When you’re camping, there will be numerous situations where it would pay to be able to tie some basic camping knots. There are many different knots, some are definitely more useful than others when it comes to camping. Below are 3 of the best knots:

Bowline Knot

The bowline knot is used to form a fixed loop at the end of a rope – making it a great knot to stake down a tent, hang a hammock, or secure traps. To tie one you need to:

bowline knot

  1. Form a small loop on the rope.
  2. Pull the end of the rope through the loop.
  3. Pass the end of the rope around the main line and then back into the loop again.
  4. Pull on the main line to tighten the knot.

 

Reef Knot

To join two ropes together (or two ends of the same rope) – you will normally want to use the reef knot. It is sometimes also known as a square knot, and to tie one you should:

reef knot

  1. Lay both ends of the rope parallel to one another.
  2. Tie an overhand knot by putting the right rope end under and then over the left rope end (like with shoelaces).
  3. Repeat and tie another overhand knot in reverse, by putting the left rope end under and over the right rope end.
  4. Pull to complete the knot.

 

Rolling Hitch

A hitch knot that is often used to help secure and rope to tent pegs or stakes is the rolling hitch. It is very similar to a clove hitch, but is slightly more secure because it has a double loop initially. To tie a rolling hitch all you need to do is:

rolling hitch knot

  1. Loop the rope around the post.
  2. Bring the rope end forward and over the main line then pass it through the loop.
  3. Repeat and make another firm pass over the main line and through the loop.
  4. Adjust the length of the loop then tie a final loop in the opposite direction to secure the knot.

 

With knowledge of these three knots, it should help you to pitch a tent, raise a tarp for a gazebo, plus many other camping situations.