The Munter Mule Combination

To tie the Munter move the mouse over 1 - 7; the Mule, over 8 - 14.
To see how the Munter Hitch inverts when pulled, move over Load, Invert, Pull

The Munter: The Munter Hitch - sometimes known as the Italian Hitch - (1 - 7 above) allows controlled descent when rappelling (abseiling). The climbing rope passes through a locking carabiner, round the rope, and back through the carabiner. For controlled descent, the brake hand need only apply relatively little force on the free end.

Requirements: Use a carabiner large enough to allow the hitch to be inverted through the carabiner when pulled. The load end should pass first round the spine side (not the opening side) of the carabiner.

Tying-Off: To secure the Munter, a Mule Hitch (8 - 14 above) can be added above. The Mule consists of using a loop to tie an overhand loop knot round the standing end followed by using the loop to tie a second overhand knot which also encloses the standing end. This final overhand knot is essential because the weight of the hanging rope might otherwise easily undo the first loop overhand knot. When loaded, the Mule knot tends to slide down tight against the Munter and can be somewhat difficult to undo.

Using Thin Rope: In an emergency, modern high strength, thin rope can be used. Additional turns should then be taken round the spine of the carabiner to reduce the strain (see picture on right). These extra turns should be unneccessary with 11mm climbing rope.

Advantages The greatest advantage of the Munter is that it can be used with minimum equipment: just a locking carabiner.

Disadvantages The Munter kinks the rope and imparts a twist to it during descent. It also makes ropes fuzzy if used regularly.