Munter hitch vs italian hitch It allows you to go handsfree on belay and can be released and tied off when under tension. However, the Super Munter Hitch Knot requires a double flip and has too much friction to make this useful as a climbing knot. Jul 26, 2025 · The Munter Hitch is a versatile knot for belaying, rappelling, and emergency descents without a belay device. Make a loop in the rope and slip the loop into a locking carabiner. A Crossing Hitch (also known as the unfortunately-named "Munter Hitch") is used when you want to anchor two cords that cross each other. Our friends at the International Rafting Federation put together an awesome series of pieces on knots, this video is featuring the Italian Hitch. Aug 20, 2023 · In this illustrated guide, we show you how to tie a Munter Hitch Knot. Jun 18, 2025 · Learn step-by-step instructions for tying a Munter hitch knot. 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. The munter can work as a belay tool, to lower a climber or even to rappel. The name 'Munter hitch' is due Other names Munter hitch, Italian hitch, Crossing hitch. Sep 19, 2018 · A Munter hitch belay might seem old school, but it’s free, weightless, and a good skill to have in the toolbox. Jun 15, 2012 · Of all the tools in my climbing and guiding toolbox, the Munter Hitch is one of three I rely on the most: it’s fast, requires little gear, and is multifunctional. It should be second nature to all climbers. The appropriate application of the knot is in rock climbing and canyoneering. It can be used with a variety of rope diameters and doesn’t put excessive wear on the rope. This being the case, why do all the climbers I know carry and use belay devices? I have found the following disadvantages for belay devices, used in alpine climbing. Apr 10, 2013 · Using a Munter Hitch The first and most important thing to know about a munter hitch is that the brake position is opposite from that of an ATC, Gri-Gri, or Figure 8. More videos you may like 00:12 Bowline Knot Application. Mar 22, 2011 · I learned the munter hitch (Italian hitch) today, and was really impressed by it. Super Italian hitch, with the tail exiting on the preferred side of the carabiner. Table of Contents Introduction Understanding the Munter Hitch How to Tie a Munter Hitch Practical Applications of the Munter Hitch Troubleshooting and Maintenance Conclusion Introduction Imagine you’re at a climbing crag, surrounded by towering rock faces and the hum of the wind through the trees. 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. The munter hitch is also used for belaying a rock climber. , due to cramp or Oct 28, 2025 · Enterhad9 Reels16m A practical tying munter's hitch/ Climbing knot/ Italian hitch. video ---------- Although "Rock Climb" will have more than 100 videos (7 hours+ of content), the program is designed to include maximum information The Garda Hitch, also known as the Alpine Clutch, is a type of climbing knot that can only be moved in one direction. Apr 26, 2022 · The munter hitch, or Italian hitch, is quite versatile and has many uses including belaying, load transfers, and can easily be turned into a clove hitch. Learn more Munter Hitch / Italian Hitch. Any self rescue that we perform as a climber is based around proficiency with the munter hitch and its subsequent knots, the mule knot and the overhand knot. It requires a pear-shaped HMS carabiner. The Impressive Italian Hitch The Italian hitch (also known as the Munter hitch, the HMS hitch and the carabiner hitch) is a variant of the crossing knot (ABOK #206, 1173). 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. 4. While Werner Munter didn’t invent the hitch, a few Italian’s did in the 1950s, he was the one who popularized it in the 1970s and why it bears his name. Slip second loop into the carabiner and lock carabiner. In the lineman world, we use it in rigging purposes! It’s very easy to tie and un-tie. ’ If not it can place whomever is rappelling in grave danger. This is the same as the MMO except for the finish. You can find all the tutorials and quizzes Figure B: To lock the Munter Hitch draw your brake hand up parallel with the load line. Tying 1. Sep 17, 2025 · The Munter Mule Hitch is a secure, releasable tie-off combining a Munter Hitch and Mule Knot, ideal for belay escapes, knot passing, and rescue load transfers. #climbing JB Mountain Skills 35. If belaying with a munter, you lock off by bringing the brake strand UP, not DOWN as with a normal belay device. Find out the pros and cons for these 10 beginners climbing knots. Want to know which knot you can really trust? In this video, I compare the Clove Hitch and the Munter Hitch by tying them around wooden poles. A great practical tying a munter's hitch/ Italian hitch. This is a continuation of teaching the series of knots and skills need Munter's Hitch/ Italian Hitch For rappel, abseil, Belay Josef Suk, Serenade, Op 6 · A Far Cry 185 Dislike The Munter Mule hitch is a combination of the Munter and Mule hitches. It's easy to learn, always available and can easily be converted into a clove hitch. 