Whether you’re tying your tent’s rainfly down in a nasty storm, lashing your kayak to a well-used roof rack, or making some on-the-trail gear repairs, tying knots is a skill every modern outdoorsman needs to master. We’ve put together a handy little guide to the most essential type of knots: a taut-line hitch, square knot, figure eight knot, prusik knot, waterman’s knot, and bowline knot.
Taut-Line Hitch
This hitch can slip along your rope or cord, holding fast under a load. That makes it a perfect option for staking our a tent or shelter, as you’ll be able to balance the tension at each lashing point.
Step No. 1
Make a turn around your tent stake or post. Make sure you give yourself about a foot of slack on the free end of your rope.
Step No. 2
Coil your free end twice around the taut working end.
Step No. 3
Make one additional coil below the first two.
Step No. 4
Pull your hitch tight. It should slide freely along the rope, expanding or contracting the loop you created.