What is diamond hitch?

Diamond hitch is a type of rope hitch used to secure loads on pack animals such as horses, mules, or donkeys. It is commonly used in backcountry trips where the terrain is too rugged for motorized vehicles or where the supplies have to be transported across long distances.

The hitch derives its name from the diamond-shaped pattern that is formed by interweaving the ropes. To make a diamond hitch, two ropes are tied in parallel to a pack animal's back. The first rope runs forward and is anchored to the saddle, while the second rope runs backward and is tied to the animal's tail. The two ropes are then crossed diagonally over the load, and their ends are tied to the opposite ropes to form a diamond pattern.

The diamond hitch provides a secure and balanced way to transport loads on pack animals, preventing them from shifting or sliding off. Despite its effectiveness, it requires some skill and practice to master and is generally only used by experienced outdoorsmen or packers.