according to the manufacturer. Given our knowledge of rope construction and the capabilities of our in-house sewing facility, we have developed a wide variety of friction hitch cords designed for progress capture, or as a rappel or descent backup and tested extensively with many rope and hitch types. Double fisherman’s bend if it’s going to be a dedicated prusik and you don’t want to pay for a purpose built sewn-loop prusik. One such Our Product Development Department has worked hard to provide a durable Pre-Sewn 8mm prusik for use in rescue systems, heavy duty stitching uses thread that is 150% thicker/stronger than other brands, Since not all PMPs are equally sized, we have created 2 sizes of Short Prusiks to work with the Long Prusik, Testing shows that a single Dec 27, 2024 · A Prusik loop is a type of friction hitch or knot used in climbing, arboriculture, caving, rope rescue, and other activities that involve working with ropes. A) ⅔, ¾ 1. A prusik (also known as a friction hitch) is a short piece of cord which can be wrapped around your climbing rope to add friction. loop of cord around a rope, applied in climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, caving, rope rescue, and by arborists. The unique aspect of a Prusik hitch is that it slides freely along the other rope when unloaded yet grabs tightly when loaded. It does away with bulky, time-consuming knots and is stronger with its sewn loop construction. What are prusik loops? Prusiks are short pieces of soft accessory cord of different thickness, tied into loops of varying length using a double fisherman’s or overhand knot. Two Prusik loops are alternately slid up the static rope: a long Prusik loop reaches the climber’s foot – to allow leg power for ascending, and a second short Prusik loop is attached to the harness – to allow sitting. It can be used as an emergency ascender system, as a backup for a rappel, or to hold a rope during emergency rescue, as well as many other The Prusik is tied by wrapping the prusik loop around the rope a number of times, usually 3-5 times depending on the materials, and then back through itself, forming a barrel around the rope with a tail hanging out the middle. A prusik loop and prusik knot ensure everything remains secure in the climb. Tie a Girth Hitch around the main rope. There are two other very common hitches that climbers use all the time–the autoblock (2) and the klemheist. Learn all about Prusik Knots from Rock-N-Rescue. At the end without the knot, tie a 3-wrap prusik around your finger. More casually, the term is used for any friction hitch or device that can grab a rope. This article explains how to ascend a rope using prusiks, assuming that you already know how to tie one. Uses: The Purcell Prusik System is utilized for a wide range of applications including: adjustable attendant Hitch cords are critical tools for all manner of jobs on a worksite. 1 B) Figure 8 bend and double fisherman's Jun 17, 2025 · Learn how to tie a Prusik knot safely and effectively with this detailed guide. I review three of the more common options below in a long winded rant but threw in a few photos to keep you going. e. Purcell Prusik Loop is an adjustable loop suitable for making the components of the Purcell Prusik System and an adjustable tether. If it needs to be untied easily and repurposed, I opt for the flat overhand bend with plenty of tail (6” tail on 6mm cord for example). Jul 10, 2025 · How to Tie the Prusik Knot To tie the Prusik Knot, tie the Girth Hitch around the main line using the Prusik loop. Apr 14, 2023 · A prusik is a knot, also known as a friction hitch, that you attach around a rope in rock climbing, canyoneering, caving, or mountaineering. This is more of a problem for traditional tied prusik loops where the carabiner loop is big and floppy and carabiner side-loading is a common occurrence. Make sure the rope is dressed properly and there is no crossing over. Oct 9, 2019 · French Prusik This cunning prusik knot is made by simply wrapping the prusik loop roughly four times around the rope, and bringing the two ends together. It is named after its inventor, Karl Prusik, an Austrian mountaineer. May 1, 2020 · The term Prusik knot or Autoblock is often used to generalise a number of different friction hitches that we use regularly in climbing. Description (Fiber Type), Diameter, Breaking Strength: CMC Rescue Prusik Cord and Load Release Hitch Cord (Nylon) 5 mm 5 kN (1,124 lbf) MBS 6 mm 7 kN (1,574 lbf) MBS 7 mm 10 kN (2,248 lbf) MBS 8 mm 12 kN (2,698 lbf) MBS The End of the Rope Prusik differs from the "standard" Prusik friction hitch in that it does not use a short, closed Prusik cord that is looped around the main line, but rather builds up the knot by using the working end to attach the rope to the other line. The double fisherman’s knot is used to join two ends of rope or line together. One of the BEST knot's made simple! The Prusik hitch is famous amongst Rock Climbers, High angle Rescue, and Arborists. Rope / Cord Specifications Description (Fiber Type), Diameter, Breaking Strength: CMC Prusik Cord and Load Release Hitch Cord (Nylon) 5 mm 7 kN (1,574 lbf) MBS 6 mm 8 kN (1,798 lbf) MBS 7 mm 8 kN (1,798 lbf) MBS 8 mm 16 kN (3,597 lbf) MBS Mastering the Prusik Knot: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaining Skills in Knot Tying Understanding the Value of Knots in Outdoor Skills Knots are not merely for sailors or climbers; they pervade our everyday lives in subtle but essential ways. Aug 11, 2017 · A prusik hitch is an invaluable tool when rock climbing, traveling across glaciers, climbing ropes, etc. The term prusik describes the loop of the cord used to tie the hitch and the hitch itself. Prusik Loop A cord knot that clamps onto a thicker rope under load. com describes rock climbing and realted issues in the southeast united states including tennessee, alabama, north carolina, and georgia. The word is often misspelled as Prussik, Prussick or Prussic, as it is a homophone Prusik loops are cord tied with a 'double fisherman's knot'. Jan 9, 2025 · Making your own