How to Make Things with Climbing Rope

Knowing how to make things with climbing rope is rarely exercised as an art form. You're more likely to need to know how to make survival items out of climbing rope, like a sling or a sling chair. Climbing rope is one of the materials that, as a climber, you're likely to have on hand in an emergency situation. Knowing how to make things out of it and use it as a survival tool may well save your life.

Things You'll Need

  • Knife
  • Branches
Show More

Instructions

  1. Making a Stretcher

    • 1

      Select two boards or branches that are relatively straight. Each one must be strong enough to bear the full weight of the person to be carried on the stretcher.

    • 2

      Place the branches as far apart on the ground as you need the stretcher to be wide.

    • 3

      Tie one end of the climbing rope to one end of one of the branches. You can create an easy carry handle here by tying an overhand on a bight, then looping the loose end of the rope once or twice more around the branch to secure it (see Resources).

    • 4

      Stretch the rope across to the other branch, and be careful not to drag the branches closer together. Wrap it twice around that branch, tie an overhand on a bight of rope to create another carry handle, then wrap it twice around the same branch again to secure the looped knot you tied.

    • 5

      Zigzag the rope between the branches. Wrap it around each branch twice, then stretch it across to the next branch a bit lower down toward the opposite end, then wrap the rope around that branch twice and so on.

    • 6

      Tie another overhand on a bight once you've reached the end of the stretcher. Wrap the rope around that branch twice to secure the knot handle you just tied.

    • 7

      Stretch the rope over to the other side of the branch, tie another overhand bight, wrap the rope around that branch to secure it, then tie the rope off with a series of half hitches. You'll need to cut off any extra rope to keep it from dragging or snagging.

    Making a Sling Chair

    • 8

      Coil the climbing rope by holding one end in your left hand. Extend both arms straight out to the side.

    • 9

      Lay the rope across the back of your neck so that it reaches all the way up your left arm and down to your right hand. Hold onto the rope with your right hand.

    • 10

      Let go of your rope with your left hand, grab the part past your right hand, and bring the rope back over to your left side. Now grab onto the rope again with your left hand.

    • 11

      Drape the rope back over to your right side again, using your right hand. You're effectively folding the rope into a bundle the length of your spread arms, which will end up dangling around your neck.

    • 12

      Wrap the tail end of the rope around one side of the bundle repeatedly so that you've got one long, continuous coiled loop.

    • 13

      Have two people each slip one end of the loop diagonally across their torso. The injured person will sit between the people on the front part of the loop, which elevates the back portion of the loop to the position where the injured party can lean back on it for back support.