Knots. One of the most important skills an outsider should develop. For securing things to a fixed point or joining two ends together during camping, climbing or another outdoor activity. However, it can sometimes be too complicated and confusing to tie the simplest one if you have no experience. With one wrong wrap it could easily evolve into anything else, rather than yours was to have been. Unless you know how to tie that knot properly. Here instructions of 5 most used knots out in the wild.
5 basic knots
1 – Square knot
Also known as Hercules knot or Reef knot, square knot join two pieces of rope together.
- Cross two ropes one over another to form a half knot,
- Cross them again in the same way.
2 – Clove hitch
Clove hitch is the most used and basic binding knot of all. It can be considered two successive half-hitches around an object.
- Wrap the free end of the rope around a post to crossover itself and around the post again,
- Slip working end under the last wrap.
3 – Sheet bend
Sheet bend is another joining knot that always comes in handy. Often used to join lines of different diameter.
- Forming a loop with the first rope,
- Pass the free end of the second rope through the bight, behind the loop and back under itself.
4 – Figure 8 knot
Looking like an 8 figure, it is a non-binding but also quick and convenient stopper knot. It forms a secure, non-slip loop at the end of a rope and generally preferred by mountain climbers.
- Pass the tail over itself to form a loop,
- Continue passing under and around the standing end,
- Then through the loop.
5 – Taut-line hitch
It is an adjustable knot for tensioning a rope, especially when the length of line needs to be adjusted periodically.
- Pass the working end around an object or post,
- Coil the free end twice around the standing line,
- On the outside of the coils, make one last coil around the standing line.
For a list of knots that is more comprehensive, visit animatedknots.com and netknots.com.
