Canyoneering death in the Subway

[Bootboy]

VT, distel hitch, swabish, MT, among others. The VT is probably the best.

[ratagonia]

There are several "rope grab" knots that work. At times, they are all called "Prusiks".

I like the Bachman knot myself. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachmann_knot

There is also the Blake Hitch, and the Kleimheist, and...

a few are here:

http://www.animatedknots.com/blakes/...matedknots.com

Tom

[ratagonia]

VT, distel hitch, swabish, MT, among others. The VT is probably the best.

VT?

[Brian in SLC]

VT?

Valdotain? Ie, French Prusik? I like it, but, for ascending a rope, its too spread out and slips too much for my liking. I still use a Prusik. Well dressed, works like a champ for me.

YMMV.

[Bootboy]

The Bachman is great.

I'm not listing these knots exclusively for ascending, more for autoblocks in the context of this discussion. They all have pros and cons, the idea is to have several in your repitoir and know which is best for specific applications.

[Mountaineer]

Valdotain? Ie, French Prusik? I like it, but, for ascending a rope, its too spread out and slips too much for my liking. I still use a Prusik. Well dressed, works like a champ for me.

YMMV.

Valdotain Tresse. Generally easier to release than a standard prusik. Will release under load. For ascending, best to use a 3/2 or 4/2 (wrap) Prusik.

[Brian in SLC]

I need to get me one or two of them Bluewater valdy's... Nice picture.