Page 96 - Outward Bound Ropes, Knots, and Hitches

Climbing Knots: Hitches

Girth Hitch

uSed fOR quICKLy AttACHIng
A LOOp tO Any OBjeCt
Simple and fast to apply, the girth hitch (or
ring hitch) has many uses. It attaches a pre-
sewn or pre-tied loop or sling to any fixed
object. It can be used to connect loops or
attach a loop to a climbing harness from
which gear can be hung. Climbers often
use a girth hitch in slings of webbing, but it
works in any type of rope or cordage. This
knot is often used in camping and could be
helpful to boaters for numerous jobs, such as
creating loops from which gear can be hung.

Girth Hitch: Step 1 Girth Hitch: Step 2

Pass the loop around the object Bring one half of the loop
to which it is to be attached. through the other half and
(The loop in the photograph tighten by pulling on the lower
is tied with a water knot from half. As you tighten the hitch,
page 92.) work the knot that ties the
webbing or cord into a loop to
the side of the loop, not at the
bottom where it could get in
the way.

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