SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-tie-in-both-points

When tying in to a harness with two tie-in points, where does the rope go?

Through both tie-in points, not through the belay loop.

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  1. Through the belay loop only
  2. Through a gear loop
  3. Through both tie-in points ✔

Why: The rope's tail passes through both the upper and lower tie-in points, the same path the belay loop links. Gear loops are only for carrying gear and are never for the rope.

Huh, didn't know that: Some harnesses have a single point for both tying in and belaying, so follow the maker's guide.

The dad joke
My harness has two tie-in points. It likes to keep its options open.
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References

Answer: Through both tie-in points. The rope's tail passes through both the upper and lower tie-in points, the same path the belay loop links. Gear loops are only for carrying gear and are never for the rope.

  1. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    Pass the tail of the rope through both tie in points. Try to avoid passing the tail through the belay loop in the process.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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