Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

SLIDESHOW SERIES: Learn How to Tie Knots

Learn how to tie the potentially life-saving bowline knot and more with these step-by-step photo tutorials.

by: Steve Howe

Tags:
• Skills
|
• Survival
|

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Bowline Knot
The classic climber's waist loop knot for going ultralight, and the strongest single-line knot you can tie in cord.



Half Hitch as a Bowline Backtie
A half hitch is an overhand knot tied around departing cord. It's the simplest way to secure a bowline waist loop for critical uses like climbing.


Overhand Knot
The simplest knot you can put in any rope, it's also useful to create a loop with minimal footage.



Figure 8 Knot
This easier-to-untie version of the overhand knot is useful for more than just tying into a climbing harness.



Clove Hitch, Mid-Rope
A quick knot for anchoring to something secure. It's easily adjustable for tension on either end.



Clove Hitch, Single Line
A readily adjustable rope-end knot for trees and large objects, but tougher to visualize than its mid-rope version.



Quick Release Overhand Knot
A handy knot that's instantly undone for tie-and-go uses. It's also a key component of the trucker's hitch.



Quick Release Trucker's Hitch
The best knot out there for tightening and releasing cords that will be heavily loaded.



Tautline Hitch
This is the normal hitch for tightening tent guylines without using hardware.



Prusik Knot
This sliding loop is a climbers' staple (and can help you climb trees.



Sledge Knot
Use this knot to tie logs together when making a raft.



Glossary: Learn knot-tying terminology.





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