When you’re out in the wild, knowing a few basic knots can make a big difference. From setting up a shelter to securing your food, knots are a survivalist’s best friend.
But not all knots are created equal! Here are some of the most essential knots that are simple, reliable, and life-saving. Each knot has a specific purpose, so by the end, you’ll be ready to tackle almost any survival scenario with confidence.
Square Knot (Reef Knot)
The square knot is one of the most popular knots for good reason—it’s easy to tie and incredibly versatile. This knot is best for joining two ropes of similar size, making it useful for everything from securing gear to tying bandages in a survival situation.
In emergencies, you’ll want a knot that’s easy to untie, and the square knot fits the bill. Just be cautious—under heavy strain, this knot can slip, so it’s best for lightweight tasks.
Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is known as the “king of knots” for a reason. It creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope, which won’t slip or tighten under tension. This knot is ideal for rescue situations or tying down heavy loads.
With a bowline, you can make a loop around something (or someone) and pull them to safety. It’s also easy to untie even after bearing heavy loads, which makes it great for repetitive use.
Clove Hitch
A go-to for campers, the clove hitch is perfect for securing a rope to a pole or tree. This knot is easy to adjust, making it great for setting up a tent or temporary shelter where you may need to tighten or loosen it quickly.
However, this knot can slip under heavy load, so it’s best for light or medium-duty tasks. For extra security, consider using an extra half hitch or tying a stopper knot to keep it in place.
Figure-Eight Knot
The figure-eight knot is simple yet super reliable, especially in climbing or rescue situations. It creates a secure stopper at the end of a rope, which prevents it from slipping through equipment.
Whether you’re climbing, rappelling, or tying your gear, this knot will keep things safe and snug. It’s easy to recognize and check for mistakes, which is why it’s commonly used by climbers.
Sheet Bend
Need to join two ropes of different sizes? The sheet bend is your answer. This knot creates a strong bond that holds well under tension, so it’s ideal for making ropes longer or creating custom lines in a pinch.
The sheet bend’s simplicity makes it ideal for emergency situations, allowing you to connect mismatched ropes without much hassle. Plus, it’s relatively easy to untie, even after being under load.
Taut-Line Hitch
A taut-line hitch is essential for adjusting tension, making it perfect for staking tents or securing tarps. It’s an adjustable knot that slides when you need it to but stays firm once tension is applied.
In the wild, this knot’s adjustability can be a game-changer. You can easily tweak your shelter setup as weather conditions change, keeping your gear safe and secure.
Prusik Knot
If you ever need to climb a rope, the Prusik knot is your go-to. This knot allows for controlled movement up or down a rope, making it essential for rescue situations or climbing.
It’s tied by looping a smaller rope around a larger one, creating friction that can support weight without slipping. When tension is released, it can slide, making it ideal for ascending or descending safely.
Double Fisherman’s Knot
This is a strong knot for joining two ropes end-to-end, commonly used in climbing and rescue operations. It’s extremely reliable, though a bit tough to untie once tightened.
For survival, the double fisherman’s knot is perfect when you need a super-strong connection. It’s a little trickier to master, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll trust it with your life.
Timber Hitch
The timber hitch is perfect for dragging logs or large items. By wrapping it around an object, it creates a solid grip that makes it easier to move heavy loads without constant adjustment.
If you’re building a shelter or transporting logs, this knot is a lifesaver. It’s easy to tie and untie, making it perfect for repetitive tasks where you need quick setup and release.
Water Knot
This is the knot of choice for joining two pieces of webbing or flat material, commonly used in climbing or rappelling. It’s reliable and, when done right, stays secure even under pressure.
In survival, the water knot can help you create makeshift straps or harnesses. Just be sure to double-check this knot, as it needs to be tied carefully for maximum strength.
Rolling Hitch
The rolling hitch is perfect for situations where you need a secure, adjustable grip on a pole, line, or tree. It can bear weight and won’t slip under tension, making it ideal for mooring or rigging setups.
This knot is commonly used in sailing, but it’s just as handy for survival. Whether anchoring a tarp or pulling gear, it provides a reliable, adjustable hold.
Trucker’s Hitch
The trucker’s hitch is a powerful, load-bearing knot that’s ideal for securing large loads. With this knot, you can create a pulley effect, allowing you to cinch down tight and secure heavy items.
In the wild, you might need to secure supplies on a makeshift sled, and the trucker’s hitch gives you extra leverage to keep things tightly bound.
Alpine Butterfly Knot
This knot creates a secure loop in the middle of a rope, which is great for bearing weight. The alpine butterfly won’t slip or jam, even under heavy loads, making it useful for climbing or rescue.
In survival, this knot can help with everything from rope bridges to hauling heavy items. It’s reliable and versatile, ideal for both emergency and practical uses.
Munter Hitch
The Munter hitch is a lifesaver for rappelling or lowering items down steep surfaces. It’s a friction hitch that provides controlled descent, useful for climbing and rescue scenarios.
If you ever need to rappel down a cliff, this knot will help keep you safe. It’s commonly used by climbers and rescuers, especially when lowering gear.
Half Hitch
A simple yet effective knot, the half hitch is often combined with other knots to secure them. It’s especially useful when you need a quick release, as it’s very easy to tie and untie.
In survival, use the half hitch to secure small items temporarily or reinforce other knots. It’s not the strongest knot, but it’s great for lightweight tasks.
Square Lashing
Square lashing is ideal for binding two poles or sticks together, which is crucial for building shelters or frameworks. It provides stability and holds strong under pressure.
When constructing shelters or furniture in the wild, square lashing is your go-to. It’s a bit time-consuming but pays off with a sturdy, reliable hold.
Constrictor Knot
This knot is incredibly tight and difficult to untie, making it ideal for permanent binds. It’s great for securing items that need to stay put, like tying bundles of sticks.
For survival, the constrictor knot is perfect when you need something to stay tightly bound. Be careful, though—it’s nearly impossible to untie once cinched tight. Although you can try using Crisco oil to loosen it.
Figure-Eight Loop
The figure-eight loop creates a fixed loop on the end of a rope, similar to the bowline but often easier to check for mistakes. It’s very secure under tension, making it useful in climbing.
If you need a reliable loop that won’t slip, this is your knot. It’s quick to tie and secure, ideal for attaching gear or creating a stable loop.
Marlinspike Hitch
Perfect for creating a temporary handle, the marlinspike hitch provides extra grip for pulling or carrying loads. Just insert a stick or spike for a quick handle.
In survival, this hitch can make carrying heavy or awkward loads easier. It’s quick to tie and untie, ideal for short tasks.
Surgeon’s Knot
This is a reinforced version of the square knot, useful when you need extra security. It’s commonly used in first aid to secure bandages or tourniquets.
In emergencies, this knot can help keep wounds secure, making it invaluable in medical situations. It’s easy to tie and adds a bit more hold than a square knot.
Learning these knots can give you confidence in the wilderness and help you handle emergencies effectively. Practice each one, and soon you’ll have a toolbox of skills ready for any survival scenario. Remember, the right knot could be the difference between a successful campout and a tough night in the wild!
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