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How Do I Tie My Own Climbing Harness?

How Do I Tie My Own Climbing Harness?
If possible, it's best to use a pre-made climbing harness for rock climbing and rappelling. The harnesses you can buy are carefully designed and more comfortable than anything you'll be able to make yourself. However, when it's necessary, you can easily tie your own harness out of rope or climbing webbing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Approximately six feet of climbing webbing or climbing rope Locking carabiner
  • Approximately six feet of climbing webbing or climbing rope
  • Locking carabiner
Step 1
Create two leg loops in the middle of the webbing. Each loop should be large enough to fit over your thighs with an inch of space. Leave about 6 inches of webbing between the two loops.
Step 2
Tie the leg loops with overhand knots. Tie the knot by making a small loop and then taking the end of the rope over and through the loop. The finished knot should look like a pretzel.
Step 3
Step into the leg loops so you have a loop around each leg. Pull the loops up to the top of your thighs.
Step 4
Wrap the ends of the webbing from the back to the front. Put the webbing on the left side through the left leg loop, and do the same with the right side. Then wrap the webbing across your waist in an X, around to the back, and around again to the front.
Step 5
Tie the ends of the webbing together with a water knot. Tie one end with an overhand knot. Then thread the other end through the same knot so it follows the same pattern. The finished knot should look like a pretzel, with both ropes following the same pretzel shape.
Step 6
Clip the locking carabiner through all the webbing around your waist. Make sure you put all the webbing pieces inside the carabiner.

Article Written By Lisa C. Baker

Lisa C. Baker has been a freelance writer since 2001. She has published articles on parenting, environmental issues and religious topics in a variety of print and online venues, including "HomeLife Magazine" and "Pink & Green." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Sweet Briar College.

Write for Trails.com

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