Page 119 - Outward Bound Ropes, Knots, and Hitches

Ropes, Knots, and Hitches

Unlike the loop knot (see page 102), the alpine
butterfly can and safely does serve to bear a critical
load. It stands up to tension from either direction
without weakening.
In addition to strength and security, the alpine
butterfly almost always unties easily, even after being
heavily loaded, something other loops fail to do. As
with other loops, this knot can be used to isolate—
within the loop of the knot—a worn or otherwise

XX
Alpine Butt XXerfly: Step 3 Alpine Butterfly: Step 4

XXXMove the turn that is now clos- XXX
Bring the turn now closest to
est to your fingertips to lie clos- your thumb underneath the
est to your thumb. other two turns toward your
fingertips. By grasping the loop,
you can now remove the rope
from your hand.

104

OB_RopesKnots_RevFinal_CS4.indd 104 2/9/12 3:14 PM