How to Tie the Icicle Hitch

How to Tie the Icicle Hitch

Usage

The Icicle Hitch is commonly used to secure a rope to a pole, icicle, or tapered object in arborist, bushcraft, and utility tasks, providing a strong grip even on smooth or narrowing surfaces. Practicing on the Knot IQ app is a fast way to see the wraps and locking tuck from every angle before trying it on a real pole.

Why Learn the Icicle Hitch?

Its specialized design gives a grip on challenging surfaces where a Clove Hitch or a plain wrap slips.

Common Uses

• Rigging:
  • Secures ropes to tapered poles, spars, and stakes for gear rigging.
  • Attaches lines to smooth or narrowing objects that a Clove Hitch slips off.
• Bushcraft:
  • Ties ropes to poles or logs for shelter frameworks or dragging.
  • Creates secure grips on natural anchors like branches.
• Utility:
  • Binds ropes to pipes or bars for lifting or securing loads.
  • Fastens equipment to poles for temporary setups.

Safety note: Despite the name, this is a pole-and-spar gripping hitch, not an ice-climbing knot. Never use it for life safety, fall protection, or overhead lifting where a failure could cause injury or death — no strength or security test data for it exists in any source we have found, and it appears nowhere in the self-belay and climbing-hitch test literature.

ABOK Number (Ashley Book of Knots) N/A Other Names None listed Category Hitches

Notable Features

• Strong grip: Locks tightly on smooth or tapered poles and icicles.
• Versatile use: Suits bushcraft rigging, hauling, and utility tasks.
• Load-bearing: Holds firm under tension, even on narrowing ends.
• Unique technique: Adapts to surfaces where other hitches fail.
• Field-friendly: Works with improvised anchors or natural objects.

Variations

The Icicle Hitch has no widely recognized variations. For added security, you can add an extra wrap or a half hitch on the standing line, though this may increase bulk. A dedicated hitch cord makes the extra wraps easier to keep clean; the Bear Essentials bushcraft paracord holds its wraps well on tapered poles.

Similar Knots

Clove Hitch vs. Icicle Hitch

Clove Hitch

• Pros: Simpler and quicker to tie for basic attachments.
• Cons: Less secure on tapered or smooth surfaces compared to the Icicle Hitch.

Klemheist Hitch vs. Icicle Hitch

Klemheist Hitch

• Pros: Easier to tie with a loop and adjustable for climbing.
• Cons: Less effective on tapered ends or icicles, where the Icicle Hitch excels.

History

The Icicle Hitch is not listed in The Ashley Book of Knots. It was devised by John Smith of the International Guild of Knot Tyers, who demonstrated it at the Guild's eighth annual general meeting in 1990; it was published that year in the IGKT's newsletter, Knotting Matters, issue #32 — see the Icicle Hitch entry on Wikipedia for the full record. Its use in bushcraft and utility tasks highlights its versatility for unconventional anchors.

Security Level

The Icicle Hitch provides reliable gripping for light to moderate loads when tied correctly, securely holding ropes to tapered or smooth poles, icicles, or anchors. It performs best with strong, non-stretch ropes and proper tension. For heavier gear loads, add extra wraps and test the grip to prevent slippage, especially on very slick surfaces. It is also a one-direction hitch: loading it off-axis or from the wrong direction reduces its security and lets the tail slip.

Downsides

• Complexity: Requires practice to master the looping and locking technique.
• Binding risk: Can bind tightly under heavy loads, making untying difficult.

Structure

1. Pass the rope around the pole or icicle, with the working end facing the tapered end.
2. Wrap the working end around the pole 3-4 times, moving toward the thicker end.
3. Pass the working end over the standing line and tuck it under the last wrap, creating a loop.
4. Pull the loop tight to lock the hitch, ensuring it grips the pole securely.
5. Test the hitch by applying tension to confirm it holds without slipping.

Pro Tip: Ensure wraps are tight and evenly spaced to maximize grip on the pole. The Bear Essentials knot-tying cards are a handy field reference for the wrap count while you practice.

FAQ

Is the Icicle Hitch strong enough for ice climbing?

No. Despite the name it is a pole-and-spar gripping hitch, not an ice-climbing knot: no strength or security test data for it exists in any source we have found, and no certifying body we've found endorses it. Never use it for life safety, fall protection, or overhead lifting.

What's the best rope for the Icicle Hitch?

Nylon or polyester ropes, like 8-10mm, provide good grip and strength.

How does the Icicle Hitch compare to the Klemheist Hitch?

The Icicle Hitch is better for tapered ends, while the Klemheist is easier for climbing loops.

Can the Icicle Hitch be used in bushcraft?

Yes, it's great for securing ropes to poles or branches for shelters or rigging.

Why choose the Icicle Hitch over a Clove Hitch?

It's more secure on smooth or tapered surfaces, though harder to tie.

Important Notes on Safety

Common failure points include loose wraps or improper locking, which can cause slipping. Always verify the hitch is tight and the loop is secure before loading, especially on tapered or slick surfaces.
Check the rope for wear or slickness before tying.
Ensure 3-4 tight wraps and a secure locking loop for strength.
Practice in low-stakes settings to perfect the technique.