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. This knot i so far i have come across three names for the same hitch. Figure C: The knot will correctly "flip" into this position as you take in slack when belaying. In this video, each step is clearly shown in sequence to allow rope technicians to quickly add this technique to their skill set. 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”. . Munter/Italian hitch – It’s name signifying half clove hitch belay, it is chiefly used to control the rate of descent in belay systems by acting as a friction device. Jun 7, 2022 · 880 Likes, TikTok video from Knot🪢tok (@knot. Apr 12, 2016 · The crucial equation in alpine climbing—efficiency equals speed, which equals safety—means that every second saved at a belay transition is another second spent getting to the top. How to Tie the Munter Hitch Usage The Munter Hitch is used to manage rope friction for belaying or rappelling in climbing and rescue. It can be used as a descender, and as a belay device for climbing, if you don't have an alternative. Key knots for climbing and mountaineering. Additional The Munter Hitch is a simple knot, commonly used by climbers and cavers as part of a life-lining or belay system. To climbers, this hitch is also known as HMS, the abbreviation for the German term Halbmastwurfsicherung, meaning half clove hitch belay. 2K views 00:10 Easy and Beautiful Rope Curtain Hitch. There are lots of Other names Munter hitch, Italian hitch, Crossing hitch. DJ explains how to tie the Munter hitch, as well as showing the operation of the Munter. 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 The Münter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch, is a simple knot, commonly used by climbers and cavers as part of a life-lining or belay system. Every climber or 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. The Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch, mezzo barcaiolo or the crossing hitch, [1] is a simple adjustable knot, commonly used by climbers, cavers, and rescuers to control friction in a life-lining or belay system. 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. g. Oct 11, 2025 · The Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch or mezzo barcaiolo, is a simple, adjustable knot commonly used in climbing, caving, and rescue as a Learn how to quickly and easily switch a munter hitch into a clove hitch with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. 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. 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. Why Learn the Munter Hitch? Its carabiner-based design offers quick, effective friction control. Aug 25, 2022 · The Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch, mezzo barcaiolo or the crossing hitch, is a simple adjustable knot, commonly used by climbers, cavers, and rescuers to control friction in a life-lining or belay system. Aug 17, 2024 · A 3 or even 4-way safety carabiner would be the best piece to use if you have one. For controlled descent, the brake hand need only apply relatively little force on the Vertical caving terminology and methods > Knots > Common knots Italian hitch, Munter hitch, HMS, crossing hitch, super Italian hitch, super Munter hitch Italian hitch, with the tail exiting on the preferred side of the carabiner. Why the Munter Hitch for Beginners is an excellent choice. Although one of the oldest ways of belaying, with problems analogous to the eight-figure, it is a quick, efficient and indispensable knot all climbers should know. Explore different variations like the double Munter hitch and Taught hitch. A party trick or actually useful? I must admit whilst it might be good to know, I rarely do it, often just tying off the original hitch instead. Munter Hitch: Step-by-Step Guide A Munter hitch, also known as a Italian hitch, is a simple and versatile knot used for belaying and rappelling in rock climbing. 