What is the Alpine Butterfly Loop used for?

Tying in a mountaineer at the middle of the rope (middle-man position); Creating an anchor or grab point in the middle of the line; Isolating a worn or damaged section of rope; Clipping a load or carabiner to a fixed mid-line point; Setting up lifelines with connection points.

How do you tie the Alpine Butterfly Loop?

The Alpine Butterfly Loop is a fixed loop tied in the middle of the rope that holds load from all three directions (both ends and the loop) and unties easily even after being heavily loaded. It's the go-to knot for tying in a middle climber, isolating a damaged section of rope, and creating attachment points along a line. Reliable, versatile, and clean to untie. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Alpine Butterfly Loop hard to tie?

The Alpine Butterfly Loop is rated medium, in the Loops category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Alpine Butterfly Loop?

Check the layout carefully: a botched attempt can look like a butterfly but hold far less; Cinch and dress the knot fully before applying load; Like any knot, it reduces the rope's strength at the point where it's tied.

Alpine Butterfly Loop

Q: What other names does the Alpine Butterfly Loop have?

It is also known as Alpine Butterfly Loop, Butterfly Loop, Lineman's Loop, Lineman's Rider, Nudo mariposa alpino, Lazo mariposa, Nudo mariposa, Nó borboleta. (ABOK #1053)

A fixed loop in the middle of the rope that holds load from all three directions and unties easily, ideal for a middle climber on the rope

Also called: Alpine Butterfly Loop, Butterfly Loop, Lineman's Loop, Lineman's Rider, Nudo mariposa alpino, Lazo mariposa, Nudo mariposa, Nó borboleta · ABOK #1053

What it is for

Tying in a mountaineer at the middle of the rope (middle-man position)
Creating an anchor or grab point in the middle of the line
Isolating a worn or damaged section of rope
Clipping a load or carabiner to a fixed mid-line point
Setting up lifelines with connection points