By no means do you have to be a fully self-sufficient superstar to be a great camper. There are, however, a couple of tricks that you need to have up your sleeve in order to keep you and your camping clan safe and well cared for throughout the duration of your adventure. This involves tying knots – six different knots, as a matter of fact. Every craft has its core basics that, once mastered, make everything easier. Knots are one of those camping essentials that are going to make your next trip all the more awesome, action-packed and, most importantly, secure. Read on for the six knots that every camper should perfect before they hit the road…
Square Knot
The Square Knot, or Reef Knot as it’s also known, has been used for centuries. It’s simple, secure and definitely one of those essential knots for camping that you need to know. Keep in mind that you cannot use a Square knot to tie two separate ropes together – they’ll come apart and it’s not secure. Tie two ends of a rope together by passing one end, in your right palm, over and then under the other, in your left. Do the same with the other, in your left palm, then tighten by pulling on both ends at the same time.
Sheet Bend
The Sheet Bend Knot is the perfect solution to tying together ropes that are different sizes, textures and thicknesses. You can use this one to lengthen a rope that’s a little too short or to fix a broken rope with another. Start by making a loop at the end of your bulkier rope and hold it together with one hand, then pass the end of your other line through the loop’s centre, pull the rope around and behind the loop. Then, bring the same end around to the loop’s front and tuck it into itself, so that both the end of the loop rope and the free rope join together on the same side of the knot, pull tighter to secure.
Double Eight Knot
This one is very easy and incredibly useful. You can use the Double Eight to tow a light car or hang lanterns at your site – it casts a pretty wide net! Start by creating a loop with your rope, lay it out flat and take the end of the loop in one hand. Cross the loop end of the rope, in your right hand, over the two flat lying pieces of rope on your left. Then, cross the loop end ropes underneath, as you would when drawing a figure 8. This will create another, mini loop beneath the base of the knot. Thread the loop end rope through the new, smaller loop to finish “drawing” the 8 shape, pull to tighten.
Bowline Knot
A Bowline Knot is one of the most reliable and sturdy knots out there. Hold your rope in your left hand, and with your right create a small loop, the end of the rope in your right hand can then be thread through the small loop, under and over. The end of the rope should then twist around the loop’s opening, fed under and back through the loop and out the other end. Pull to tighten and you have a very secure loop on your hands.
Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
This knot consists of two different knotting methods, a Round Turn and a Half Hitch, done twice. This is very strong and perfect for adding a roof, bike or boat rack to your car. Start with a post or attachment point and wrap the rope around it in a loop shape, then pass it around a second time. You’ll then have a double loop with two ends of rope hanging down – right and left. Pass the right-hand rope under and around the left, creating its own smaller loop or hitch, repeat this again and pull tight.
Taut Line Hitch
The Taut Line Hitch is fantastic because it can slide up and down a rope – perfect for pitching tents if that’s your thing. Start by looping your rope around your anchor point. With the end in your left hand, create a two looped coil, working backwards towards the anchor. Make one more coil by taking the coiled rope’s end and looping it above the knot you just made, coiling around at the top – away from the post. Pull to tighten.
With these handy camping knots up your sleeve, you’ll be ready for absolutely anything next time you hit the grounds!
With these handy camping knots up your sleeve, you’ll be ready for absolutely anything. When you’re new to the outdoors lifestyle, it can feel like there’s an awful lot to take on and learn. An accommodating camper trailer is a great step to take if you want to really immerse yourself in all that nature has to offer. The Explorer is a great model to consider if you want simple, easy campsite living that suits the whole family!