Knot tying is an invaluable skill when it comes to being outdoors. Whether you're securing gear or rigging up a clothesline, knots find themselves onto our campsites in many different ways. Taking the time to learn some of the most versatile knots – and when to use them – means you can tie them once and get on with your adventure!
The last thing we want to do is tie you in a knot, so here are a couple terms we’ll be using in this blog that will help you better understand how to execute these knots.
Standing End: The part of the rope that is not being actively used to tie a knot or manipulate.
Standing Part: Any part between the two ends.
Working End: The part of the rope you are actively using to tie a knot or manipulate.
Free End: The end that is not fixed or constrained.
The half-hitch is one of the basics and once it's been mastered, you will realize how it's the foundation of many other knots. Relatively easy to tie and un-tie, the two half-hitches are great for tying around trees to maintain a secure guy line for tarps and tent flies, creating clotheslines or hanging up your hammock. Just remember: the second half-hitch is what gives the knot more strength.
To tie two half-hitches, you will wrap the rope around a support (a tree, post, stake etc.) and loop the working end around the standing part of rope in a half hitch, then wrap around the line in the same way once more to make a second half hitch.
The simplest knots should not be overlooked, and the bowline is a prime example. Use it to suspend food from a tree to help bear-proof your campsite, anchor a canoe or kayak, or help hoist someone from a dangerous position. The bowline knot is ideal for securing a load as it cannot be tied or untied when there is weight on it, making it very versatile!
To tie a bowline, form a loop towards the center of the rope and make sure you leave enough rope on both sides. It helps to lay the loop parallel to the standing part. Pass the tail of the rope through the loop you just made. Continue to pull the working end behind and back around the standing part and pull through that same loop again. Hold the loop and the working end and pull to tighten.
While complex-looking at a first glance, we promise that the trucker’s hitch is a worthwhile knot to practice. What separates this knot from the others, is that the trucker’s hitch will give you a mechanical advantage when tightening your line. If you’re about to head out for a canoe trip or need to secure a load, this is the knot for you.
To tie a trucker’s hitch, begin by creating a loop in your cord before pulling a small section through it above your knot – this is a slip knot. Bring the running end of the line around/through what you are attaching to (a hitch, stake, carabiner etc.) before passing the line through the slip knot and pulling it taut. Once adjusted you've adjusted the tension, pinch the slip knot to prevent the running end from loosening. Now take the running end of your line and loop it over the lines above before passing it around and pulling through to secure it.
Another classic knot with many uses, the square knot is perfect for instances in which you’re fashioning a longer rope from two separate lines or want to bundle your firewood and kindling together for easy transport. One thing to always remember is that the square knot should NOT be used for a critical load and is best for temporary use only.
To tie a square knot, bring two ends of rope together. Cross the right end over the left end, then do the opposite and cross the left end over the right, and tighten to form a square-shaped knot. If the working end and the standing end of each rope are side by side, you’ve done the knot correctly.
Having the ability to move a knot along your line to create variable tension can be very helpful; this is where the taut line shines. Even when under tension, this line’s length is easy to adjust to perfect your boat anchor, guy line, rainfly or hammock height
Wrap the rope around whatever will be anchored, whether that’s a post, grommet ring, guy line or other area of your site. Adjust the line end back around to be parallel with the main line and wrap the end underneath the standing part to form a loop. Repeat another loop like this. On the third loop, pass the tail end between itself and over the standing end. Pull to tighten.
Now you know a few of the basic knots that will prepare you for common situations that may arise will camping. But, like any new skill, these will take practice and get easier the more you do them. Pick the ones from our list that best suit your outdoor needs and work to master them! Before you know it, you’ll be looking for new knots to expand your skillset.
