Essential knots: how to tie the 6 most useful knots

⏱ 2 min read

6 knots for camping, trips and emergencies. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone.app and works without internet.

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Basic knots

Figure-eight: make a loop, pass the end around the standing part and back through the loop from the other side. It looks like an 8 and stops a rope end slipping through.
Bowline: make a small loop in the rope, bring the end up through it, around the standing part and back down through the loop. It makes a loop that won't tighten, useful for hauling someone or tying a rope to a tree.
Clove hitch: two loops slipped over a post or branch. A quick way to tie a rope to a pole, for example when building a shelter.
Sheet bend: joins two ropes of different thickness. Make a bight in the thicker rope, pass the thinner one up through it, around the bight and under itself.

For camp and the tent

Taut-line hitch: lets you adjust the tension of a tent or tarp guy line without untying it.
Reef knot: joins the ends of a bandage or triangular sling. Never use it to join ropes that must hold a load.
Practise at home on a piece of cord until you can tie each knot without looking, and in gloves too.
Always leave at least a hand's width of tail beyond the knot. A short tail can slip.

Watch out

For climbing, belaying and rescue, use only certified equipment and knots taught by an instructor. A badly tied knot can cost a life.
Don't tie a rope around yourself to pull someone out of water or ice unless you are trained. Call the rescue services.

Frequently asked questions

Which knot makes a loop that won't tighten?

The bowline. It forms a fixed loop that is easy to untie even after heavy loading.

How do I join two ropes of different thickness?

With a sheet bend. A reef knot is only for bandages and slings, not ropes under load.

Which knots are useful when camping?

A clove hitch to tie a rope to a tree or pole, a taut-line hitch for guy lines and a figure-eight to stop a rope end.

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Sources

US Army field manual FM 21-76 Survival (EverySpec archive)

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-08.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.