7 Important Knots For Camping You Should Know

camping knot

Camping is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature. It can also be a fun and exciting adventure. However, if you're not prepared, camping can also be dangerous. That's why it's important to know some basic knots that can help you in various situations while camping.

Different types of knots for camping

You might think that there is only one type of camping knot, but in reality there are several different kinds. Here is a list of the most common types and uses:

  • The Hitch - this knot is used to secure one end of a rope or cord to an object. It's commonly used in tent lines, hammocks , and tarpaulins.
  • The Knot - this is one of the most important camping knots because it's used for joining two ropes together.
  • The Bend - this type of knot is used to connect the ends of two ropes that are not the same size or thickness.
Here are six of the most important knots for camping that you should know.
  1. Taut-Line Hitch - for tying tent guylines
  2. taught line camping knot

    Mainly used to secure tents, the Taut-Line Hitch is a knot that's extremely easy to tie and pretty secure. To tie this knot, simply make a loop in one end of a rope and pull a bight through it in the same direction as the working end. Then pull tight in whichever direction you want your line to be pulled in. Many campers choose this type of knot over other because of the speed it takes to tie.

  3. Bowline knot - for attaching yourself to a boat, hanging food bag or other bowline knot
  4. bowline camping knot

    The Bowline Knot is probably the most well-known knot that you should know when camping! The advantage of this simple hitch is that it's easy to untie after being loaded, which can't be said for other knots. It also provides security under heavy loads by forming an upper loop around the standing part of the rope and cinching down on itself. To tie, first make a small loop in one end of the rope with the working end facing away from you.

    Form another loop in front of it with the working end facing towards you and feed through the first loop without trapping any other part of the line. Loop it around again in front of the second loop and once more through your initial loop facing you, trapping all three parts of the standing end in this middle section. Put it underneath the bight that is forming in front where your lines are crossed and then feed under itself to create a double-loop with one bight on each side. Pull up on both ends equally to tighten before throwing over or clamping down on a fixed object such as a tree trunk.

  5. The Square Knot - for joining two ropes together
  6. square knot

    The square knot is very useful in situations such as tying bandages, tying a rope to a pole or joining two ropes together. It is easy to learn and does not slip as it can be tied in front of the object being secured. You should give this type of knot a try if you are into fishing or other activities that might require you to tie two ropes together.

  7. Figure Eight Knot - for fastening climbing harnesses onto carabiners, slings and loops on straps
  8. figure eight knot

    Anytime there is a need for a lightweight yet strong knot that tightens correctly, the Figure Eight Knot is the one to use. Simply put, it looks like an eight or infinity sign and it has wide applications when it comes to climbing, mountaineering and so on. Whenever you go camping, this type of knotcan come in handy in many situations.

  9. Clove Hitch - great for suspending tents, tarps and other objects from tree branches or overhead supports.
  10. clover knot

    This knot can be used to tie up objects such as tents, tarps and so on. It is very durable and it will help you erect your shelter securely in no time. The good thing about this kind of knot is that you can tie the line around any object regardless of its shape and size. The clove hitch knot is simple to learn and it is great for beginners.

  11. Sheet Bend Knot - For joing two ropes together
  12. sheet bend knot

    The sheet bend knot is a great way to join two ropes together and it can also come in handy when you need to tie two similar objects. This knot is easy to learn and it can be tied quickly.

    This kind of knot is one of the most fundamental ones because it has many uses. It will help you connect your tarp or tent securely to other pegs and poles, but you can also use this knot to attach guy lines, stakes and more. The sheet bend knot comes with a tendency to loosen over time, so you will have to check up on that at regular intervals. You should be able to untie the sheet bend knot without too much difficulties if done properly, but nevertheless, practice makes perfect here as well.

  13. The Timber Hitch - for dragging logs or trees around.
  14. timber hitch

    If you are ever on a campsite and need to move a log, the timber hitch knot is your safest bet. It will keep its grip on even wet logs and it won't come undone with strong jerks. Because of this, you can use it to drag trees around if needed. The knot has some disadvantages though - it doesn't do well with slippery materials. If you are tying the log or tree down, make sure that there is something for the rope to hold to otherwise it could slide out from under the knot and leave you hanging in mid-air.

Subscribe

Stay updated with our newsletter


What Is A Taut Line Hitch?

The taut line hitch is pretty much what its name implies in that it tightens under tension so in this case you'll need to take a rope from both ends and tie a loop knot at the end after which you pass another loop over the standing part of one line by crossing your next line underneath your first before you cinch up all three parts together.

This type of knot is great for securing tents, tarps many other types of camping gear.

What Is A Rolling Hitch?

The rolling hitch is used when you need to tie one rope onto another but the positioning of the knot has it in danger of slipping so you'll simply take your line and place it around your other line so that the second part's bite is against the long part. Comfortably slide the standing end up towards your attachment area, pull down on all ends until you cinch it into place then take a clove hitch over both standing parts just to be sure that there are no weak points or chances for slippage. The rolling hitch will hold well if tied correctly but it will release easily if needed allowing for fast adjustments.

Conclusion

The knot you choose is mostly personal preference; it's best to experiment with each knot until you find the ones that are easiest for you. The rolling hitch is perhaps one of the more common knots. It has an especially tight hold, making it great for load bearing purposes but not recommended if you'll be adjusting your line often or at all. However, this holds true only when proper tension is applied; otherwise this knot could become disastrous if ties aren't done right.

About Author:

image of Kevin Pommells

Hi, I'm Kevin Pommells, a lover of camping and the great outdoors as everyone says nowadays. I'm also a passionate soccer fan and the proud owner of CamperRules.com, a website dedicated to helping campers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their adventures. With years of experience exploring the wilderness and a deep love for the sport of soccer, I'm always looking for new ways to combine my two passions and share my knowledge with others. Follow me for tips, tricks, and insights on all things camping and outdoor recreation.

Follow Me @ Twitter | Facebook | KevinPommells.com

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.