Munter Hitch

Munter Hitch is used as an emergency rappel / belay device. Munter hitch offers more friction than a regular tubular belay device like the ATC, even in the non-braking position the munter hitch still offers some braking power. This can be an advantage (for example: belaying a heavy climber) or a disadvantage (for example: when fast feeding is required) depending on the situation. The biggest drawback to the munter hitch is that it twists the rope badly.

Method 1

Form a bight of rope with the strands crossed, then cross one strand over the other a second time.

Clip the belay biner into the two strands indicated by the arrows.

Belay biner in place.

Pull the strands to form the munter hitch. This is the position when feeding rope out with the munter hitch. It is important to keep the brake strand close to the spine of the biner, away from the screw gate. Otherwise the movement of the brake strand could potentially unscrew the gate. To brake, bring the brake strand up and parallel to the strand going to the climber.

This is the position when taking in rope or braking with the munter hitch. Notice how the munter hitch has flipped around the biner, this is normal. But it is important to make sure the munter hitch doesn't cinch itself on the gate when it flips.

Method 2

When belaying a follower directly off the anchor using the munter hitch, it can be tied quickly with one hand.

First, clip the rope into the belay biner.

With the gate of the biner facing you, bring the free strand of the rope around and behind the strand going to the climber.

Form a bight with the free strand without any twists, then clip this bight into the biner.

The finished munter hitch. Once the belay biner is locked, you're ready to belay your follower.

Related Pages

• Belay Device
• Escaping The Belay
• Knots
• Mule Knot
• Multipitch
• Rappelling Danger