Rock climbing wouldn’t have existed if the whole concept of tying knots didn’t exist. Even if it existed, the mortality rate would have been higher due to the lack of safety measures being taken. Knowing the type of knots is an essential life saving skill which is mandatory to learn, irrespective of the climbing level which you are currently in.

Every climber should be well equipped with knots to that level that he/she should be able to tie the figure eight-tie in knot even in their sleeps. It should be at the top of the list of knots to be learned. After that knot is mastered, then you can go through the list mentioned below of the knots to be mastered:

Figure Eight Tie-in knot with Double Stopper: This is the first climbing knot to be learned. You will use it every time you climb with a rope. So, it is worth practising this even with your eyes closed. This version has a double stopper at the end to make it more secure.

Note: It is very important to start this knot in the right place on the rope. Otherwise you will be left with not enough rope to tie the knot or extra rope will be left hanging.

Clove Hitch: This is the most versatile way of climbing knots which is usually tied in the middle of the rope.

Note: You simply need to loosen the knot in order to adjust the position.

Figure Eight on a Bit: This is a quick, easy and secure way to make a loop in the middle of the rope. This is used to secure yourself to an anchor or to create a loop to attach gear to if it becomes necessary.

Note: Once the rope is tied, it can be difficult to readjust the position. So, you have to take care of the length which needs to be tied.

Water Knot: This is also known as ring bend. Since this piece of rope is incredibly easy to tie, people use them to attach two pieces of rope instead of double fisherman’s knot. This is easier to untie than any other form of knot.

Note: They can loosen over time, so make sure that you check them.

Barrel Knot: This is a knot which is similar to the stopper knot which is used in a figure eight tie-in knot. It has one extra loop than a double overhand. This makes it more secure when used on its

Note: Secure a stopper at the end of the rope when repelling or belaying.

Prusik Knot: These knots are extremely useful in rescue situations and are often used in pairs. These are fiction hitches which grip onto the rope when weight is applied.

Note: They are also used if you take a fall on an overhang. It is used in pairs. One is weighted while the other is moved up the rope, switching between the two.

Double Fisherman’s Bend: They are used to attach the ends of two ropes. This is a combination of two double overhand knots.

Note: Once weight has been put through the knot, it can be really difficult to untie which can have both positive and negative effects.

So, after you have gained enough information about knots, next step is climbing. Bang on!