Rock Climbing: How to Tie a Stopper Knot

A Stopper Knot (technically a Double Overhand) is useful as a backup knot for other knots. It’s also one half of a Double Fisherman’s Knot. Learn how to tie a Stopper Knot in this video.

To learn more about knots, see our videos on
How to Tie a Double Fisherman’s Knot
How to Tie a Figure 8 Knot.

[izabella]

Why does the camera changing angles? I am dying inside.

[d.lawrencemiller]

When demonstrating knots, please use a first-person perspective, don't change the camera angle, and don't stitch together multiple cuts unless absolutely necessary. Changing the camera vantage point purely for a snappy cinematic video conflicts with the practical purpose of the video.

[holdencaulfied]

Oh why did you change camera angles? Are you trying to confuse us?

[mrfitz]

This a very poor instructional video because of random perspective changes and speed of demonstration. REI might as well have not bothered. Please take down because it's just confusing

[freedomofmotion]

Thanks for this. Have to learn my knots so I can climb unsupervised at climbing walls. Been free climbing all my.life so never bothered to learn rope skills

[EducationProfessional-pcep]

Please can someone explain the purpose of the stopper knot on a figure 8. I can see 3 possible uses
1. provide a heavy weight at chest height that can hit you in a fall.
2. provide a cover to the figure 8 and cover a potential badly tied knot
3. provide an extra loop that can be clipped into by an inexperianced climber


none of these benefits seem useful?

[samhermans]

Thanks, but .. This knot doesnt stop the rope from slippin the 8 knot - as this knot will not move, its just for cleaning up the rope and adds no strenght or security whatsoever

[ryankunkel]

I love the video the only problem was when my friend fell off his rope and went splat on the ground after the knot came undone. It’s ok though because he is not as cool as me. Other than that the video has been extremely helpful even though you practically killed my friend. :)