Knot Ladder

This basically a quick way to tie a simple rope ladder (as shown above). This involves making a long series of overhand knots to assist climbing. The best way to make these is as follows:

• Leave a long free end and make a half-hitch near the end of a log or branch.
• Continues making half-hitches (loose half hitches, do not tighten yet) along the length of the log. Note that the diameter of these half-hitches will determine the spacing of the knots. You may want to experiment to get your required spacing.
• Now pass the starting end back through all the loops and then carefully slide them off the end of the log.
• As each turn of the rope comes through the centre of the half-hitch it forms an overhand knot that should be tightened as you are going.

This will produce a long series of loops that can be used as hand-holds and foot-holds.

Pole Ladder

What I refer to as a 'pole' ladder is the more traditional type of ladder. This simply involves choosing two strong spars of the required length and attaching rungs at regular intervals using a square lashing.

One important thing to note is that the two main uprights are not parallel to each other. They should be angled inwards towards each other as you go to the top of the ladder. This will prevent the rungs from slipping downwards.

I suggest that you test the strength of each rung (and lashing) carefully before using the ladder.

Rope Ladder

What I call a rope ladder can be made relatively quickly and easily. Simply take a sturdy length of rope and tie as many Manharness hitches in them as you require for hand holds and foot holds.

If you require a rope ladder that is more 'steady' then repeat as above with two equal lengths of rope. Place strong sticks through the loops (be sure to tighten the knots to hold the sticks). Note that you should allow the sticks to projects out from either end for safety.

It is recommended that you test the strength of the rung ladder (for each rung) before you actually use it.