This is an idea I’ve been incubating for some time as a non-destructive “place anywhere” alternative to nails in trees or breaking branches to hang things on. Shown here is my first successful field test! It is tied using a short stick or similar object found locally.
The main flaws with this implementation are the stretch in the second reef knot and the tendency for the loops to converge allowing the hook to turn sideways.
After some experimentation I think I’ve improved on the initial design in Version 2. The main difference is making the loops around the stick more constrictive so they slip less. I also eliminated the need for the first reef knot.
Step 1
Find the middle of the rope and loop it loosely around the tree at least two times (three is best). Then tie it temporarily with a half surgeon’s knot. Note that the middle of the rope hangs down to attach to the bottom of the stick!
Step 2
Wrap the lower loop around the base of the stick at least twice. Adjust its position by sliding more or less rope through the surgeon’s knot.
Step 3
Untie the surgeon’s knot without disturbing what you’ve done so far. Wrap the stick about a quarter of the way from the top as follows: a) Take the first rope and wrap it twice below itself as shown here.
Step 4
b) Now wrap the second rope twice above itself. This will leave you with loose ends on opposite sides of the wraps. Tie these two ends together with a reef knot or your equivalent of choice.
Step 5
At this point you may adjust the “lay” of the hook buy twisting the stick and working the rope. This will be easier of you put a light load on it. Any excess rope will hang down out of the way.
Step 6
Once the hook is stable, you can load it up with gear and even packs!
Step 7
And you can hang your hat on it!
Summary of Steps
Wrap the tree from the front with the first loop (middle of the rope) slightly longer. Tie loosely with a half surgeon’s knot.
Wrap the longer (middle) loop around the bottom of the stick.
Untie the surgeon’s knot and wrap one rope below and the other above.
Tie the two ropes with a reef knot.
Note the minimal number of wraps are show above for visual simplicity. In practice I recommend wrapping the tree three times, and the upper stick twice with each rope (four turns total).