How to Rig a Harness Out of Rope

In an emergency, a climber can replace a damaged or lost harness with an impromptu harness made from rope or webbing. If possible, always use an International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) certified climbing harness in good condition. However, the heights and other unknowns of climbing can lead to a dropped or otherwise damaged harness. A well-prepared climber should know how to turn 12 feet of rope into a temporary harness allowing for a safe retreat from the climb.

Things You'll Need

  • Static climbing rope (12 feet)
  • Locking carabiner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the center of the rope at your left hip -- or right hip if you are left-handed. Wrap the rope around your waist once and meet both ends at the center of your waist.

    • 2

      Wrap the rope around itself twice, effectively tying an overhand knot with an extra twist. An overhand knot is the first knot tied while tying a shoe. Let both ends of the rope hang between the legs.

    • 3

      Reach between your legs and bring one end of the rope around the backside of each leg, up to the hip. Tie a knot where the ends of the rope meet the rope on the waist, stabilizing the leg loops.

    • 4

      Wrap both remaining ends of the rope around the waist until they meet. If you correctly offset the rope in the beginning by placing the middle of the rope at your waist, the rope should meet at the same spot on your hip.

    • 5

      Tie a square knot with the rope. A square knot consists of two simple overhand knots stacked on top of each other. See the resources section for instructions on how to tie the square knot correctly. Tie any excess rope around the rope at your waist to stow it out of the way.

    • 6

      Clip a locking carabiner through the front section of the harness, just below the belly button. Connect the carabiner to both pieces of rope that are around your waist. Connect yourself to the rope, lock the carabiner and proceed to climb or rappel.