Customer Reviews

Knots & Ropes for Climbers

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm happy to hear that Mr. Williams (dangerous information, January 15, 2000) suffered little more than discomfort and frustration at the hands of his Prusik and surviving, gained useful experience in the process. Let his lapse reinforce the quality of both the advice given and your ability to synthesize and apply it.

Page 46: "If you use the Prusik to back up a rappel, make sure the sling that attaches the Prusik to the harness is short and always within easy reach. At least one climber has died because his sling was too long and locked up out of reach, stranding him on rappel."

I worked with this book and some cord for a couple weeks before starting gym and outdoor climbing, and it made the instruction breeze by. The illustrations are easy to follow, the reasons to use one knot over another are useful, and the context of why each knot variation is helpful and builds a great platform to learn more.
One of the most useful pieces of climbing equipment I've bought. It seems the guy who said the prussik was dangerous didn't actually read the text, which said to keep it in easy reach. Climbing is dangerous - make sure you are prepared and understand what you are doing before you do it.

I really liked the book, the drawings are great and the words are fun. I was rappeling not too long ago using the prusik to make me safe like they do on the cover of the book. The prusik tightened onto the rope just at the end of my reach, and I was hanging from the one loop around my leg. It was really uncomfortable and it took me a long time to get free. I asked a guide friend and he showed me two much safer ways to do the setup. Now I have to wonder if the book has more dangerous mistakes, because this one was on the front cover.

This is a really excellent book of knots for climbers. No nonsense, very clear, easy to figure out illustrations (really Mike Clelland is possibly the best, to say nothing of his great cartoons). The exceptional thing about this book of knots is the explanations that go with the knots. Lucid and well-written. The why, wherefore and, even in some cases why NOT...of a knot. It's not just a collection of a large number of knots you could use and have at it sort of thing. Since there are not that many that a climber truly needs (or wants), this book's it. Esoteric knots and decoratives are great, but beyond the scope for climbers.This one's really all you need.

I work as an illustrator ... AND, a climbing instructor. I sat at my desk with rope and a pen, and I put a whole lotta work into these illustrations. My goal was that the reader should be able to actually tie these knots. I would tie the knots and draw 'em with the beginer in mind. It was a fun job!

This is a great book for the beginning rock climber, or those like me who tried it in their youth and are returning to the sport. Mr. Raleigh shares some very insightful points to the knots one should rely on for their own safety, and takes you through the more complicated variations on the essential themes.
The illustrations by Mike Clelland are great! The text is exact, precise, and exactly what you need to read to get the most out of your bouldering, rappelling, or mountaineering experience!
Mr. Raleigh takes you through the essential knots, then the terminology, various starter knots their importance, a treatment on rope care, protocols for being on the rope, webbing, and experiences on doing air time when the proper protection technique was not chosen for a pitch.
This book is a must have for the library, for learning, or for reference. Bravo, I wish this one was around 20 years ago

I am A Scout master. THis is a very interesting and usefull book for learning about knots, not only how to make it, but information and explanations about its uses. Good book

There are a number of knot books, and this is the best! The illustrations are the best and in a brief volume rope care is also addressed. While I like most of the books in the "How to (Rock) Climb" series, their knot book illustrations are not as clear as this one.

Great illustrations, great explanations - what else is needed?
This one should be in every climber's collection.

Great illustrations, great explanations - what else is needed?
Should be in every climber's collection.