Knots

[Silverlion]

I learned them in scouts, forgot the ones I never used. When I started hanging, I relearned them via animated knots. Sometimes, I just start tying something that looks like it holds.....then I cut the rope when I'm ready to leave and swear I'm not gonna forget the right knots again.

[bkrownd]

Your brain is far more advanced then any app you can download. Plus, its waterproof, rugged, and thick (atleast mine is ). There are 6-10 basic knots you should know.

So...what are they?

[DudeDowne]

Scott,

Funny you should bring this up...I was just tweaking my tarp lines and thinking that it would be cool to get rid of any unnecessary hardware ala Ray Mears.

From my limited hammocking experience and mostly from my military experience as a communications lineman I found that I use these knots almost daily still. I am sure that others will have differing opinions, but these should get you by:

-Square Knot/Overhand (I don't really use hammocking but c'mon )
-Half Hitch
-Marlin Spike Hitch
-Bowline
-Clove Hitch
-Timber Hitch
-Fisherman's Knot
-Prusik Knot
-Taut Line Hitch

As others have said, practice every chance you get. It is fun, relaxing and surprising useful knowledge. Just hangout on Saturday morning at Lowe's/HomeDepot in the lumber load dock and you will get good real fast.

DudeDowne

[wwk10]

I do not have these, but they look good

http://www.proknot.com/html/knot_cards.html

The best thing is to memorize them, but it is nice to have a refresher now and then. At one point I put pdf files on my smart phone.

For fishing and camping I like:

Bowline
Tautline
Prussik
Trucker's hitch
Clove hitch

Improved cinch knot
Blood knot
Albright knot

Many useful knots, but most people have a "go to" list.

[Raul Perez]

I use the following knots when outdoors:

Slippery half hitch (quick release for tarp stakes and excess cord line)

Clove hitch (bear bag PCT method)

Prussicks (tarp line)

bowline hitch (tarp tie outs)

square knot (if I'm combining rope)

[bkrownd]

mucho thanko, hombres

[Chard]

Hey all,

Have a look at SB Mike's, one of our newest HF members, fantastic Stoneage Bushcraft video series at...

Knots Revisited

You might also want to view Ray Mears' knots clip....

Ray Mears / Tarp Hammock Knots

Take the time to master a few basic knots. Do them often enough and setup can becomes almost automatic, and the best thing is there's no extra weight or risk of equipment failure.

Chard