What is a "backup knot" and where should it be placed in relation to a primary knot?

• A. A backup knot is used to decorate the rope; placed at random
• B. A secondary knot applied to prevent untying or slipping; placed to arrest movement if the primary knot slips
• C. A backup knot is used to start a climb; placed at the top
• D. A backup knot is an obsolete term

Answer: (B)

A backup knot provides a safety safeguard to stop a knot from coming loose under load. The idea is that the primary knot secures the rope, but if it starts to slip or unravel, the backup knot arrests that movement and keeps the rope in place. It’s placed on the same rope segment in a position that catches the rope if the primary knot slips, serving as a fail-safe rather than a decorative feature or something used to start a climb. This distinction explains why the backup knot is described as a secondary knot applied to prevent untying or slipping and placed to arrest movement if the primary knot slips.