Hitches
Icicle Hitch
DIFFICULTY ●●●○○
A friction hitch of stacked wraps famous for one superpower: gripping a smooth, even tapered pole against a lengthwise pull — demonstrated by hanging from a greased marlinspike.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
When the rolling hitch slides, this is the escalation. The go-to for pulling on smooth pipes, tapered spars, and other surfaces that defeat ordinary hitches.
Where it fails
Direction matters absolutely — the wraps must progress toward the pull. Dress every turn snugly; loose wraps are how any friction hitch lets go.
Quick facts
| Type | High-grip friction hitch |
| Under load | Exceptional lengthwise |
| Untying | Easy |
| Best for | Smooth and tapered poles |