How To Tie A Munter Hitch

If you're planning on scaling a mountain sometime soon, learn how to tie a Munter hitch. The Munter hitch is used to control descents as part of a belay system. It is also used to take up slack when ascending. A Munter Hitch can either be tied then put on the carabiner, or it can be tied on the carabiner. The Munter Hitch was named after Werner Munter, a Swiss mountain guide. He is known for his extensive work on avalanches and assessment of risks of avalanches for climbers and skiers. The Munter Hitch is also called the Italian Hitch. It's original name is the Halbmastwurfsicherung or HMS.

Munter Hitch-first version

1. Take the rope so it is under your palm and over your thumb.
2. Turn your hand over so the rope automatically forms a loop.
3. Continue holding the loop and also grab the rappel line. You will now be holding 2 sections of rope.
4. Clip the carabiner around the two sections so that the opening of the carabiner is farthest away from you and the spine is closest to you.
5. Grab the carabiner and pull tight to lock the hitch in place. 

Munter Hitch-second version

1. Make a loop in the rope and put it over the opening of the carabiner.  Move it toward the spine.
2. Bring the rope back down over the opening of the carabiner, then out the back, or behind, the clasp.
3. Lock the carabiner in place.

Important:

• Make sure the carabiner being used is large enough that the rope can slide easily.  The loop needs to be able to move freely from one side of the carabiner to the other, depending on if it is used for descending or ascending.