Munter hitch belay instructions XXXX: Indicates fulfillment of the requirements of the PPE Regulation 2016/425. Contents hide […] Apr 18, 2014 · Every climber should be familiar with the Munter, a simple but versatile hitch that has many helpful uses. A munter hitch is a simple knot that gives some friction along with manually pulling or feeding through a rope. Given the ability of the Super Munter to manage large loads it is worth considering its inclusion as a tie-off method for the standard Munter Hitch. Dec 15, 2021 · Any guide mode belay device, such as the ATC guide or Petzl reverso, can be used in a direct belay. Knot tying video tutorial. Now, belaying a leader with a Munter hitch is something that hasn’t quite caught on (yet) in the United States. This material is temporarily offline. Slip Knot. Is the Munter Hitch safe for beginners? Moved Permanently. Thank you @honeybros_com for a quick and easy to follow demonstration. This does not mean that the rope passes through the brake hand! Dynamic belay devices: Munter hitch, tube, figure eight. Clove Hitch - Useful in belay setups. The load is now on the belayer’s harness and the belayer’s hands are both free. And unfortunately, there were fatalities as a result of this mistake. Tying a munter hitch properly is essential for ensuring that the knot functions as intended. In Eastern Europe, the Munter was quite popular when used in a direct belay on the anchor, something that US climbers are just beginning to For dynamic belaying using a Munter Hitch or belay device. Clove Hitch. I don't think the Munter ever caught on in the US--at the time I was the only climber I encountered using it. Modern Belay Techniques. Mar 16, 2022 · One is the Munter hitch, a knot used along with a locking belay carabiner to belay or rappel. #knots #munterhitch". Learn how to tie a Munter Hitch in this video. Single Bowline. This is an important knot for climbers to know. Works as an emergency belay or single-rope rappel “device” Munter Hitch Advantages The munter hitch is another manual belaying method that can be used with a carabiner when a belay device is not available. Dropped your belay or rappel device? The munter hitch has saved this situation many times. (3) Self belay (4) Pretensioned back tie 3. In climbing, safety is paramount, and understanding the differences between various belay devices can significantly impact a climber's safety and performance. Keeping hold of the munter’s brake strand, remove your belay device. Mar 14, 2025 · I used a Munter hitch (on my harness) for maybe a year or so but moved on to other gadgets. Girth Hitch onto harness - Used to attach personal anchor to harness Subscribe to our channel for the latest training videos, climbing tutorials and more! In this video we review how to tie the munter hitch, and then tie it of Follow the instructions that came with your belay device on how to load the rope for a rappel. There was a major accident in Canada when this was done inappropriately, and the rope ran from the climber to a munter-hitch on the head of the axe and then up to the hip-belay. Belaying without a device: It can be used as a belay device—no additional hardware is required. Munter Hitch (steps 1 - 6 in animation) - Used in lieu of rappel device. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tying a munter hitch: Start with a rope: The rope should be attached to a belay device or another point where it will be used to create friction. Lowering Loads: Helps control heavy loads in rope systems. A larger carabiner is recommended to allow the hitch to invert through the carabiner when pulled. To climbers, this knot is also known as HMS, the abbreviation for the German term Halbmastwurfsicherung, meaning 'half hitch belay. It ties quickly on a carabiner, offering simple and effective friction control for descents and load handling. Step 10 Pull the extra slack through the munter hitch and flip it so it’s in the lowering position. Clove Hitch: A versatile knot used for securing ropes to posts or carabiners, quick and easy to tie. If you have any questions about knots, equipment, or education, please email the CMC Instructors at askaninstructor@cmcpro. Then take the Jun 19, 2023 · The Munter hitch, belaying a second from above, conforms naturally to the third fundamental principle of belaying: It positions the hands, limbs, and body according to their natural strength. It also has other common names, like the Monster Munter Hitch, Double Munter Hitch, Super Italian Hitch, and Super Crossing Hitch. Mar 26, 2025 · The Super Munter Hitch is a variation of the Munter Hitch that provides additional friction when belaying or lowering heavy loads. Quick Guide: Tying the Super Munter Hitch. Aug 20, 2023 · As opposed to the Munter Hitch, it doesn’t move and remains fixed in place. Rappelling with the munter hitch is the same as belaying with the munter hitch. XXXX or XXXXX: Batch number corresponding to the date of manufacture. Always apply proper backups, such as an extra fixed line connected to the “injured” climber’s belay loop, or a