What type of hitch is used to connect two ends of a sling around an object?

The basket hitch is specifically designed for connecting two ends of a sling around an object, creating a secure means of lifting or supporting loads. This hitch wraps the sling around the object, distributing the weight evenly across both sides. This design effectively doubles the sling's capacity, providing increased stability and ensuring that the load is balanced during lifting.

The basket hitch is particularly advantageous when dealing with heavy or awkwardly shaped objects, as it allows for a secure grip without placing undue stress on the sling itself. This hitch also helps to prevent slippage and offers a lower center of gravity, which enhances safety during the lifting operation. Moreover, it provides a wide load-bearing surface, which is crucial in confined space rescues where maintaining control and stability is paramount.

In contrast, the loop hitch mainly utilizes a simple loop for securing an item but does not provide the same levels of load distribution as the basket hitch. The double hitch and figure-eight hitch are more focused on securing lines or ropes in various situational contexts and may not be as effective for connecting slings directly around objects for lifting purposes.