BowlineOne of the most useful knots you can know.

The Bowline forms a secure loop that will

not jam and is easy to tie and untie. The Bowline is most commonly used for forming a fixed loop, large or small at the end of a line. Tried and tested over centuries, this knot is reliable, strong and stable. Even after severe tension is applied it is easy to untie. However, because it does untie so easily it should not be trusted in a life or death situation such as mountain climbing. It is said to retain 60% of the strength of the line in which it is tied

Yosemite BowlineA Yosemite bowline is a very secure loop knot and is a version of the
Bowline with the free end wrapped around one leg of the loop and tucked back through the knot, commonly known as a "Yosemite finish." In addition to being more secure than a standard bowline, the Yosemite variant is also easier to untie after a load. Climbers often make use of the advantages it offers over other knots in using the knot as an alternative tie-in to the Figure Eight, and to secure heavy loads such as haul bags. The only downside to the Yosemite Bowline is that it is more difficult to visually inspect than the Figure Eight. It was a Yosemite Bowline that failed on Lynn Hill in France, causing her to careen 70 feet to the base of the climb. Be sure to practice the Bowline many times before trusting it with your life.

Figure EightThe figure eight follow through is one of the strongest knots. It forms a secure,
non-slip loop at the end of a rope. Also known as the Flemish Bend, this is the most widely used tiein knot by mountain climbers. The reason is that it is strong, secure and easy to visually inspect. Climbers often further secure it by tying a back up knot with the tag end. The knot can also be tied by tying a Figure Eight Knot with doubled line at the end of a rope (Step 1, but dont come back through the bottom loop). It is faster but cannot be used if tying into a fixed object, so it is good to learn to tie this knot as the Figure Eight Follow Through. A single Figure Eight also makes a good Stopper Knot at the end of a rope (Step 1 with the single line but dont come back up through the bottom loop).

Slippery Eight LoopThe Slippery Eight Loop Knot (HFP Slippery 8) is attributed to
Dave Poston. It has surprising security (though not for critical applications such as person support) for an adjustable loop. To make adjustments to the loop just bring the working end up to make a straight line through the knot and pull the loop side to make larger or the working end to make smaller. Set the working end back to its 90 degree angle from the knot to secure the loop.

Butterfly KnotForms secure loop(s) in the middle of a rope. It will accommodate a load in
any direction. Mountain climbers use the Butterfly Knot for tying-in the middle climber when traveling three to a rope. Also useful for making non-slip loops in the middle of a rope to attach carabiners to provide purchase points for a winch line essential in canoe rescue work. It can take a load in any of the three directions, independently or together. The knot can also be used to isolate a damaged section of a rope.

Bowline On A BightThis knot forms a bowline (secure loop) in the middle of a line.
Useful when you want a non-slip loop but a free end is not handy or to provide two loops in the end of a line. This knot can be used as a sling or as a seat or bosums chair in an emergency rescue situation. The two loops can be worked to different sizes if needed.

Honda KnotThis is the knot all cowboys use to form their lasso or lariat. The Honda Knot
creates the most nearly-perfect circle of any knot. Its round shape, especially when tied in stiff rope, helps it slide freely along the rope it is tied around which is what makes it good for a lariat.

Running BowlineThe Running Bowline produces a noose or sliding loop. This can be
useful for retrieving objects by throwing the open loop around them and the loop will tighten down on the object, as the standing line is pulled tight. The knot does not bind against the standing line and can be easily undone.

Slip KnotThis version of a slip knot is very quick and easy to tie. It is technically a slip noose
and is made using the fishermans Uni Knot with just one or two turns.

Bowline On A BightThis knot forms a bowline (secure loop) in the middle of a line.
Useful when you want a non-slip loop but a free end is not handy or to provide two loops in the end of a line. This knot can be used as a sling or as a seat or bosums chair in an emergency rescue situation. The two loops can be worked to different sizes if needed.

Double FishermansThis knot securely ties two ropes together or can be used to fasten
the ends of a rope or cord to make a loop. Rarely used in fishing, the Double Fishermans is a good knot for tying two ropes together. It is essentially two knots that slide together when tightened to form the finished knot. Tying just one side of the knot is also used by mountain climbers to tie a backup knot with the tag (free) end of the primary knot. When tied in short lengths of rope, kayakers and canoeists use the knot to secure rope grab handles to their boats.

Sheet BendThe Sheet Bend is a useful knot for tying two ropes together, even when rope
sizes and materials differ greatly. It is suitable for most non-critical applications. It is important that the tag (free) ends of both ropes of the sheet bend be on the same side of the finished knot. For more security use the doubled version (Becket Bend) which is the same as the single version but with an extra coil around the standing loop.