backup belay from a third person while practicing. Modern rock climbers, ice/mixed climbers, and mountaineers universally depend on an item of gear called a belay device because they offer a considerable improvement in safety and reliability over these earlier techniques. But belaying a second with a Munter is a simple and useful skill that should be in everybody's toolbox. ANCHORS WARNING: Watch for conditions which will load an anchor in a direction other than intended. Rope Twisting: The Munter hitch tends to twist the rope. It keeps the belay comfortable and strong throughout the belay cycle, and while taking rope in, catching falls, holding weight, and lowering. Rappell with change over mid rope, to prusik ascent with Munter Hitch belay ANCHORS, COMMAND & ORGANIZATION LOWERING AND BELAYING I. AMGA Certified Rock Instructor Erik Kramer-Webb shows how to give the follower a direct belay from the top of a trad pitch. Apr 26, 2022 · The munter hitch has many uses in the climbing world. Rappelling Technique Always, before throwing the rope, knot the ends separately and cinch the knots hard, using double-fisherman's knots. Like the plain Munter Hitch Knot, it is possible to flip the knot to take in slack with the tail. The Munter hitch offered a braking position that was the same as the pulling position, so the belay cycle was easy to teach and learn. Using a bight of the rope, a Slip Knot followed by a Half Hitch is tied around the standing end. You can tie it anywhere in a rope, and it allows a climber to control passage of the rope through a carabiner with the same accuracy of a belay device. Is the Munter Hitch safe for beginners? Nov 2, 2023 · The Super Munter Hitch is a belaying knot that’s useful for lowering heavy loads. Step 2 - Attach a hero loop to the loaded rope with a prusik hitch. It works best in large pear shaped carabiners and should only be used with a locking carabiner. Attach a carabiner to the hero loop; this carabiner is ideally a locking carabiner, but Mar 28, 2025 · Tie the Munter hitch on a large locking carabiner to allow the knot to swivel, as it must when you are paying out and reeling in slack. The munter hitch method is useful if you don’t have enough carabiners to set up the carabiner brake method. Just treat the two ropes as one and tie the hitch the same way. Backing up the system is always step #1 when taking any course of action. Uses: – The Radium Release Hitch allows a load to be transferred from one rope to another if, for example, a Prusik Knot jams or a belay line’s auto-stop engages. Prusik Hitch. The Munter Hitch provides a method for belaying and rappelling without a belay/rappel device. Emergency Rigging: Useful in rescue situations when other gear is unavailable. We have used it Jun 10, 2011 · The rope should NEVER be set-up on the carabiner as a munter-hitch. To swap leads at the belay, my partner ties a clove hitch and I move the device to my harness, then we exchange gear before he unties the clove to lead the next pitch. Double Fisherman's Bend. Jan 21, 2016 · Munter Hitch – Super Munter Tie-off. It is a hitch that only allows the rope to pass in one direction, as long as Feb 13, 2025 · The Munter Hitch offers versatility and minimal rope wear, making it useful in emergencies or when traditional gear is unavailable. Article on self rescue techniques, core skill #3, has a good description. Ascend and descend with Munter Hitch belay b. 1. The hitch twists the rope into snarls. Learning to do this one-handed is useful, although not necessary for the test. The munter hitch is also known as the Italian hitch or crossing hitch. However, its roots actually date back further than Werner, with Italian climbers, where it was known as the nodo mezzo barcaiolo, which translates roughly to “half clove hitch belay. A personal anchor is one's safe connection to an anchor at belay and rappel stations. Double Bowline. For example, you accidentally dropped your rappel or belay device. : Icon advising the user to read the instructions and warnings. 13, with the leader taking more than a few falls and takes, with the belayer only using a Munter hitch. This final Half Hitch is essential because the weight of the hanging rope might otherwise easily undo the Slip Knot. The most effective of these was the Munter hitch. You should have the skills to swap a loaded PCD with something that would allow a smooth lower (Munter Hitch, LSD, Gri Gri, etc). First came the carabiner, which not only allowed belayers to augment their friction belays but also invited the use of hitches, tied to carabiners, as belay tools. How to Tie a Munter Hitch: Pass a bight of rope through a locking carabiner. To climbers, this knot is also known as HMS, the abbreviation for the German term Halbmastwurfsicherung, meaning half c. Versatile. : Type B, “Basic”, locking connector. It’s particularly useful when extra control is needed on descents. Munter Hitch Uses. How to Go Hands-Free while Belaying Two quick and efficient ways to go hands-free while belaying, depending on whether one is using a Gri-Gri or