Kalmyk Loop

The Kalmyk Loop creates a fixed loop at the end of the rope.

If you know how to tie the Eskimo Bowline or the Cossack Knot, you are just a step away from forming this excellent quick-release knot.

It’s mostly popular in Russia but is slowly gaining in popularity in the West.

Let’s learn it in detail.

How to Tie a Kalmyk Loop Knot

1. Make a loop in the rope.
2. Feed the tag end through the loop.
3. Make a bight in the working part.
4. Pass it over other parts and under the standing end.
5. Tighten the knot.

To release the knot, just pull on the free end and the knot will spill instantly.

How to Tie a Kalmyk Loop Around an Object: Quick Method

1. Pass the rope around the object.
2. Hold the working end under the standing end.
3. Make a round turn around the hand using the standing end going under and over.
4. Slide the side of the turn near the working end under the other side of the turn.
5. Slip the nearest part of the turn (close to the working end) off your hand.
6. Grab the working end.
7. Pull your hand out and pull the bight.
8. Tighten the knot.

Tightening TIPS

The Kalmyk Loop is an easy to tie knot, but people often mess it up. 

• Common mistake: If you pull the rope on the left side of the rope, it will turn into a Slip knot.
• Solution: Always tighten the knot by pulling on the standing end and the right side of the loop.

Applications and Uses

The Kalmyk loop can be used in situations where a fixed loop is needed at the end of the rope that’s easy to untie.

• Bushcraft: It’s often used by bushcrafters to build temporary shelters as it’s easy to untie and untie.
• Camping: Perfect for securing the taps and guylines to the post or tree.
• Alternative to Bowline?: Some argue that it can be used as an alternative to the Bowline in certain scenarios.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to tie
• Released quickly with the tug of the tag end 

Cons

• Can fail if not tied and dressed properly

Kalmyk Loop vs Bowline

The Bowline is a classic knot that is unofficially called “The King of Knots.” 

It’s a must-know knot because it’s time tested, versatile and reliable. 

That said, it’s not perfect either: it can loosen when there is no tension in the line.

The Kalmyk Loop solves that issue and adds a quick release feature to the mix.

Still, both knots are not recommended for life critical applications and should only be used with light duty tasks.

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