Square KnotQuick and easy to tie; it is a good knot for securing non-critical items. Not to be
trusted to join two ropes together. Also known as the Reef Knot, this knot was used for centuries by sailors for reefing sails and tying things aboard ship. It is important that this knot should not be used as a bend (for tying two ropes together). It is unsafe and can come apart. Be sure to form the square knot and avoid tying a granny knot, by making sure that both parts of the rope, the standing line and the free end, exit the knot together.

Water KnotThe best knot to use when tying knots in webbing. Can be used to make slings
and grab handles. Climbers most commonly use the Water Knot, also known as the Ring Bend, for tying webbing into loops. Make sure the tails exit from different sides of the knot and they should be at least three inches long to be able to be inspected for any slippage of the knot.

Carrick BendAn excellent knot to join two ropes, particularly large diameter ropes and
hawsers. It draws up tight under load and although it may lose its symmetrical shape, remains secure. The tag ends may be seized to the standing lines for added security.

Better Bow KnotSimilar to the regular shoelaces knot, use this version to tie your
shoelaces (or string bikini) and never worry about having it come undone. Unties with a simple tug on a free end. Great for kids shoes.

Figure EightThe figure eight follow through is one of the strongest knots. It forms a secure,
non-slip loop at the end of a rope. Also known as the Flemish Bend, this is the most widely used tiein knot by mountain climbers. The reason is that it is strong, secure and easy to visually inspect. Climbers often further secure it by tying a back up knot with the tag end. The knot can also be tied by tying a Figure Eight Knot with doubled line at the end of a rope (Step 1, but dont come back through the bottom loop). It is faster but cannot be used if tying into a fixed object, so it is good to learn to tie this knot as the Figure Eight Follow Through. A single Figure Eight also makes a good Stopper Knot at the end of a rope (Step 1 with the single line but dont come back up through the bottom loop).

Heaving Line KnotThis knot adds bulk and weight to the end of a rope making it easier
to throw the line.

Buntline HitchUse this knot to fasten items such as snaps and rings to rope or cord. Forms
a small, neat and very reliable knot. Simple and effective, the buntline hitch dates to the age of sail where it was used to secure buntline to the foot of the sails on square-rigged ships. That the Buntline hitch was the preferred knot speaks to its security and reliability. Once set, repeated jerking tend to tighten it further rather than loosening it. It forms a very compact and reliable knot. It has gained in popularity in recent years due to its performance in slippery modern synthetic lines.

Clove HitchA simple all-purpose hitch. Easy to tie and untie. A useful and easy to tie knot,
the Clove Hitch is a good binding knot. However, as a hitch it should be used with caution because it can slip or come undone if the object it is tied to rotates or if constant pressure is not maintained on

the line.

Pile HitchThe Pile Knot is a simple knot that is used to attach a rope to a post or other object.
When the end of the post is available, the knot can be tied with a loop in the rope, without access to the end of the rope.

Cow HitchThe Cow Hitch, also called the Lanyard Hitch, Larks Head and Larks Foot, is used
to secure a rope to a post or other object including another rope. It is similar to a Clove Hitch except that the second half hitch is in the opposite direction. It is about as reliable as a Clove Hitch, which is to say it should not be trusted in critical applications.

Rolling HitchA very secure and easy to tie method of fastening a rope to a post. The knot
holds firmly in the direction of standing line. The Rolling Hitch is much more secure than the similar clove hitch when tying a rope to a pole or other object.

Cleat HitchThe Cleat Hitch is the best way to tie a boat to a dock. It is a quick and easy
method of tying a rope to a cleat on a dock or boat that is also easy to untie. Learn the Cleat Hitch if you own a boat or even if you dont. It is amazing how many boat owners do not know this easy and essential boating knot. This knot ties and unties quickly and neatly. You will impress everyone if you tie this knot when handed a rope at the dock!

Anchor BendThe Anchor Bend is the knot generally used to fasten a line to an anchor. The
free end should be secured with seizing to the standing line for a permanent, secure knot. One side of a Double Fishermans also makes a good backup knot to this and any knot.

Mooring HitchA good temporary knot. Can be released quickly with a tug on the free end.
The Mooring Hitch holds fast under load yet comes apart instantly with a pull of the tag end. It can be tied up tight to an object or anywhere along the length of the rope so you can reach and release it without getting off your horse or out of your boat.

Slipped BuntlineThe Slipped Buntline is a quick release knot, similar to the Mooring
Hitch. It will hold fast under load yet comes undone quickly with a firm pull on the free end.

