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How to Tie a Girth Hitch
The girth hitch (lark's head) attaches a sling or loop to a harness gear loop, tree, or anchor — fast to tie but significantly reduces sling strength through its sharp bending angle.
How to Tie a Girth Hitch Step by Step
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Written Instructions — Girth Hitch
- Thread loop through anchor Pass one end of a sling through or around the anchor point.
- Feed loop end through itself Take the far end (loop) and feed it through the two near strands.
- Pull loop through Continue pulling until the strands fully pass through the loop.
- Pull to tighten Pull the load end to cinch the girth hitch firmly against the anchor.
Tips for Tying a Girth Hitch
- A girth hitch reduces sling strength by approximately 50% due to the sharp bending angle — factor this into your anchor calculations.
- For a stronger attachment to a carabiner, use a clove hitch instead of a girth hitch.
- The girth hitch is fast and works when you need to attach a sling directly to a tree, pillar, or other fixed point.
- Align the sling so both strands lie parallel — crossed strands further reduce strength.
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