Marling hitch (lashing a bundle)

When lashing a bundle there is a tensioned lengthwise strand running along it, and rounds that go around it. At each round the rope has to be made fast to the lengthwise strand somehow. The simplest way is a half hitch – the end is just tucked under the lengthwise strand. Under load, however, a half hitch can creep along the bundle.

In the marling hitch the end is taken first over the lengthwise strand and then under it. This forms a small overhand around the lengthwise strand. It presses the strand against the bundle and grips it instead of just running around it. Each round therefore holds on its own, and the whole bundle stays evenly tight.

In a correctly tied marling hitch each round shows a small crossing where the lengthwise strand is visibly trapped under the round. With a series of half hitches, by contrast, you see small loops that the lengthwise strand simply runs through. Both look similar at first glance – the difference shows when you jiggle a round: the marling hitch stays put, the half hitch slides.

Dress each round before laying the next and pull it snug. Keep the lengthwise strand tensioned between rounds, otherwise the bundle loosens. Even spacing not only looks neater, it also spreads the pressure evenly. At the start and finish you need a firm knot, such as a clove hitch or constrictor to begin and two half hitches to finish, with a sufficiently long tail.

The marling hitch is ideal for anything long and rolled: a tarp or blanket for carrying, a sleeping mat on the outside of a pack, a bundle of tent poles, firewood or sticks for a shelter. Because each round holds on its own, nothing slips out even when the bundle swings as you carry it.

For short bundles two or three separate ties are often enough. For very long bundles the marling hitch uses a lot of rope. It is also not meant for lifting loads or moving them over people, and it does not replace load securing on vehicles – there are separate rules and equipment for that.

The most common mistake is tucking the end only under the lengthwise strand. That gives half hitches that can slide. Other mistakes are uneven spacing and a lengthwise strand that is not re-tensioned as you go. Because the exact sequence is still awaiting an expert check, compare the result with a reliable illustration.

When bundling wood or poles: carry only as much as you can carry safely and keep your back straight when lifting. Bundles hanging off a pack can snag on branches. Life-safety use of knots only after proper training with certified equipment.

The marling hitch comes from seamanship. Sails were lashed to spars – round wooden poles – and bundles were tied up for transport. Knot books like to set it against the series of half hitches, because the two look almost identical but behave very differently.

A rolled blanket or sleeping bag is good for practising. Lash one half with marling hitches and the other with half hitches. Then pull and push the rounds. You will feel at once which side holds – and learn to tell the two forms apart.