Knots to Know

This is a quick guide to help you learn the bare essential knots that everyone should know before they go hiking or camping. Nothing extreme, just easy knots that should be used to avoid using bad knots, e.g.

The May knot: it May not hold anything.

The Hatchet knot: your going to need a hatchet to get it out.

This guide is brought to you by a group of students currently studying technical writing.

Equipment needed:

Any available line will work to practice these knots, but the correct line to use for your outdoor needs varies from nylon to manila.

Basic parts of a knot:

We will refer to the load bearing side of the line as the "live" end, and the portion of line that is left over from completing the knot as the "dead" end. The knots illustrated are done with a right hand and left hand perspective for ease of learning. The square knot is an exception to this though, since all operations to make the square knot require a live end in both hands.

Precautions:

Any and all knots whether for securing a load, hoisting tools, rescue operations or even keeping food away from wild animals should all be tied with care. Also, the more curves and bends you put in a knot, the weaker it gets.

Steps 1 through 6: The Bowline

This knot is used for many applications, and can easily be untied, which is one of the bigger reasons to use it.

Steps 7 through 10: The Clove Hitch

This knot works best when securing a line that is holding a load for you. Again, it comes apart easy, and is quick.

Steps 11 through 15: The Square Knot

This knot is great for tying two lines together, if you have only short line sections to work with and need a longer line. Easily comes apart by pushing the knot into itself, or can be left permanently. The two sets of pictures per step can be used for Left hand or right hand interpretation.

Step 16:

Practice, and always use responsibly.

That's bowline for ya.

Watch carefully, throw the dead end around, up and over the live end. Then pull the loop in your right hand through the loop in your left hand (right hand video). Or pull the loop in your left hand through the loop in your right hand (left hand video), and pull tight.

This one is just for good fun.

Your hitched, to a clove.

Your all squared up.

We hope everyone has a great time discovering moments when you realize you know exactly what knot you are going to use. Especially when other people are around that need to know as well, and you find yourself passing on valuable information. That has to be one of the greatest feelings.
Thank you