Treehugger Hitch (or Tree-Hook Knot)

Richard Rathe, v3.0, September 2023, Camping

This is an idea I’ve been incubating for some time as a non-destructive “place anywhere” alternative to nails in trees or breaking living branches to hang things on. The knots required are very simple. Shown here is my first successful field test! It is tied using a short stick or similar object found locally.

Treehugger Hitch v1
Treehugger Hitch v1

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. 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!

Treehugger Hitch Step 1
Treehugger Hitch Step 1

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.

Treehugger Hitch Step 2
Treehugger Hitch Step 2

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.

Treehugger Hitch Step 3
Treehugger Hitch Step 3

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.

Treehugger Hitch Step 4
Treehugger Hitch Step 4

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.

Treehugger Hitch Step 5
Treehugger Hitch Step 5

Step 6

Once the hook is stable, you can load it up with gear and even packs!

Treehugger Hitch Step 6
Treehugger Hitch Step 6

Step 7

And you can hang your hat on it!

Treehugger Hitch Step 7
Treehugger Hitch Step 7

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.

Treehugger Knot Schematic 1
Treehugger Knot Schematic 1

Wrap the longer (middle) loop around the bottom of the stick.

Treehugger Knot Schematic 2
Treehugger Knot Schematic 2

Untie the surgeon's knot and wrap one rope below and the other above.

Treehugger Knot Schematic 3
Treehugger Knot Schematic 3

Tie the two ropes with a reef knot.

Treehugger Knot Schematic 4
Treehugger Knot Schematic 4

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).

Update (Version 3)

Over the summer of 2024 I had a chance to use this hitch several times. It became obvious that the initial wrapping low on the stick was problematic. I started wrapping the stick and securing it with a simple overhand knot before putting the rope around the tree. This was also a good way to keep track of the middle of the rope.

The stick in the photo below is perhaps a bit too long. However, functionally this was a firm and stable hook onto which I hung my clothes bag, stuff sacks, sunglasses, & hat.

Version 3 on a Slender Tree
Version 3 on a Slender Tree

My rope was too short to go around this tree three times. With only two turns it was less stable than above, but took the same load without any problems. I think the roughness of the stick helped by preventing the upper wraps from sliding down.

Wide Tree with Only Two Wraps
Wide Tree with Only Two Wraps