similar device, or a standard tube-style device like a Black Diamond ATC or Petzl Reverso. Easy step by step instructions in this guide. Learn how to tie a munter hitch knot. Figure Eight Knot: Commonly used for securing ropes to anchors, providing strength and reliability. Some belay devices may also be used as descenders. Jan 27, 2025 · Knots Similar to the Munter Mule Knot. I won't go into the details here because this is something on which one should get proper instruction. MUNTER/ITALIAN HITCH. Climbers rely on this knot when using a belay device isn’t an option. This type of carabiner was designed for easily setting up a munter hitch to belay or rappel with. Oct 15, 2021 · Replaces the belay. The munter hitch, Italian hitch or crossing hit The climber, using a n HMS carabiner attached to the belay loop, ties a munter hitch with both strands, and locks the carabiner. The munter hitch can also be used in a direct belay, though it offers no assistance braking. Many types of belay device exist, including ATC, grigri, Reverso, Sticht plate, eight, tuber, and the Munter hitch. Rappelling: Allows descent without a belay device. Based on legal advice, however, we have Anyone using a Munter Hitch for belay should make sure they know the Munter-Mule combination. Rewoven Figure 8. The added friction helps manage the rope smoothly in high-stress situations. 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. In this video, CMC shows how to tie a Munter Hitch, a sliding friction knot that can be used for a rappel or belaying a single-person load. ' Therefore, carabiners used for this belaying technique are Feb 6, 2025 · 1. The Munter hitch replaces the need for a belay device when climbing, and its ease of use means that it can be a potentially life-saving option if you drop or lose your belay device. Water Knot. Application and Uses. While belay devices offer added safety and control, the Munter Hitch’s versatility makes it a staple for climbers and outdoor adventurers. Girth Hitch. The Petzl grigri can also be used in a direct belay, though a redirected belay should be preferred when possible. Making our information freely available is an important value of ours. Regardless on the model, the belay device should attach to your belay loop on your harness via a locking carabiner and the the rope should feed in one side and out the other. Usually, a Prusik Knot Sep 19, 2018 · They were working a 5. The PearLock Twistlock carabiner features a twistlock gate and a large rope-bearing surface,making it ultra-smooth for belaying, using a Munter hitch, or as the brake carabiner with an ATC Guide. Munter Hitch: A foundational knot used in climbing for belaying and rappelling, offering friction control. The Super Munter Hitch Knot is also known as the Double Munter and the Monster Munter. What makes the Munter Hitch different from a belay device? The Munter Hitch can function as a belay method without requiring a mechanical device. However, the Super Munter Hitch Knot requires a double flip and has too much friction to make this useful as a climbing knot. Catastrophe knots, and tying the rope directly to the anchor via Clove hitch or figure 8 on a bight. The hunter hitch method only uses 1 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. The Munter Mule hitch is a combination of the Munter and Mule hitches. So what are the benefits of using the munter hitch over a traditional belay device? The munter hitch is multidirectional – meaning it can act both as a raising device and as a lowering device The munter hitch belay serves as a brake loop for protecting, and is one of the most important knots for alpine climbing – you will find a guide in the video Applications: belay device replacement, rappelling, escaping the belay, passing a knot in a rappel, lowering objects from below The Munter Hitch is an incredibly versatile knot. 3. The document has moved here. Dec 22, 2023 · Today, we understand the Munter hitch was popularized and named after Swiss mountain guide Werner Munter. - Belaying without a belay device - Abseiling without a belay device - Creating a releasable knot when escaping the belay The munter hitch tends to 'kink' the rope when used for abseiling or belaying. 2. Figure 8 on a Bight. It allows you to go handsfree on belay and can be released and tied off when under tension. It is a belay device and crucial self rescue skill that all climbers venturing outdoors should know. Sep 15, 2020 · HMS is German for “Halbmastwurf-Sicherung”, roughly a munter hitch (half mast hitch) belay. Find and save ideas about munter hitch on Pinterest. Mule Knot. This can be minimized with a change in the hand position, but is unavoidable. May 7, 2025 · 58 likes, 2 comments - sar_scholar on May 7, 2025: "Munter Hitch; also known as the "HMS" (German for "Half Clove Hitch Belay") or "Italian hitch,". Why Learn the Munter Hitch? Its carabiner-based design offers quick, effective friction control. ” Therfre, in some circles, the Munter is also The Munter Hitch can be used to belay or rappel if you lose your belay device. Jan 