Camping Knots: 6 Essential Knots for Campers

The knot

A knot is used to tie a rope to itself. Tying your boot laces or doing up your
necktie are both good examples of knots we use every day.

The hitch

A hitch is used to tie a rope to another object; like tying a washing line to a tree
or securing your dogs’ lead to a post.

The bend

A bend is used when tying together two different pieces of rope. Not often used
in everyday scenarios, unless you need to make a swift getaway out of an upstairs
window; bend will allow you to tie two sheets together for a safe descent! (Not
recommended).

Different types of camping knots

Camping knots are essential skills for outdoor enthusiasts, as they help secure
tents, tarps, hammocks, and other camping equipment. Here are some commonly
used camping knots. Usefully, most of the knots are described in their name, and so if
you know a few basic terms, you’re more likely to understand what they are used for,
how and why.

1.) Reef knot or square knot

The square knot, also known as the reef knot, is a simple and versatile knot
that is commonly used to join two ropes of equal diameter.
Used to: tie two ends of a rope together
Notes: not to be used under tension as it will slip

Uses at camp:
 tie up a bundle of wood
 extend the length of a washing line by tying two ropes together
 tie up a bandage.

Steps:

1. Take the ends of two ropes or cords and place them parallel to each other, with
the ends pointing away from each other.
2. Cross the right end over the left end, forming an "X" shape.
3. Take the right end and pass it under the left end, creating a loop.
4. Bring the right end over the left end, forming another loop.
5. Pass the right end through the loop created in Step 4.
6. Hold the ends of the ropes and gently tighten the knot by pulling both ends
simultaneously. Ensure that the knot is snug and secure.

To remember which end to cross over first, you can use the phrase "right over left,
left over right." This mnemonic helps you maintain consistency in tying the knot
correctly.
It is important to note that the square knot is not recommended for critical or high-
load situations as it can easily slip or capsize when subjected to heavy tension. For
such scenarios, it is advisable to use more secure knots like the double fisherman's
knot or the figure eight knot.

2.) Round turn and two half hitches

The square knot, also known as the reef knot, is a simple and versatile knot that
is commonly used to join two ropes of equal diameter.
Used to: secure a rope in a variety of situations – a good all round hitch that is strong
and doesn’t slip
Notes: easy to untie even after being subject to a heavy load
Uses at camp:
 tie a washing line to a tree
 tie a load to the roof rack of your car

Steps:
1. Pass the working end of the rope around the post or object from the front to the
back, creating a loop.
 2. Take the working end of the rope and pass it over the standing part (the rest of
the rope) to create a second loop.
3. Bring the working end of the rope over the standing part again, creating a third
loop.
4. Pass the working end of the rope through the second and third loops (created
in steps 2 and 3) from the bottom.
5. Pull the working end of the rope to tighten the knot securely around the post or
object.
6. To complete the knot, create two half hitches on the standing part of the rope.
A half hitch is made by passing the working end of the rope over and then
under the standing part.
7. Repeat step 6 to create a second half hitch, ensuring that the second hitch
wraps around the standing part in the opposite direction of the first half hitch.
8. Tighten the two half hitches by pulling the working end of the rope and the
standing part simultaneously.
The round turn and two half hitches knot provides a strong and reliable method of
securing a rope to an object. It is commonly used for tying boats, securing tarps, and
fastening lines in camping or boating situations.

3.) Bowline knot

The bowline knot is a versatile and secure knot that creates a non-slip loop at the
end of a rope. It is widely used in various applications, including camping, boating, and
climbing
Used to: tie a loop in the end of a line
Notes: a secure knot that doesn’t slip when it is loaded but will untie easily when not
loaded
Uses at camp:
 tie a bear bag from the loop at the end of a hanging rope
 thread the other end of the rope through the loop and tie off to secure a load on the a
car

Steps:
1. Begin by forming a small loop in the rope, ensuring that the working end (the
end that is not connected to the spool or object) is on the top.
 2. Pass the working end of the rope through the loop from the underside, entering
from the back.
3. Bring the working end of the rope around the standing part (the rest of the
rope) and pass it back through the small loop from the top.
4. Continue threading the working end of the rope under the standing part and
back down through the small loop, following the path of the original entry.
5. Ensure that the working end passes over itself inside the loop, creating a collar
or "rabbit hole" in the loop.
6. Hold the standing part of the rope in one hand and the working end in the
other. Gently pull both ends to tighten the knot. As you do this, the loop will
form securely, and the knot will tighten around the standing part.
7. To untie the bowline knot, simply pull on the working end, and the knot will
easily come undone.
Remember to practice tying the bowline knot regularly to become proficient and
confident in tying it correctly. It is a valuable knot to know, as it creates a strong loop
that maintains its integrity under load and is easy to untie afterward.

