SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS
TRY BACKPACKER FREE!
SUBSCRIBE NOW and get
2 Free Issues and 3 Free Gifts!
Full Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email: (required)
If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.
Your subscription includes 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Or click here to pay now and get 2 extra issues
Offer valid in US only.
Canadian Subscriptions | International Subscriptions
CLOSE WINDOW

BACKPACKER PHOTOS

Email this page RSS feed
User rating:
-
Digg Delicious Yahoo Facebook Reddit StumbleUpon Google Newsvine Facebook Twitter

Knot Tying: Learn the Quick Release Trucker's HItch

The best knot out there for tightening and releasing cords that will be heavily loaded. It's perfect for cinching down gear, tensioning horizontal spans of rope, or getting a large tarp tightly pitched.
Text and photos by Steve Howe
Need a primer on knot tying terminology? Click here.
«
  • Start with a <a href="/skills-how-to-tie-a-quick-release-overhand-knot/slideshows/114">quick release overhand</a>.
  • Take the free end of the rope and run it around your desired tension anchor.
  • Run the free end back from the anchor through the overhand knot loop.
  • Tension the entire rope between anchors by pulling on the free end and adjusting the anchor loop.
  • To hold tension while finishing the knot, pinch the rope bend where it goes through the overhand loop.
  • Tie off the free end by creating a second quick release overhand knot around the departing cord.
  • Finished off, the hitch should look like this.
  • To secure it tightly against loosening yet still have an easily undone hitch, backtie the free end with a mid-cord half hitch.
>
»
Start with a <a href="/skills-how-to-tie-a-quick-release-overhand-knot/slideshows/114">quick release overhand</a>.
Image 1 of 8

Start with a quick release overhand.

READERS COMMENTS

Page 1

Does it matter whether the working end of the first quick release knot pulls out towards the anchor or towards the object to be anchored? If that makes any sense.
— Pete J.

If your going to make a Knot slide show, I shouldn't have to scroll the page to change to the next image. Really I think a video would be better.
— wheelslbc

The time it took to advance from one slide to the next was almost enough for me to nod off and loose the thread (string, cord, rope).
— OldJoe

Whoa come on man don't make me wait for page after page to load to see this.
— Toby W


POST A COMMENT

Your Name:
Comment:
My Profile Join Now

Most recent threads

Trailhead Register
Help me design my own trail mix
Posted On: May 17, 2013
Submitted By: High_Sierra_Fan
Southern
Cohuttas in North Georgia
Posted On: May 17, 2013
Submitted By: eyebp

Most viewed Most emailed Top Rated

  1. How to Hang a Bear Bag--PCT Style

    This method is popular with ultralight thru-hikers and requires two materials ...

  2. How to Fit a Week's Gear into a Weekend Pack

    Don't own a massive pack for your big annual adventure? Here's how to make it ...

  3. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

  1. Hiking to Grand Canyon's Royal Arch

    Join photographer Elias Butler on this trek to one of the Grand Canyon's hidden ...

  2. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

  3. 2010 Reader Photo Contest

    Your best shots: BACKPACKER readers have been to some spectacular places and ...

TIP 42: Pack Smart

When loading an ultralight back, protect your spine by padding the back panel with softer gear like a sleeping bag, clothing, or a tent.

Special sections - Expert handbooks for key trails, techniques and gear

Editors' Choice 2013
412 trail-tested products

Boost Your Apps
Add powerful tools and exclusive maps to your BACKPACKER apps through our partnership with Trimble Outdoors.

Carry the Best Maps
With BACKPACKER PRO Maps, get life-list destinations and local trips on adventure-ready waterproof myTopo paper.

FREE Rocky Mountain Trip Planner
Sign up for a free Rocky Mountain National Park trip planning kit from our sister site MyRockyMountainPark.com.

Follow BackpackerMag on Twitter Follow Backpacker on Facebook
Get 2 FREE Trial Issues and 3 FREE GIFTS
Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
The Best Trails in America
YES! Please send me my FREE trial issues of Backpacker
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Full Name:
City:
Address 1:
Zip Code:
State:
Address 2:
Email (required):
Free trial offer valid for US subscribers only. Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions