Text and photos by Steve Howe
Need a primer on knot tying terminology? Click here.
Learn how to properly tie one of the simplest and most versatile knots known to man.
A fast-to-tie knot for tying off to tent stakes, dock posts, broken tree branches, and carabiners. It's easily adjustable for tension on either end.
The classic climber's waist loop knot for ultralight, and the strongest single-line knot you can tie in cord.
This loop attachment slides easily when its unweighted, but holds tight when you pull it. Its a standard climbers knot thats perfect for ascending out of a jam (or up a tree).
A handy knot that's instantly undone for tie-and-go uses. It's also a key component of the 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.
A readily adjustable rope-end knot for trees and large objects, but tougher to visualize than its mid-rope version.
The normal hitch for tightening tent guylines without using hardware.
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.