4.) Double figure of eight knot

The double figure of eight knot, also known as the rewoven figure of eight knot, is
a secure knot used for creating a loop that is less likely to slip or come undone. It is
commonly used in rock climbing and other applications where a strong and reliable loop
is required.
Used to: create a loop in the end or middle of a rope
Notes: it is easy to identify if done incorrectly and is a strong knot that tightens with a
load
Uses at camp:
 create a line with multiple loops to hang lanterns on
 tow a car out of the mud (only for use with a rope that is strong enough for the job!)

Steps:
1. Start by creating a small bight (a U-shaped bend) in the rope, holding the
working end (the end that is not connected to the spool or object) in your hand.
2. Pass the working end of the rope over and around the standing part (the rest of
the rope) to form a loop.
 3. Take the working end and thread it back through the small bight that you
created in step 1.
4. Continue to follow the path of the initial loop, passing the working end of the
rope over and around the standing part for a second time.
5. Thread the working end back through the small bight once again, entering from
the same side as before.
6. Ensure that the working end passes under itself inside the loop, forming a
"figure of eight" shape with two strands.
7. Hold the standing part of the rope in one hand and the working end in the
other. Gently pull both ends to tighten the knot, making sure that the figure of
eight shape remains intact.
8. After tightening the knot, ensure that there is no excessive slack or looseness
in the loops and strands.
To untie the double figure of eight knot, simply reverse the steps by carefully and
gradually pulling on the working end, allowing the knot to gradually unravel.
Practice tying the double figure of eight knot several times to become comfortable
with its formation and ensure that it is tied correctly and securely.

5.) Taut line hitch

The taut-line hitch is a versatile and adjustable knot commonly used for securing
tent guy lines or other lines that require tensioning. It allows for easy adjustment and
can hold a stable position even with changes in tension.
Used to: create an adjustable knot that can slide back and forth along a line
Notes: it is a secure knot as long as there is tension
Uses at camp:
 use as a guy line on a tarp when high tension is required
 replace a tent guy line

Steps:
1. Start by wrapping the rope around a fixed object, such as a stake or
post, creating a loop with the working end (the end that is not connected to the
spool or object) on top.
2. Take the working end of the rope and pass it through the loop you created,
entering from the back side.
 3. Wrap the working end of the rope around the standing part (the rest of the
rope) once, going away from the loop.
4. Bring the working end of the rope back through the loop, entering from the
same side as before.
5. After passing the working end through the loop, create a second wrap around
the standing part, going in the same direction as the first wrap.
6. Insert the working end of the rope through the loop for a second time, again
entering from the same side as before.
7. Hold the standing part of the rope in one hand and the working end in the
other. Gently pull both ends to tighten the knot.
8. To adjust the tension, slide the knot up or down the standing part of the rope.
The knot will grip the rope, holding it securely in place when tension is applied,
but it can be easily moved when you want to adjust or loosen the line.
Remember to practice tying the taut-line hitch to become proficient and confident in
tying it correctly. It is a useful knot for camping and other outdoor activities where you
need to secure and adjust lines with ease.

6.) Sheet bend

The sheet bend knot is a reliable knot used for joining two ropes of different diameters
or materials. It is commonly used in camping, boating, and other outdoor activities.
Used to: tie two ropes together that are different sizes or thicknesses
Notes: the thicker rope must be used as the bight with the thinner rope tying around it
– as shown
Uses at camp:
 lengthen a guy line by adding a spare bit of rope or string to the end
 fix snapped boot laces by adding whatever bit of string or cord you can get hold of

Steps:

1. Take the end of one rope (rope A) and form a small loop, bringing the working
end over the standing part to create a bight.
2. Pass the working end of rope B through the created bight of rope A, entering
from the opposite direction of the initial loop.
 3. Bring the working end of rope B under the standing part of rope A.
4. Pass the working end of rope B over the bight of rope A, going over itself in the
process.
5. Insert the working end of rope B back under itself, passing it through the loop
created in step 4.
6. Hold the standing parts of both ropes in one hand and the working ends in the
other hand. Gently pull both ends to tighten the knot securely.
7. Ensure that the knot is snug and properly aligned, with the ropes forming a
secure connection.

To untie the sheet bend knot, simply reverse the steps by carefully and gradually
pulling on the working ends of both ropes, allowing the knot to gradually loosen and
unravel.
Practice tying the sheet bend knot several times to become comfortable with its
formation and ensure that it is tied correctly and securely. It is a valuable knot for
joining ropes of different sizes or materials and can be relied upon for various outdoor
applications.