Eight Important Knots Every Climber NEEDS to Know

There are a LOT of knots out there, for a myriad of applications and from many origins…rock climbing, arborists, marine, and more.
Get the right knot, for the right situation, and you’re golden. But what knots should you fill your cranium with? Do they all work, and do any shine above the others? Suppose I’m new to climbing what ones should I focus on? Which will I need the most?
There are lists out there, and these are the ones I agree with. There are more you may want to get to know…someday…but this will get you started and keep you safe.
Number one is arguably the most important, the Figure 8 Follow Through, or Retraced Figure 8. This is the preferred knot for tying into the sharp end(climbing end) of the rope. What every gym will require for tying in.

Ring Bend, or Water Knot. This is an excellent knot for joining two ends together. For rock climbers, we often see the water knot when analyzing a webbing/sling set up at a rappel station. It is common(when bolts aren’t used) to have slings around a tree with rap rings on it for a rappel.

Prusik knot. This, or sometimes the Autoblock, are great for use when backing up a rappel, or for facilitating ascending a rope.


Figure 8 on a bight. An excellent knot for a top-rope set up, many beginner climbers are taught this, to help set up a safe, redundant top-rope anchor.

Munter Hitch. The preferred knot for rappeling IF you’ve dropped your ATC(or similar) device. Also used for backing up beginner rappels, and can be used for belaying as well.

Double Fisherman’s Bend. Used for a couple of things…SOME prefer it for tying two ropes together for a rappel, and it is almost exclusively used when tying a prusik LOOP to facilitate a prusik or autoblock back up for a rappel.

Girth and Clove Hitches. Girth hitches are great for many applications, tying a sling to your harness, etc.


The Clove Hitch…great for a quick tie-in at an anchor…adjustable and safe. Make sure you tie it correctly. I arrived at a multi-pitch anchor setup on a big ledge, to find a climber already there. As I said hello, I noticed her tie-in was a munter hitch(NOT safe!). I asked her about it, and she volunteered she was getting back into climbing, and thought/meant to do a clove hitch. I talked her through tying a proper clove hitch. A Clove Hitch can also be used on a top-rope anchor leg…safe, easy to adjust/tweak the length.
What I’ve detailed above, are the knots every climber should know, recognize, and be prepared to use. For instruction on each, you can find sites on-line, you can get a great book, or you can have a qualified climber/guide show you how. In the end, do not use these knots until you’re sure you are tying them correctly, EVERY time, and double check!
Winter is an excellent time to practice, so you’ll be ready in the Spring.
Climb on, and seek qualified instruction when and where it’s needed. Never stop learning. Ken
