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Off-grid skillsKnots
After years on sailboats, I can tell you: six knots cover almost everything. Learn these with a piece of rope in front of the TV.
KNOT
Bowline
- What
- A fixed loop that won't slip or jam, and is easy to untie after a heavy load.
- Use it for
- Rescue loops, tying a line around a post or tree, mooring.
- How
- Make a small loop in the line. Pass the end up through the loop, around behind the standing part, and back down through the loop. Pull tight.
KNOT
Clove hitch
- What
- A quick, adjustable tie around a post or rail.
- Use it for
- Starting lashings, hanging gear, temporary ties.
- How
- Wrap the rope around the post, cross over itself, wrap again, and tuck the end under the second wrap.
KNOT
Taut-line hitch
- What
- A loop that slides to tighten and holds under tension.
- Use it for
- Tent and tarp guy lines, clotheslines.
- How
- Pass the rope around a stake, wrap the end twice around the standing part inside the loop, then once more outside, and pull snug.
KNOT
Trucker's hitch
- What
- A built-in pulley for pulling a line very tight.
- Use it for
- Tying down loads, tightening a tarp ridgeline.
- How
- Make a loop in the standing part, pass the end around the anchor and back through the loop, pull down hard, and finish with two half hitches.
KNOT
Sheet bend
- What
- Joins two ropes, even of different sizes.
- Use it for
- Lengthening a line, joining rope to a tarp corner.
- How
- Make a bend in the thicker rope. Pass the thinner rope up through it, around both sides, and tuck it under itself.
KNOT
Square knot
- What
- A flat binding knot.
- Use it for
- Bundles, bandages and tying off a sack. Never for loads or climbing.
- How
- Right over left and under, then left over right and under.
Practice tip
Tie each knot ten times, then try it with your eyes closed. Knots you only half know fail when you're cold, wet or in a hurry.