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. Italian Half Hitch, Munter Hitch, rope descent knot, belaying knot, rappelling knot, climbing knots, easy knot tutorial, fast rope control, outdoor safety, climbing hacks, survival knots Learn the آموزش گره حمایت (Munter Hitch ، Italian Hitch) Canyon with hadi 14 subscribers Subscribe The munter-mariner-overhand makes for a more secure mariner. While both knots start in the same way, the direction of the final part of the tie is different as is the use of the two frictions. The Munter: The Munter Hitch Knot – (the Italian Hitch) shown as Frames 1 – 6 in the animation, allows controlled descent when rappelling (abseiling). Then take the unloaded end, go around the loaded end (steps 2-3 Oct 8, 2025 · The difference between the one handed munter hitch vs the one handed clove is that we are grabbing the rope that is between our body and the carabiner (closest to us) rather than the strand that is on the other side of the carabiner. Make sure to watch my full tutorial on rappelling without a belay device! This video illustrates how to rappel using a Munter hitch (aka Italian hitch) as a backup rappel method. One simple (and pretty suave) time saver is tying two often-used hitches—the Munter and the clove—with one hand. Locking Munter There are only a few knots any novice climber really needs to know, these being the figure eight, overhand knot, clove hitch and bowline. 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. It works both ways, but twists ropes. 60second video looking at one way to tie an Italian hitch and then the process for tying off. From messing about with it in my flat, it seems capable of belaying a leader, a second, and abseiling. Sep 2, 2025 · Auto Locking Italian Hitch AKA auto locking Munter Hitch. #lashingknot #campingknots 1 day ago · 2. Description, tutorial, and pros/cons of rappelling with the munter hitch. you can also use a large ring an extra krab to make a belay tube and that is way better than the munter or f8 (no rope hockling). This technique can be used with a special “pear-shaped” HMS locking carabiner, or any Learn how to properly tie the munter hitch in this tutorial. It can replace a rappel device. For the Munter, the brake position, ie the position with the most friction, is when the brake strand is parallel to the load strand. #campingknots #ancho 2 days ago · 1. Climbers rely on this knot when using a belay device isn’t an option. To climbers, this knot is also known as HMS, the abbreviation for the German term Halbmastwurfsicherung, meaning half clove hitch belay. Doing multipitch tends to be much faster overall by just using munters / cloves for belaying and securing myself in stands than using the belay devices. 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 the strand carrying the load is next to the spine of the carabiner. The munter hitch has several uses. All these methods if performed correctly will work. The most basic use is for rappelling without a rappel device. The #Munter Hitch, also known as the Italian Hitch or the Crossing Hitch, is a simple and effective knot used in rock #climbing for #rappelling (abseiling) and #belaying. An aluminium carabiner that was used to abseil with an Italian hitch several times Italian hitch, mezzo barcaiolo or the crossing hitch The name munter hitch is often mistakenly used in Shibari to refer to a friction called a no-dome. 🪢 D. Rolling hitch – Serves the purpose of a stopper knot. The Italian Hitch is a useful knot for lowering loads or climbers and is related closely to the Clove Hitch, just with one less loop. The ‘Demi-Cabestan’ is the ‘half-clove hitch’. How to tie a Italian Hitch (also known as a Munter Hitch) How to Tie the Carabiner Munter Hitch This hitch only requires a rappel rope, a locking carabiner (preferably pear shaped), and 3 steps to follow to tie the Carabiner Munter Hitch. When I first started climbing I used it for a while but the abandoned it because I got tired of having to deal with a twisted, tangled mess of rope all the time. It requires an additional U-turn around the underlying solid by the running end (the end not nipped under the crossing part) so that the two ends emerge in the same direction (Fig 1). The added friction helps manage the rope smoothly in high-stress situations. The Munter Hitch can be used to belay or rappel if you lose your belay device. Bowline – Stronger. 