How to Tie a Double Fisherman Backup Slipknot for Rock Climbing

The double fisherman is a slipknot used in rock climbing. It is a protective knot that will keep you from falling if your safety knots come undone. The slipknot will slide until it hits your harness, at which point it locks, keeping you from falling and suffering injuries. This knot is critical to your safety but very easy to master.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wrap the end of the rope around the rope you've secured during your climb, creating one full loop. Do not pull this tautly against the secured rope since you will need to pass the end of the rope through the loop.

2. Wrap the end of the rope around the secured rope again, creating a second full loop directly beneath the first. It should slide right up against the first loop. Again, do not pull this tautly against the secured rope.

3. Pass the end of the rope through both loops from the bottom up, and secure the double fisherman slipknot by pulling it as tightly as you can. This creates the knot that will stop your decent in event of an emergency.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice tying the double fisherman slipknot while on the ground until you're proficient. The middle of a rock climb is hardly the time to learn. Secure knots are critical to your safety.

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