How To Tie The Bear’s Grip Hitch
Usage
The Bear’s Grip Hitch is a kamikaze-style knot designed to lower items like tools or backpacks, and retrieve the rope afterward. Unlike traditional kamikaze knots, it adds two fail-safes, increasing reliability.
It was first invented in 2024 by DJ Tudino, of The Bear Essentials.
Why Learn the Knot
The Bear’s Grip allows you to safely lower items and retrieve your rope without cutting it, making it practical for backcountry travel, job sites, or outdoor activities.
Common Uses
- Camping and Bushcraft:
- Lower gear, tools, or bundles down steep terrain without losing rope.
- Harvesting firewood on a slope without scattering logs.
- CAUTION: Use at your own risk - may be used for an emergency rappel.
- Job Site:
- Lower heavy tools or scrap from elevated work areas, saving trips up and down ladders.
- Backpacking:
- Lower a backpack down steep sections and retrieve the rope for personal descent.
ABOKNumber(Ashley Book of Knots)
Other NamesNone.
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TypeKamikaze Knots, Hitch
VariationsNo significant variations yet identified. |
Notable Features
- Two fail-safes for added security.
- Holds strong through jolts and angle changes but releases with slack and a shake.
- More practical and reliable than other kamikaze knots.
Similar Knots
- Bell Ringer
- Advantage: Simple to tie.
- Disadvantage: Prone to failure with small jerks.
- Safety Bell Ringer
- Advantage: Offers more security than the Bell Ringer.
- Disadvantage: Cannot handle heavy weights and may jam.
- Kamikaze Knot
- Advantage: Secure and can be used for retrieval.
- Disadvantage: Leaves rope behind with each use.
- Remote Release Hitch
- Advantage: More secure than Bell Ringer knots.
- Disadvantage: Vulnerable to accidental release if the rope is jerked.
Security Level
Moderately High, with two fail-safes to prevent accidental release. The knot is reliable for lowering and retrieving objects without losing rope, but not recommended for life-critical situations like climbing. If one has to use an emergency knot for a rappel, then out of all the kamikaze knots, this one is generally regarded as the safest.
Downsides
While secure, the Bear’s Grip Hitch is not intended to support human weight for climbing. It requires careful use to ensure safety when lowering heavy objects.
Structure
- Step 1: Form a bite of rope, bend it 90° toward the standing end.
- Step 2: Wrap the bite around the standing end, forming a figure-eight.
- Step 3: Wrap the tag end around the object (e.g., a tree or bag loop).
- Step 4: Create a clockwise overhand twist in the standing line.
- Step 5: Pass the bite from the tag end through the top and loop over the figure-eight.
History
Invented by DJ Tudino of The Bear Essentials in 2024, this knot was inspired by Sam’s Elvish rope in Lord of The Rings. It’s based upon traditional kamikaze knots but designed to overcome their weaknesses, such as loss of rope and lack of reliability.
FAQ
Can the Bear’s Grip Hitch be used for climbing?
No, for liability reasons, I cannot recommend using this to support human weight. It's intended for lowering objects like gear or tools. Unless in an extreme emergency situation.
How is the Bear’s Grip Hitch better than other kamikaze knots?
The two fail-safes add reliability and prevent premature release, unlike traditional kamikaze knots.
Is this knot secure under tension?
Yes, it holds securely under tension but releases when the rope goes slack and is shaken.
Can it be used with heavy items?
Yes, it can handle heavier loads than most kamikaze knots but should be used cautiously.
How does it release?
The first fail-safe releases with a shake of the rope, and another shake releases the second.
What is a Shake-Loose Knot?
A shake loose knot does as the name implies, it holds under tension, and when you shake it, it comes loose.
Important Notes on Safety
This knot is not recommended for repelling or any activity where it will support human weight. Use it carefully when lowering heavy loads, and ensure you have the proper conditions to safely release the knot when needed.
