Camp Knots Reference Card

Four knots cover almost everything a camper needs to tie. Master each one with a length of paracord at the kitchen table, then bring this card on the trip.

Square Knot

1. Cross the right end over the left, then under and back up.
2. Now cross the left end over the right, then under and back up.
3. Pull both ends to tighten. The two loops should sit flat against each other.

Use it forJoining two equal-diameter ropes, tying a bandage, bundling a rolled tarp - never for climbing, rescue, or any load that risks a person.

Diagram: Lucasbosch - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Bowline

1. Make a small loop in the standing line, leaving plenty of working end.
2. Thread the working end up through the loop, around the standing line, and back down through the same loop.
3. Pull the standing line and the loop tight. The fixed loop will not slip under load.

Use it forA loop that won't collapse. Securing a rope to a tree. The rescue loop.

Diagram: Lucasbosch - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Taut-Line Hitch

1. Wrap the working end twice around the standing line on the load side.
2. Make one more wrap on the other side, then pass the end through and dress the wraps tight.
3. Slide the hitch along the standing line to adjust tension. It will hold under load.

Use it forAdjustable tension on tent guy lines, tarp ridgelines, food-hang lines.

Diagram: David J. Fred - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Clove Hitch

1. Pass the rope over the pole, then bring it around and over again, crossing the first wrap.
2. On the second pass, tuck the working end under the diagonal cross.
3. Pull both ends tight. The hitch will grip but slip if the pole rotates.

Use it forQuick start or finish on a tarp ridge, tying off to a stake or pole - don't use for a load that swings or reverses direction.

Diagram: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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What you get

• •Square knot - for joining two equal-diameter ropes
• •Bowline - the rescue loop that never slips
• •Taut-line hitch - adjustable tension for tent guy lines
• •Clove hitch - the quick anchor for a tarp ridgeline
• •Letter / A4 sized, with attributed diagrams sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Use it for

• ›Teach a kid the four most-useful camp knots in one sitting
• ›Carry in a pack as the rope-work cheat sheet
• ›Hand to a Scout working on basic knots