Learn the ropes: 4 Life-saving knots that preppers need to know
06/25/2019 / By Melissa Smith
It is not enough to have a simple rope or cordage on hand – as a good prepper, you must know how to use this essential item. Learning how to tie different knots can save your life in certain survival situations. (h/t to TheSurvivalCorps.com)
Different knots can be used for different purposes: To build or repair shelters, lower people or gear, hunt for food, climb or descend mountains or elevated areas, among other activities. (Related: Top 12 NECESSARY items for survival when SHTF.)
You may also need to learn to tie some knots for practical purposes, such as securing items to the roof of your car or tying down tarps over loose outdoor items before a storm. Learning how to tie rope knots can also help if you make jewelry, build sculptures, or any creative works.
Your knowledge of knot-tying can also be used for sporting purposes, such as sailing or rock climbing. It can also help you lock up and secure equipment like ball bags or tie the edges of a net around a soccer goal. Additionally, tying rope knots can be a great mental activity to sharpen your brain.
Learn how to tie these 4 essential knots
1. Clove hitch
Clove hitch is one of the simplest knots. It is easy to tie, reliable, versatile, and does not take much time to tie. It is best used for securing stock to trees or hitching rails, but you can also use it to securely hang food from a limb to prevent animals from getting to it.
How to tie it: Make a loop around the post, pole, or ring. Then, make another loop, but first passing the end of your cordage through the loop you just formed. Pull at both ends to tighten the knot.
2. Taut-line hitch
A taut-line hitch is a small and simple knot that involves pulling tension. It helps you tighten grip on one object and then pull it tightly to another object. This knot is used for securing a tarp shelter or tent onto another object, or for securing a load on a vehicle or backpack.
How to tie it: Create a loop in your rope by wrapping it around the item you want to tie. Make sure to give your loop a very long tail because you need some extra length to complete the knot. Bring the end of the rope up through the loop, from behind twice. Then, back it over the primary loop, around the line and then back through. You can pull it tight to your item.
3. Bowline
A bowline knot is easy and quick to tie. It is also easy to untie even after applying heavy loads to the cord or rope. This knot is best used to haul any object, even heavy ones.
How to tie it: Make a loop close to the end of the cord or rope. Then, take one end of the line and pass it through the loop from behind, and back through the loop.
4. Stopper knot
Also known as the figure-eight follow-through loop, this knot is ideal for rock climbing and sailing. It is also great for rigging and hoisting applications and is typically used together with more complicated knots.
How to tie it: Take an end of your cordage or rope and pass it around itself, creating a loop. Return under the line and then through the first loop.
Interested in further enhancing your rope-tying skills? Visit Survival.news to learn more.
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Tagged Under: bug out, Collapse, cordage, disaster, emergency, Gear, how-to, knots, off grid, prepper, prepping, rope, self-reliance, SHTF, survival, survival gear, survival skills, survival tools, tying knots
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