How to Know Outdoor Knots

Outdoor activities often require the use of lines and ropes as part of the activity or to accomplish a task. The number of knots used on these ropes is overwhelming to some. However, a method exists to help you sort through and develop a knowledge of knots for outdoor use.

Things You'll Need

  • Practice rope or cord
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Instructions

    • 1

      Divide your outdoor activities into categories, such as fishing, camping, boating and rescue. Knots are based on purpose, and different knots apply in different categories of activity.

    • 2

      Know how to tie a uni knot for attaching a hook, fly or lure to a line when fishing. The uni is also useful for snelling hooks. Understand how to tie a basic loop in a fishing line with the double overhand loop knot.

    • 3

      Learn to tie a hitch knot and square knot for camping applications. Use a combination of two hitch knots for securing tents and other objects with cord or rope. Use the square knot when joining two lengths of rope together. The figure 8 follow through knot is also suitable for joining lengths of rope.

    • 4

      Use a clove hitch to quickly and easily secure a boat, canoe or kayak to a post or tree. You'll tie a cleat hitch to properly secure a boat.

    • 5

      Learn knots that are useful in rescue or emergency situations such as the bowline and figure 8 knot. Use the bowline to tie a climbing rope around your waist or a figure 8 as a basis for forming a strong working loop in a rope.