15, 2025 · How to Tie a Munter Hitch: Step-by-Step Guide. Rather than opening the carabiner to complete the second Munter Hitch, pass a long bight through and then complete the tie-off with two half hitches. Despite the Munter hitch’s utility, only use it in a pinch. Sep 6, 2018 · Learn how to belay using a Munter Hitch with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. PERSONAL ANCHOR. Munter Hitch. The appropriate application of the knot is in rock climbing and canyoneering. Feb 22, 2020 · Munter Hitch Also not one I would recommend in lieu of a proper belay device, but the Munter Hitch Knot is a great alternative belay technique, in case of an emergency - say you accidentally drop your belay device on pitch 4 of 8 and you have to continue on - the Munter Hitch could come in handy if you know exactly how to tie it and use it. It can also cause slight abrasion to the rope's sheath, especially if the leader falls. Explanation: Comparison of Belay Devices. It’s tied very similarly to the Munter Hitch, and beginners often accidentally tie the Munter Hitch wrong as the Clove Hitch. [Instructions] 21012H_NFPA_G_Rated_Carabiner_UI. ii Prusik Practice ii a. Aug 26, 2024 · If you are experienced enough to belay your second with a PCD you should have a solid understanding of release-able load transfers. Auto-locking belay devices An offset ‘’D’’ shape provides a smooth transfer of the Munter hitch when used as a belay and has ample volume to clip in large diameter ropes and over the rails of most litters. 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. The Munter hitch has the advantage of being reversible; you can safely pull from either side of the hitch. Sep 20, 2018 · So an “HMS” carabiner is, roughly, the “half clove hitch belay” carabiner, a large, locking pear-shaped carabiner, suitable for belaying with a Munter hitch. Pear-shaped is an easier visual description. We all know it’s a great replacement if you accidentally drop or forget your belay device, but it’s especially handy in alpine and ski mountaineering environments because it handles a frozen and icy rope better than traditional belay devices. The Munter Hitch is used to manage rope friction for belaying or rappelling in climbing and rescue. You will be providing your own belay on the way down. Finish the munter with a mule hitch and an overhand backup. Uses of a Munter Hitch: Belaying: Acts as a friction device for belaying climbers. Prusik Hitch: This knot is often used in combination with the Munter Hitch for belaying or rappelling when climbing. The Mule: The Mule Hitch, Frames 7 – 11 in the animation, is used to secure the Munter Hitch Knot. Hip Belay: The rope runs across the belayer’s hip, using the friction there to control the rope. Manual Techniques: Body Belay: The rope is wrapped around the belayer’s torso, which provides friction to stop the rope. Personally, I prefer to use an ATC with guide mode to belay directly off the anchor—it’s much safer and easier to manage the brake strand. The twistlock gate gives this pear-shaped workhorse an added layer of security. It is sometimes used in conjunction with a Prusik knot. How To Rappel With The Munter Hitch Method. The Munter Hitch can also be used as an emergency rappelling rig, although there are better carabiner rappel options available. Seek out expert instruction on Step 1 - Tie off belay device (or Munter Hitch belay) with a Mule knot backed up with an overhand knot. When belaying with the Munter Hitch be sure that the strand of rope carrying the load is next to the spine Mar 22, 2025 · No problem. If you drop your belay device on a clip, you can use the munter hitch to both belay and rappel. (Side note - belaying the second with a Munter hitch directly off the anchor might seem a little old-school, but it’s a very useful technique that every climber should know. Overhand Knot. Super Munter hitch – It is formed by tying another Munter hitch over the first one significantly increasing the holding power of the belay. To tie the Super Munter Hitch, first tie a regular Munter Hitch (step 1). Radium Release Hitch is a load-releasing hitch used in a two-rope technical rescue system. With a dynamic belay device, the belayer has the ability to feed a little rope through the belay device, before “closing the door”. A mechanical device used when belaying. pdf 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 lifelining or belay system. How to Tie the Munter Hitch Usage. com or visit the CMC School page for class schedules. It is commonly rigged prior to the operation by a Search and Rescue team on the belay How to do a Munter hitch, Munter hitch belay and rappel, tips, variations, advantages and disadvantages, Munter hitch v/s clove hitch, uses Feb 9, 2020 · Clove hitches can slip under a massive amount of force, but it is very safe for the kinds of forces it is commonly used for, such as holding body weight. This is a great option to learn Nov 29, 2022 · This is done firstly with the body, by taking a step forward. hujvni rxcqd gbat wqnq raxzky plarx omqp nuw tpxozma oaa