In this tutorial, Corey from Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures, an ACMG Apprentice Alpine Guide, demonstrates how to tie a Munter mule overhand.
A Munter mule overhand combines three components: a Munter hitch, a mule hitch and an overhand backup knot. Together, they create a releasable tie-off that secures the rope while allowing a controlled return to lowering when needed.
Corey breaks the technique into its three parts, showing how to identify the load and brake strands, keep the hitches close to the carabiner and finish with an overhand backup.
Step 1: Tie the Munter Hitch and Identify the Rope Strands
Begin with a Munter hitch in a suitable locking carabiner, following the setup shown in the video. Close and lock the carabiner.
Identify the two sides of the rope:
- Load strand: The strand leading towards the climber or load.
- Brake strand: The strand used to control the rope moving through the Munter hitch.
Keep control of the brake strand as you prepare to tie off the hitch.
Step 2: Tie the Mule Hitch Close to the Carabiner
Tie the mule hitch using the brake strand, following the rope path demonstrated in the video.
As Corey forms the hitch, he pushes it towards the carabiner. Keeping the hitch close helps create a compact tie-off with minimal unnecessary slack.
Adjust the strands to tension the hitch and leave a bight large enough to tie the overhand backup. A bight is a folded section of rope.
Step 3: Add the Overhand Backup
Use the bight to tie the overhand backup, following the routing shown in the demonstration.
As you dress and tighten the overhand, hold it close to the Munter hitch so the finished arrangement remains compact.
The overhand backs up the mule hitch and completes the Munter mule overhand. Check all three components before relying on the tie-off.
Step 4: Understand How the Tie-Off Remains Releasable
When correctly tied and checked, the completed arrangement secures the rope against running through the Munter hitch.
Its advantage is that it remains releasable, allowing a return to controlled lowering on the Munter hitch.
Establish secure control of the brake strand before releasing the tie-off, and maintain that control throughout the transition and while lowering. Practise this transition with a qualified instructor so you understand both the knot sequence and the required hand positions.
Final Check
Before relying on the Munter mule overhand, confirm that:
- The carabiner is correctly positioned, closed and locked.
- You can identify the load strand and the brake strand.
- The Munter hitch, mule hitch and overhand backup are all present and correctly formed.
- The mule hitch and overhand backup are dressed and tightened close to the carabiner.
- You understand how to maintain brake-strand control when returning to lowering.
Have a qualified instructor check your setup and technique before using it independently.
Safety Note: This written guide is a companion to the video and is not a substitute for hands-on instruction from a qualified climbing professional.