has the added bonus of allowing you to get involved in the perennial religious wars on best diameter cord to use, best length, correct number of loops on the fisherman's knot, how to coil and rack a prusik, dedicated krab or not, best prusik knot to use, spelling of "prusik", proper climbers just use rock shoe laces, etc etc etc. Find Sewn-Loop Prusiks at CMC. They are commonly used by arborist or rescue and height access workers to climb a rope. Nylon Accessory Cord: Various lengths and diameters A prusik (also known as a friction hitch) is a short piece of cord which can be wrapped around your climbing rope to add friction. Remove your finger and place the other end of the looped cord through the prusik. Length: 16'' Small Its Prusik loop allows for precise sliding adjustments along the rope, offering greater flexibility than the Slipknot Variation, but requiring a separate cord and some practice to tie efficiently. This post explains what a prusik knot is, prusik uses, how to tie prusik loop knots, material guides & more. Then, wrap the Prusik loop three times around the rope to finish the knot. 5mm (7/16~1/2inch), such as prusik knot, autoblock, and Klemheist knot in mountaineering, climbing, canyoneering, caving, rope rescue, tree care by the arborist, rigging aerial hammock, lifting, and etc. These are often tied in place of a mechanical rope ascender. In some contexts, prusik is also used as a verb. Make sure that the knot in your prusik loop is offset to prevent the carabiner from resting directly on the knot. Scroll down to see the Animated Prusik Knot. In this video we are quickly going to go over how to tie the prusik knot I also throw in a double fisherman's. As well as finally premier my brand new intro. Whether you're securing a load on your vehicle or engaging in outdoor sports like climbing, knowing how to tie a reliable knot can be invaluable. It is also used to create a rappel backup or to extend Provides progress capture, tandem prusik belay and optimal rope grab for rope rescue. It’s great for ascending, and it’s a staple for crevasse rescue systems because it will grip the rope from Jan 29, 2022 · The Prusik knot is a type of friction hitch used in rock climbing that creates an easily adjustable cord loop attached to a climbing rope. A prusik can form a strong anchor that doesn’t slide down a leg or steep diagonal. Then tie the other end of the climbing rope to the upper end of the prusik knot. There are used in emergency situations where you need to ascend a rope, or can be used as a brake when abseiling. 8 mm). Descending is also covered so you can get back down when practising. Used in: Ascending a fixed rope, such as climbing a steep slope Crevasse rescue Safety backup for abseiling Emergency anchor point in the middle of a rope Mar 27, 2022 · Lose that leg prusik! Did you learn in Climbing 101 to always carry a leg and a waist prusik loop so you can ascend a rope in a self rescue situation? Truth is, these are rarely needed, especially in rock climbing. A Prusik is a friction hitch or knot used to attach a loop of cord around a rope. GM CLIMBING 6mm Prusik Cord Pre-Sewn 12in Prusik Loop for Climbing Arborist Rescue Mountaineering General Outdoor Use 485 50+ bought in past month $1995 Dec 28, 2010 · So obviously you don't want to connect to the leg loop with those. The Prusik loop is a simple and effective way to ascend or descend a rope using a smaller diameter cord or rope. Prusiking is most commonly needed when: - You abseiled too far - You abseiled the wrong way - Your ropes get stuck after abseiling - If flatliners southeastclimbing. Just hold the heat shrink tube, and pull on the non-sewn leg of the loop to make the loop larger or smaller as needed. They’re designed to move freely on a line as you climb. Four types of prusik knot Dec 27, 2024 · A Prusik loop is a type of friction hitch or knot used in climbing, arboriculture, caving, rope rescue, and other activities that involve working with ropes. Dec 15, 2015 · Knot of the Week Video: Learn How to Ascend a Rope Easily With the Prusik Knot Today in our Knot of the Week HD I’ll be going over one of my favorite knots, the Prusik Knot. Bottom line run a sling through your leg loop and waist, tie an overhand knot in it, connect your rap device to this and connect your autoblock/prusik to the belay loop. What knots are acceptable to use when creating a Prusik loop? A) Bowline and grapevine knot B) Figure 8 bend and double fisherman's knot C) Bowline and figure 8 bend D) Double fisherman's knot and bowline Reference: High-Angle Rope Rescue Techniques, Fourth Edition, page 181 NFPA 1006: 5. So I am not going to consider the Mark Adams illustrations which are not tied from loops. The term Prusik is a name for both the loops of cord and the hitch, and the verb is "to prusik". Get a knot you can rely on with this simple tutorial. If you are planning to use your prusiks frequently, you should consider buying some pre-sewn prusik loops. The Prusik slides easily up and down the rope, but under force it will cinch down, supporting a huge amount of weight. What are Knowing how to prusik up a rope transforms a potential epic into a mere inconvenience. Nov 4, 2016 · If you are regularly out on the crags, then you need to know how to use prusik loops. TECHNORA PRUSIK LANYARD 30" Item #16775 Technora pruskis were designed specifically with arborists in mind. I use 5 or 6mm static cord for prussic loops and they work great for that. Mar 15, 2025 · A Prusik loop is a type of friction hitch or knot used in climbing, arboriculture, caving, rope rescue, and other activities that involve working with ropes. ** This is the most basic and simplest to tie friction hitch. Its simplicity and effectiveness have made it an essential tool in rope rescue and climbing. A friend who is learning rock climbing has asked me to recommend a Prusik-type loop knot. The term Prusik is a name for both the loops of cord used to tie the hitch and the hitch itself, and the verb is "to prusik" or "prusiking" (i. ykhrtiodatcqwphcomuydsmrnoxaxxcarlwjbibqoibiwondiqu