Essential knots: how to tie the 6 most useful knots
6 knots for camping, trips and emergencies. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone app and works without internet.
Basic knots
- Figure-eight: make a loop, pass the end around the standing part and back through the loop from the other side. It looks like an 8 and stops a rope end slipping through.
- Bowline: make a small loop in the rope, bring the end up through it, around the standing part and back down through the loop. It makes a loop that won't tighten, useful for hauling someone or tying a rope to a tree.
- Clove hitch: two loops slipped over a post or branch. A quick way to tie a rope to a pole, for example when building a shelter.
- Sheet bend: joins two ropes of different thickness. Make a bight in the thicker rope, pass the thinner one up through it, around the bight and under itself.
For camp and the tent
- Taut-line hitch: lets you adjust the tension of a tent or tarp guy line without untying it.
- Reef knot: joins the ends of a bandage or triangular sling. Never use it to join ropes that must hold a load.
- Practise at home on a piece of cord until you can tie each knot without looking, and in gloves too.
- Always leave at least a hand's width of tail beyond the knot. A short tail can slip.
Watch out
- For climbing, belaying and rescue, use only certified equipment and knots taught by an instructor. A badly tied knot can cost a life.
- Don't tie a rope around yourself to pull someone out of water or ice unless you are trained. Call the rescue services.
See also
Frequently asked questions
Which knot makes a loop that won't tighten?
The bowline. It forms a fixed loop that is easy to untie even after heavy loading.
How do I join two ropes of different thickness?
With a sheet bend. A reef knot is only for bandages and slings, not ropes under load.
Which knots are useful when camping?
A clove hitch to tie a rope to a tree or pole, a taut-line hitch for guy lines and a figure-eight to stop a rope end.
Keep it on your phone
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Other guides
- 💧 How to make water safe
- 🍲 Food without power
- ⛺ Shelter at home and outdoors
- 👨👩👧 Protecting your family and yourself
- 💊 Run out of medicine
- 🎒 Go bag checklist
- 🩹 Home first aid kit
- 🔦 Prepare your home for a blackout
- ✈️ Air travel: a safe trip
- 🏜️ Desert trip
- 🔥 Campfire and outdoor cooking
- 🧭 Survival kit for your backpack
- 📞 Family communication plan
- 🥫 Emergency food and medicine supplies
- 🧼 Hygiene in a crisis
- 📁 Documents and money in a crisis
- 🧰 Tools and equipment for a crisis
- 🧥 Clothing and warmth in a crisis
- 📻 Communication and navigation in a crisis
Sources
Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-10-23.
General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.