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Friction hitches compared: prusik, klemheist and rolling hitch

How do I attach something to a line or pole so that it does not slip under pull?

Three knots that grip a rope or pole by friction: the prusik, the klemheist and the rolling hitch. In camp they serve as sliding hanging points on a ridgeline or to take strain off another line. How well a friction hitch grips depends strongly on diameter ratio, material, wetness and number of wraps – so no holding forces are given, only the advice to test with the actual material. The prusik and klemheist are also used in climbing and rescue; this comparison is no guide for that.

Starting situation
Legend
Select methods to compare side by sideMethodGrips in both directions of pullSuitable on a pole or branchPossible with webbingEasy to slide when unloadedWithout a separate loop
Prusik knotYesDependsNoPartlyNo
Klemheist knotNoDependsYesYesNo
Rolling hitchNoYesDependsPartlyYes

Legend:● Yes◐ Partly◇ Depends○ No* = note available

Prusik knot

Effort:
Low, once practised
Needs:
Loop of thinner accessory cord, thicker rope
  • Grips in both directions of pullYes
  • Suitable on a pole or branchDepends

    Described here for rope on rope; test beforehand on poles.

  • Possible with webbingNo

    Usually tied with accessory cord; the klemheist is the one described for webbing.

  • Easy to slide when unloadedPartly

    Slides when unloaded, but can be hard to slide after loading.

  • Without a separate loopNo
Open guide →

Klemheist knot

Effort:
Low, once practised
Needs:
Loop of accessory cord or webbing
  • Grips in both directions of pullNo

    Grips only in the direction of the emerging part of the loop; in the opposite direction it can slide.

  • Suitable on a pole or branchDepends

    Test beforehand with the actual material.

  • Possible with webbingYes
  • Easy to slide when unloadedYes

    Easy to release and slide.

  • Without a separate loopNo
Open guide →

Rolling hitch

Effort:
Low
Needs:
End of a line, pole or tensioned line
  • Grips in both directions of pullNo

    Holds only when the pull comes from the right side.

  • Suitable on a pole or branchYes
  • Possible with webbingDepends

    Not described for this.

  • Easy to slide when unloadedPartly

    Easy to untie; whether it slides well depends on the material.

  • Without a separate loopYes
Open guide →