Essential Knots for the Outdoors
Common Knots every Backpacker should know
This is an article outlining the important knots for all outdoorsmen. It provides practical uses of each knot and a simple link to learn all knots listed.
Alright, we're all adults here, so let's go ahead and put it out in the open: "Man, my old man was right about a lot of things when I was growing up". Good, now that we've swallowed our pride and hoped Dad wasn't in hear-shot when we aknowledged that, we can move on and evaluate what we've learned.
There are two things that I've learned most about camping from my Dad: Preparedness (which will be discussed in a different article) and knot tying. There are a few knots that if you haven't learned by now, you should certainly become familiar with before your next excursion. All of these knots, except for the last one, can be found at this great website for tying instructions and illustrated pictures.
Overhand Knot
The most commonly used knot, although often not the proper one for the situation. This knot can be used for a number of simple things in camping, most often to tie shoelaces or fasten pack straps. Although this is an easy knot, it is not the most dependable for most backpacking purposes.
Half Hitch/Two Half Hitches
The half hitch is one of the staple knots of all outdoorsmen. It is most commonly used to fix a rope to a firm object. A two half hitches knot is useful for tying down tent ropes and setting up a backwoods clothesline between 2 trees. It's easy to learn to tie and won't slip. It is also fairly easy to break down when needed.
Clove Hitch
Another well-known knot for its reliability when fixing a rope to a stationary object. This knot can be used to drag large loads of campfire wood back to a site. It can also be used to finish off lashings as a steadfast end knot. This knot is extremely simple, yet practical in many outdoors purposes.
Bowline
An extremely useful knot for the backwoods when one needs to suspend his or her pack for the night from hungry bears. This knot will not slip and can be used for holding large loads. It is also commonly used in rescue situations, due to its tried and true stability. Although it takes a few practices to perfect the bowline, the time invested is extremely worthwhile.
Sheet Bend or Double Sheet Bend
A practical knot for joining two ropes of different gauge together. Any weathered backpacker can't count the number of times this knot has come in handy in a pinch. For ropes that are especially slippery (such as Nylon), use a double sheet bend to reinforce the knot.
Artilleryman's Knot
This is the only knot which is not listed on the website above. It is useful for dragging large loads with a concentrated point of weight. This knot was initially used by artillerymen to drag cannon and can be used by backpackers to drag firewood. For information on how to properly tie this knot, contact the author.
While this list is by no means extensive, it does give the average backpacker a firm foundation in fundamental outdoors knots. Many backpackers have become spoiled by modern equipment and have neglected knot-tying knowledge. However, with just a little time invested, all these knots can be mastered and used effectively in your next outing. Happy hiking!
Thank you to Robin at www.troop7.org for permission to use their website for reference.
Thank you to Jack Schmidt for years of teaching and patience, even when it seemed fruitless.
Jack Schmidt's website is here.
