Camel Hitch / Modified Rolling Hitch

The camel hitch (cataloged as ABoK #215 in The Ashley Book of Knots) is a highly secure gripping knot historically designed to tie up camels. Because camels constantly salivate while ruminating on picket lines, standard knots easily become soaked, jamming tight or slipping loose. The camel hitch solves this problem: it remains jam-proof and easy to untie even when completely wet or slimy, and it reliably resists slipping under loads pulling from any direction. Structurally, the knot functions like a modified rolling hitch or a combination of a lark's head and a clove hitch. It is heavily "cord-hungry," meaning it requires a generous amount of working rope to execute properly. Common Applications • Securing Livestock: Ideal for tying up animals that slobber heavily (like camels or cattle) to prevent knots from freezing up. • Cargo Tie-Downs: Serves as an excellent, non-slip starting knot for securing heavy or shifting loads. • Marine & Outdoor Use: Used by arborists as a friction hitch and by boaters for securing lines where the rope is prone to getting soaked.