Best Knots to Know?

[FeO2]

Only need to know one:

Do Knot go to ground...ever.

I fear that the Whites won't give me the luxery of hammocking every night. I haven't been through that section so I will probably get a ground mat just in case.

FeO2

[Cannibal]

I fear that the Whites won't give me the luxery of hammocking every night. I haven't been through that section so I will probably get a ground mat just in case.

FeO2

I was worried about the Whites too, but I've been told by a few people that there is some stealth camping to be found; just have to look a little harder. However, I'll have a "just in case" too.

[warbonnetguy]

my favorite 4:

sheetbend: good for tying to webbing or line (line to tree straps), easy to untie when finished with a bight (slippery/exploding) the single can slip, double won't

bowline: good for tying to a ridgid anchor, easy to untie.

buntline hitch: good permanrnt knot

trucker's hitch: good for cranking something down tight with mechanical adv.

[FeO2]

I've been surfing youtube for hammock/tarp pitching and picked up the Siberian hitch and a Power Cinch located here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjMml...eature=related


The video shows the knots being used on a tarp set-up. I tried them on my HH two weeks ago out back (20degrees brrrr...) and they worked great. I was a little skeptical, because they are all 'slip' type knots. They held firm, no slipping, I liked them a lot. They were quick to tie, tight, and easy to remove the next day.

I will be using these this summer. I love the cinch knot, it gives you the mechanical advantage of a single pully and really allows tightening the hammock with less effort. The Siberian hitch is fast and secure and easy to release!

FeO2

[headchange4u]

I really want a copy of Ashley's Book of Knots. It's the be all end all source on knots.

[FeO2]

Another good source: http://www.animatedknots.com/

FeO2

[Cannibal]

Another good source: http://www.animatedknots.com/

FeO2

That one is a site favorite. I spent some time on there today messing with knots just because.

[Rat]

The Ashley Book of Knots (ABoK) is an excellent resource. I use mine all the time, sometimes just looking for different knots to try out.

I have several knot books, most relate to specific activities (caving, climbing, rescue etc) but the ABoK is the end all book of knots.

There are several knot forums and e-mail lists as well to stay informed on new knots that come our way, or for peer review of knots people may 'think' are new. Very cool stuff! There is also knot theory, mathematical theory using knots. Some very elaborate knots are being created in cyber space using theory developed on the web as open source code.

Pretty cool to think it has all come from some guy however many thousands of years ago who wrapped a piece of vine around his waist to keep his animal skins up!

Yea, I like knots also...