Knot Tying

A Good Knot Never Lets You Down

Rope skills are the unsung hero of wilderness craft. The right knot at the right moment can secure a shelter, save a life, or simply stop your pack from falling apart on a wet hillside.

The Five You Need

Bowline — creates a fixed loop that won't slip. Perfect for rescue situations and securing ropes to anchors. Remember: the rabbit comes out of the hole, around the tree, and back down the hole.

Clove Hitch — quick to tie and adjust. Ideal for securing a line to a post or branch when building a shelter.

Reef Knot — joins two ropes of equal thickness. Simple, flat, and reliable for bundling gear.

Figure of Eight — a stopper knot that prevents rope from slipping through a ring or hole. Essential for climbing and rappelling.

Taut-Line Hitch — an adjustable knot perfect for guy lines on shelters and tarps. Slides to adjust tension, locks under load.

Practice at Home

Keep a length of paracord in your pocket and practice until each knot is muscle memory. In the dark, in the rain, with cold hands — that's when it counts.

Walk Your Wild — and tie it tight.