8K views 00:12 Technique of tying string line hitch. To climbers, this knot is also known as HMS, the abbreviation for the German term Halbmastwurfsicherung, meaning 'half hitch belay. tok): “Learn about the versatile Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch and crossing hitch, used for controlling friction in life-lining and belay systems. Learn how to tie these knots with these videos and step by step guides. Seek out expert instruction on belaying and rappelling with the Munter 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. NCRC weeklong entrance requirements:Level 1: tie munter hitchLevel 2, Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. 👉 You’ll see how the Clove Hitch slips under Italian hitch, Munter hitch, HMS, crossing hitch, super Italian hitch, super Munter hitch Italian hitch, with the tail exiting on the preferred side of the carabiner. Though simple to do, each step must be followed to a ‘T. Form a second loop with the line crossing opposite the first loop. If you need to quickly secure yourself to an anchor, clipping a quickdraw, grabbing it with one hand, and then tying a clove hitch with the other hand is a good way to do it. The climbing rope passes through a locking carabiner, round the rope, and back through the carabiner. A munter can be used for belaying and lowering, depending on its orientation. Quick Guide: Tying the Super Munter Hitch To tie the Super Munter Hitch, first tie a regular Munter Hitch (step 1). The Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch, is a simple knot, commonly used by climbers and cavers as part of a life-lining or belay system. You might be at a sketchy stance with one hand on the rock for balance while you build the Sep 20, 2025 · The "Italian hitch" is another name for the Munter hitch. The sun casts a warm glow as your climbing partner prepares to ascend. 4️⃣ If the person is stuck at the top (e. Lowering Operation Ground team performs controlled lowering using: Figure-8 descender Brake rack Munter hitch (Italian hitch) The victim is slowly lowered to the ground. It is often used in climbing and mountaineering, such as in pulley systems to haul loads up a cliff. It also has other common names, like the Monster Munter Hitch, Double Munter Hitch, Super Italian Hitch, and Super Crossing Hitch. ' Therefore, carabiners used for this belaying technique are called HMS carabiners. The Super Munter Hitch Knot is also known as the Double Munter and the Monster Munter. This knot is essential for climbers and rescuers Munter Hitch The Munter Hitch provides a method for belaying and rappelling without a belay/rappel device. This knot is a simple friction knot used by rock climbers, cavers, and rescue teams. Nov 2, 2023 · The Super Munter Hitch is a belaying knot that’s useful for lowering heavy loads. Jan 15, 2018 · Eli, of Live Rogue, walks you through the amazing Munter Hitch. The Munter hitch belay (HMS) is used to protect the lead climber or follower. Turning an Italian / Munter Hitch into a Clove Hitch. We also tell you what uses it's good for and how to belay someone with it. Learn how to tie a Munter Hitch in this video. IFMGA qualified Mountain Sep 6, 2018 · Learn how to belay using a Munter Hitch with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. Pro tips for using the Munter Hitch in abseiling and rappelling situations. It is very I teach the Munter, Double Munter, and Super Munter to control different weight loads. Mar 26, 2025 · The Super Munter Hitch is a variation of the Munter Hitch that provides additional friction when belaying or lowering heavy loads. 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. Suddenly, they call out Jun 5, 2021 · Belaying with a Munter Hitch https://rockclimb. The munter hitch or Italian hitch is a friction hitch that incorporates a carabiner. Dec 3, 2024 · The Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch or the Crossing Hitch, is a simple knot, commonly used by climbers, cavers, and rescuers as part of a life-lining or belay system. This is an important knot for climbers to know. Compared to carabiner brake, the traditional backup rappel… Dec 25, 2010 · i love the munter. Start with a munter, do the mariner wraps, pass the tail between the strands and finish with an overhand A munter-mule-overhand uses a lot of cord, so consider using the munter-halter hitch. Readers also asked Is a clove hitch strong? CMC demonstrates how to tie a Munter Hitch. 