The adjustable knot
The taut-line hitch is a friction knot that grips under tension but slides when slack. This makes it ideal for tent guy lines, tarp tie-downs, and clotheslines where you need to adjust tension periodically.
Tie it around a stake or anchor point, then slide the knot along the standing line to increase or decrease tension. Under load, the wraps grip and hold.
The fixed loop
The bowline creates a fixed loop that does not tighten under load. Use it anywhere you need a non-slip loop: tying a line to a post, creating a hand-hold in a rescue rope, or securing a load.
The classic mnemonic: the rabbit comes out of the hole, goes around the tree, and goes back down the hole.
Joining two ropes
The square knot (reef knot) joins two ropes of equal diameter. Right over left, then left over right. It lies flat and is easy to untie.
Do not use a square knot for critical loads or ropes of different diameters. Under heavy or uneven load, it can slip or jam. For critical connections, use a double fisherman's or a figure-eight follow-through.
- Taut-line hitch: adjustable tension, slides when slack, grips under load
- Bowline: fixed non-slip loop, does not tighten under load
- Square knot: joins two equal ropes, right over left then left over right
- Learn three knots well rather than ten knots poorly
- Emergency Shelter — FEMA guidance on temporary shelter and tarp setup.