20 Essential knots to know for survival

By divinaramirez // 2021-08-10

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Knot tying is an extremely valuable skill to have in a survival situation. From setting up a tent to administering first aid, you never know when your knot tying skills will come in handy. Read on to learn about some of the most important knots for survival and how they can be applied: (h/t to ProperSurvival.com)

Binding knots

Binding knots allow you to bind objects together. The knots used in shoelaces and drawstring bags are some of the most common examples of binding knots. Here are three other examples of binding knots:

Square knot – This knot joins two ends of a single rope or two separate pieces of rope of the same thickness together. It also teaches the fundamental process for tying other knots. Sailors use this knot for furling sails.
Boa knot – This knot is used to hold multiple thin, cylindrical objects together, such as sticks and poles.
Constrictor not – The constrictor knot is one of the most important and widely practiced knots. It allows you to seal sacks, close soft bags or attach a rope to a nail.

Bends

A bend is a joining of knots. It's useful when you need to lengthen a rope. Bends are typically used in a number of outdoor activities, including mountain climbing and caving. Here are four examples of bends:

Sheet bend – This bend is used to join two ropes of different widths. You can use it when attaching ropes to an anchor, ring or hook. (Related: 6 Types of rope and why you need them for survival.)
Hunter's bend – The hunter's bend is used to connect two ropes of the same width. It is generally used during mountaineering and sailing.
Reever bend – This bend is resistant to being shaken loose because each line going in and out of the bend is clamped at two points within it. It's useful when you need to join ropes that are slippery.
Carrick bend – This bend is used to join two ropes that are large and stiff. It can handle large loads, which is why it is mainly used in climbing.

Loops

Loops are knots tied in such a way that they make handholds or footholds. Loops are particularly useful for capturing animals. The following are three of the most commonly used loops:

Overhand loop – The overhand loop is ideal for connecting hooks and clips used in climbing. It is very weak when done with synthetic ropes but effective when done with natural ropes.
Bowline knot – This knot is often used as a safety harness for climbers. It is tied around the waist.
Angler's loop – This loop is a simple knot that can be untied quickly and easily. However, doing so can be difficult if the loop is done with a synthetic rope.

Hitches

A hitch is a knot tied to an immovable object, like the trunk of a tree. It is typically used to tie cattle, hold boats and secure tents. Here are five examples of hitches:

Clove hitch – This hitch is used to attach a rope to a mast or tree trunk.
Prusik knot – This hitch is helpful when joining two ropes of different widths. It is mainly used by climbers, but it is also used in caving, canyoneering and ziplining.
Half hitch – A half hitch is a basic overhand knot formed by moving the working end of a rope over and underneath the standing end section. It isn't a secure knot when used by itself, but it's a critical part of many important boating knots.
Highwayman's hitch – This quick-release hitch is used to let go of a load safely and efficiently.
Rolling hitch – This knot allows you to secure a rope onto a pole or rod. It is used in sailing and scouting.

Stopper knots

Stopper knots are used to prevent ropes from unraveling or to stop an object from passing through a small opening. Stopper knots are strong and stable but may still be easily untied. Here are three popular stopper knots:

Double overhand knot – This knot makes the rope easier to hold. In climbing, these knots are tied at specific intervals along the rope to prevent the end from pulling through the rappel or belay device.
Figure-8 knot – This stopper knot is often used by climbers to secure ropes to their harness.
Diamond knot – A diamond knot is a stopper knot for forming a decorative loop on the end of a cord, such as a lanyard. It is used for general purposes, like holding keys and trying handkerchiefs.

Slip knots

A slip knot is meant to be used as a temporary stopper, which is why it easily unravels. It is one of the most commonly used knots. The Tarbuck knot and running bowline are two popular examples of slip knots.

Tarbuck knot – This knot is great for when the rope will be bearing a heavy load and shocked with sudden weight. It is typically used by climbers.
Running bowline – The running bowline is a noose-type knot that's popular among boaters, climbers and arborists. It is strong and secure but can easily be untied.

Learn more about knot tying and other survival skills at Survival.news. Sources include: PrepForSHTF.com ProperSurvival.com