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. Oct 16, 2018 · A demo of how to tie the Italian Hitch/Munter Hitch! If unconscious, the rescuer does chest-to-chest hold and ties a figure-8 or bowline knot for safety. The munter hitch twists your rope like crazy. What is it and what are the different versions and tricks. ) Halbmastwurf (German: ‘Mastwurf’ refers to Variations Munter Mule or Munter Mule Overhand – In this combination hitch, the above knot is tied off to maintain tension in a way that allows easy release under tension. #knottying #knots #teaching #hitch #climbing #caving”. 3. The Munter hitch is a safety knot. Jan 28, 2015 · The Munter Hitch (aka Italian Hitch or Crossing Hitch) is a simple knot, commonly used by climbers, cavers, and rescuers as part of a life-lining or belay system. 2. #campingknots 2 days ago · 2. 3K subscribers Subscribe 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. Ideal for rescue and rappelling. Discover essential components and adjustment techniques for secure rappelling and climbing. A great practical Of Tying Italian hitch) munter's hitch. Like the plain Munter Hitch Knot, it is possible to flip the knot to take in slack with the tail. Type: Friction Use: In Shibari the munter hitch it is used to tie suspension lines to a hard-point. i just use the munter and a hms. It ties quickly on a carabiner, offering simple and effective friction control for descents and load handling. 6K views 00:11 The Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch or the Crossing Hitch, [1] is a simple knot, commonly used by climbers, cavers, and rescuers as part of a life-lining or belay system. It can also be used as a Sep 19, 2012 · Here's a clever way to tie the clove hitch and the munter hitch, two of climbing's most used (and useful) hitches. It allows the belayer to Munter Hitch (aka Italian Hitch) The Munter/mule is a way of tying off the Munter hitch. It’s particularly useful when extra control is needed on descents. Tying - The same process as the clove hitch but rather than cro Clove Hitch v/s Other Knots Girth hitch – Ties a climbing sling to various features. I would add one more to this, even though it’s not a knot that many people use unless it’s an emergency - the Munter or Italian hitch. The hitch was made popular around 1970 Get Hitched: Munter Hitch Tips & Tricks Coffee Pot Read Time - 10+ Minutes July 2020 If a climber were only to learn four knots, the munter hitch should be one of that four. A munter twists the rope, so a belay device is usually the first choice. This technique can be used with a special "pear-shaped" HMS locking carabiner, or any locking carabiner wide enough to take two turns of the rope. Super Munter hitch – It is formed by tying another Munter hitch over the first one significantly increasing the holding power of the belay. May 13, 2017 · Easy step by step instructions in this guide. And for belaying the second, it has a big advantage over new school “plaquette” style belay devices. It works best in large pear shaped carabiners and should only be used with a locking carabiner. The Munter hitch, probably known more correctly as the Italian hitch, is a useful knot to know for climbers and abseilers. To change from belaying to lowering, the hitch needs to rotate through the axis of the carabiner, however the load strand should always be Dec 9, 2008 · The Munter is easily tied, with the knot being tested by simply pulling on either strand of the rope which will cause the hitch to reverse itself yet still work. To tie a Super Munter Hitch knot, make a Sep 17, 2025 · The Super Munter Hitch adds extra friction to the Munter Hitch, allowing smooth and controlled descent of heavy loads. A practical tying munter's hitch/ Climbing knot/ Italian 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. When tying a Munter it’s best to use an HMS karabiner, as this allows the hitch to run more smoothly than on a D shaped krab. This technique can be used with a THE ITALIAN HITCH The Munter hitch, aka Italian hitch, is a dynamic locking knot that does not require any device, just a rounded carabiner know as HMS (H alb M astwurf S icherung). Belaying: The Munter Hitch can be used as a friction hitch for belaying a lead climber or a second climber. PS: just the German alpine club teaches the Munter Hitch with the breakend of the rope in direction of the belayend, everyone else manly considers the break end down while belaying saver, beacause: 1. It is sometimes used in conjunction with a Prusik knot. jkryex abpba sqhwgm gyuv riwb wdji qgtp dzv zrfvdmjr ozfj zrsf ifyzguxqd uxfgdtd xazgin etvutab