Tautline HitchThis knot can be slipped to tighten or loosen a line, then holds fast under
load. Useful for lines that may need adjustment. The Tautline Hitch is essentially a Rolling Hitch tied on the standing part of a tight line after it has been secured around a object. Campers like to use this knot to secure tent guy lines because the hitch slides freely, yet jams under load, making adjustments to the line easy.

Girth HitchThe Girth Hitch is a knot commonly tied with a sling of webbing, although rope can
also be used. Other names for this knot are the Strap Knot and Bale Sling Hitch. It is used to attach a sling or a loop made of webbing to a harness, or rope.

Klemheist KnotThe Klemheist Knot is tied by making a Prusik Loop with line or rope that
is no more than 1/2 the diameter of the main, static rope. The resulting friction knot loop can then slide up the rope but grips when subjected to load. It can also slide down a line by gripping the knot itself with no load applied.

Prusik KnotUse the Prusil Knot to secure a loop to a tight line. It slides when not weighted
along a tight rope but jams solidly upon loading. Mountaineers use this knot to form footholds to help them climb a vertical rope. The loop needs to be made in rope or cord that is at most half the diameter of the main line.

Munter HitchThe Munter Hitch provides a method for belaying and rappelling without a
belay/rappel device. This is an important knot for climbers to know. It works best in large pear shaped carabiners and should only be used with a locking carabiner. When belaying with the Munter Hitch be sure that the strand of rope carrying the load is next to the spine of the carabiner. Set this knot up correctly, because someones life is on the other end of the rope! This knot can cause kinks or twists in the rope.

Valdotain TresseThe VT, Valdotain Tresse Knot is a friction knot used to ascend and
descend on ropes. It is popular with arborists.

Tautline Hitch to RopeThe Tautline Hitch is often used to tighten or loosen a line
when it is wrapped around an object and then tied to its own standing line. An alternative use for the Tautline is to tie it to a another rope or object where it can then be moved up or down that rope or object. This illustration shows how to tie the Taut

line to an object.

Tautline Hitch to RopeThe Tautline Hitch is often used to tighten or loosen a line
when it is wrapped around an object and then tied to its own standing line. An alternative use for the Tautline is to tie it to a another rope or object where it can then be moved up or down that rope or object. This illustration shows how to tie the Tautline to an object.

Truckers HitchUse the Truckers Hitch to cinch down a load. This combination of knots
allows a line to be pulled very tight. Probably the most useful hitch there is, the Truckers Hitch allows a line to be pulled tight as a guitar string and secured. It is used by truckers to secure heavy loads in place and works equally well tying canoes and other objects to the tops of cars. Once the line is pull to the desired tension using the pulley effect of the loop in the middle of the line, the knot is secured with a couple half hitches around one or both lines

Constrictor KnotA useful knot to tie up loose materials or the ends of bags. Simple to tie,
it grips itself and will not work loose. Also known as the Millers Knot this knot is useful for securing the end of a sack or bundles of items. The knot stays tied and grips itself so well that it is often impossible to untie.

Half HitchAlthough the half hitch is knot in its own right, it is rarely used alone as it is unsafe
when used alone. Two half hitches can be use to tie a rope to a tree, boat or any object. It is often used in a supporting role, for example to increase the security of a primary knot.

Constrictor KnotA useful knot to tie up loose materials or the ends of bags. Simple to tie,
it grips itself and will not work loose. Also known as the Millers Knot this knot is useful for securing the end of a sack or bundles of items. The knot stays tied and grips itself so well that it is often impossible to untie.

Timber HitchUse for securing a rope around a post or any cylindrical object. It does not jam
or slip, no matter how heavy the load and is easy to tie and untie. It is best to complete the Timber Hitch with one or two half hitches near the hauling end to keep the load from twisting.

Rolling BendThe Rolling Bend is similar to the Timber Hitch. It is useful in moving logs,
posts or other cylindrical objects.

Munter HitchThe Munter Hitch provides a method for belaying and rappelling without a
belay/rappel device. This is an important knot for climbers to know. It works best in large pear shaped carabiners and should only be used with a locking carabiner. When belaying with the Munter Hitch be sure that the strand of rope carrying the load is next to the spine of the carabiner. Set this knot up correctly, because someones life is on the other end of the rope! This knot can cause kinks or twists in the rope.

Rolling HitchA very secure and easy to tie method of fastening a rope to a post. The knot
holds firmly in the direction of standing line. The Rolling Hitch is much more secure than the similar clove hitch when tying a rope to a pole or other obj

ect.