What’s the Munter mule?

The primary use of the Munter mule in canyoneering is as a contingency anchor.

The Munter mule is actually made of two or three separate hitches or knots. The munter hitch at the core provides friction, followed by a mule hitch to lock off the system. A safety knot or hitch is added on top to prevent the mule hitch from failing. The safety is often an overhand knot but other methods are used too.

Let’s first look at the Munter hitch.

The Munter hitch, also known as the Italian hitch or the Crossing hitch, is rumored to have been introduced to the climbing and mountaineering scene by Mr. Werner Munter from use in sailing. Apparently, Mr. Munter felt that a hip belay didn’t offer enough friction and instead used the Italian (now Munter) hitch.

- https://myadventureschool.com/munter-mule-canyoneering/

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Note added at 5 hrs (2020-12-17 11:13:12 GMT)
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Titan Knots – Munter Hitch (aka Italian Hitch or Crossing Hitch)

The Munter Hitch (aka Italian Hitch or Crossing Hitch) is a simple knot, commonly used by climbers, cavers, and rescuers as part of a life-lining or belay system. To climbers, this knot is also known as HMS, the abbreviation for the German term Halbmastwurfsicherung, meaning half clove hitch belay.

- https://www.titansurvival.com/blogs/imported/munter-hitch