Prusik Knot   (Lark’s Head – Cow hitch done twice)

The Prusik Knot is a type of friction hitch used to attach a rope to another rope or to an object, such as a carabiner. It’s a versatile knot that can be used for ascending, descending, or traversing a rope, and it’s commonly used in climbing, caving, and rescue operations.

In climbing, the Prusik Knot is often used as a backup safety system for belaying, as it allows the climber to be attached to the rope at all times. It can also be used for self-rescue, by attaching the Prusik Knot to the rope and sliding it up or down to move towards or away from a difficult section.

In rescue operations, the Prusik Knot is commonly used to create a mechanical advantage system, which allows rescuers to lift or lower heavy loads with minimal effort. The Prusik Knot is also used as a back-up system, in case the primary system fails.

1. Create a bight (a loop) in the Prusik loop.
2. Place the bight over the larger rope.
3. Make a turn around the larger rope with the running end of the Prusik loop.
4. Cross the running end over the standing end of the Prusik loop.
5. Make another turn around the larger rope with the running end.
6. Cross the running end over itself to form a loop.
7. Dress the knot by pulling on the standing end and the running end of the Prusik loop to tighten it up against the larger rope.

The Prusik Knot is relatively easy to tie, but it requires some practice to master its use. It’s a very useful knot to know and it can be used in a lot of different situations.