Make sure to use a rope that is thick enough to support your weight. If possible, use a dedicated climbing rope that is designed to hold up against the shock of a fall. Consider using climbing webbing. [3] X Research source
Think of the loop as a “rabbit’s hole,” and the long end coming off the loop as a “tree”. Imagine that the loose end of the rope, which you’re holding in your right hand, is the “rabbit”. The rabbit comes up the hole, runs around the tree, and goes back down the hole. [5] X Research source The loose short end of the rope serves to secure your leg. The long end will loop around the other leg, and will eventually become the “crosspiece” to which you clip the carabiner.
Pull the rope tight, but not so tight that it constricts your movement. Try to keep the rope strands parallel – don’t let them cross over and become tangled.
Be sure to lock the carabiner. If your carabiner does not lock, then you’ll need to be especially careful. Consider simply looping the climbing or rappelling rope through the crosspiece – but make sure that there are two “points of contact. "
If you are climbing or rappelling, then the rope should have two “points of contact” with your harness at all times – at least two spans of rope. If you are belaying, then the carabiner should lock through two points of contact. Be thorough! Do not put your full weight onto this harness until you are absolutely sure that it will hold up.
Trees more than eight inches in diameter. Check that the tree is well-rooted: that it is sturdily attached to the ground, and not in loose soil. Rocks: large, sturdy boulders and outcroppings. Do not tie your anchor to porous rock that might flake or chip away. The frame of a vehicle. Make sure that the vehicle is in park with the parking brake on. Chock the wheels by placing rocks, bricks, or wedges to stop them from rolling. [7] X Research source overhand knot
Trees more than eight inches in diameter. Check that the tree is well-rooted: that it is sturdily attached to the ground, and not in loose soil. Rocks: large, sturdy boulders and outcroppings. Do not tie your anchor to porous rock that might flake or chip away. The frame of a vehicle. Make sure that the vehicle is in park with the parking brake on. Chock the wheels by placing rocks, bricks, or wedges to stop them from rolling. [7] X Research source overhand knot