How to Tie a Double Prusik Knot

The Prusik knot is a mountaineering knot used to attach a safety line to a climbing rope. It will slide up the rope but not down. The double Prusik knot is a more secure version that is used in wet or muddy conditions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Wrap the line around a vertical rope going toward the desired direction of travel. The line should not be more than half the diameter of the rope to which you are tying it. Use the double Prusik for climbing; you would normally go up the rope while using it.

2. Tie the ends of the line together in a secure knot, typically a double or triple fisherman's knot when used for climbing. Form a bight from the part of the line farthest from the knot.

3. Bring the bight over the climbing rope and back under it. Pull the loop of line with the knot in it through the bight from above.

4. Wrap the loop of line with the knot in it one more complete turn around the climbing rope, continuing in the same direction as in Step 3. Be sure to keep this turn inside the previous one so that they do not overlap. This completes a Prusik knot.

5. Repeat Step 4 for a double Prusik.

Tips & Warnings

• Climbers will typically attach themselves to the Prusik loop with a carbiner. While raising themselves off the line temporarily, they will then push the double Prusik knot up the climbing rope. Climbers repeat as often as needed to climb up the rope.