Five Essential Knots

Tie five knots that cover almost every survival job, from memory.

1. 1

   Bowline (fixed loop that won't slip): make a small overhand loop in the standing part — 'the rabbit hole'.

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2. 2

   Pass the end up through the loop ('rabbit comes out of the hole'), around behind the standing part ('around the tree') and back down the loop. Pull tight.

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3. 3

   Clove hitch (quick attach to a pole): wrap the rope around the pole, cross over itself, wrap again, and tuck the end under the second wrap.

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4. 4

   Taut-line hitch (adjustable tent line): pass the line around a stake, then wrap the end twice inside the loop toward the stake.

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5. 5

   Make one more wrap outside the first two, away from the stake, and tighten. Slide the knot to adjust tension.

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6. 6

   Square knot (join two equal ropes): right over left and under, then left over right and under. Both ends should exit on the same side.

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7. 7

   Trucker's hitch (tensioning loads/ridgelines): tie a slip loop in the middle of the line, pass the end around an anchor and back through the loop.

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8. 8

   Pull down to tension (2:1 pulley effect), then lock with two half-hitches.

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9. 9

   Practice each knot 10 times, then with eyes closed — you may need them in the dark.

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10. 10

    Dress (neaten) each knot and leave a tail at least 10 rope-widths long.

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Saved steps go to My Survival Notebook.

Knots hold through friction: the rope bends around itself so tension pinches the strands. Every knot weakens rope (often by 30–50%) because sharp bends overload the outer fibers.