How to Tie a Mountaineer's Coil

A properly tied mountaineer's coil releases rope quickly.

Climbing can be dangerous. That's why rock and mountain climbers always carry extra supplies. No other item is as important as an extra rope that is readily available when you need it. Such rope is typically looped or hung over the shoulder, and secured by a mountaineer's coil. The rope is tied off so that it can be uncoiled almost instantly, in case you need it. Also known as an alpine loop, the mountaineer's coil can be tied in seconds.

Things You'll Need

• Rope

Instructions

1. Coil the entire rope around the palm of your hand. The loops should hang down 24 inches from the palm of your hand to the bottom of the rope. The starting end of the rope should be extending up from your palm, beside your thumb, 4 inches.

2. Grasp the other end of the rope or the "working" end of the rope. It is hanging from the last coil. Make a small 6-inch loop, and insert the loop between your thumb and index finger on top of the coil. Let the remaining portion of the working end of the rope hang straight down. Hold the loop in place with your thumb and index finger.

3. Grab the hanging down (working) end of the rope coming from the loop, and wrap it around the loop four times -- similar to an old fashioned hanging noose.

4. Insert the working end of the rope through the loop that you are holding with your fingers and thumb. Pull on the end of it, to tighten it slightly.

5. Tug on the rope on top of the coil to tighten the loop, securing the working end of the rope in the loop.

Tips & Warnings

• To release the coil, pull the working end out of the loop and then pull the loop out.

• Practice the mountaineer's loop before using it.

• Don't pull too tight on the rope. Just enough to secure it so that when you pull the working end free, the rope loosens up.

Resources

• Survival World: Alpine Coil