Knots

Bowline

A fixed loop that holds under load and unties easily.

Intermediate

By William Blacklock · Last updated April 2026

When to use this

Use when you need a loop that won’t slip or shrink under load.

Tying a rope around a tree or post
Making a non-slip loop at the end of a line
Securing a tarp ridgeline

See it done

How to Tie a Bowline Knot — Animated Knots by Grog

Diagram of a bowline knot with the working end forming a fixed loop — Bowline diagram by Lucasbosch — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

What you need

One length of rope or paracord

Step by step

1.Lay the rope out and decide which end is the working end (short) and which is the standing line (long).
2.About a foot from the working end, twist a small loop in the standing line. The working end should pass up through the loop.
3.Bring the working end up through the loop from below — "the rabbit comes out of the hole."
4.Pass the working end behind the standing line — "around the tree."
5.Send the working end back down through the loop — "and back into the hole."
6.Pull the standing line and the working end in opposite directions to seat the knot. The loop is fixed.

Pro tips

The "rabbit and tree" mnemonic works for kids: rabbit comes out of the hole, runs around the tree, goes back in the hole.
Leave a 4–6 inch tail. A short tail can work loose.

Common mistakes

Wrapping the working end the wrong direction around the standing line — produces a knot that slips.
Tying it too loose. Seat it firmly before trusting it.

Recommended gear

A short list of what makes this skill easier.

Paracord (50 ft)

Analog companion

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

Square (reef) knot — two interlocking half-knots

Cross the right end over the left, then under and back up.
Now cross the left end over the right, then under and back up.
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 use for climbing, rescue, or any load that puts a person at risk.

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

Bowline

Make a small loop in the standing line, leaving plenty of working end.
Thread the working end up through the loop, around the standing line, and back down through the same loop.
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

Wrap the working end twice around the standing line on the load side.
Make one more wrap on the other side, then pass the end through and dress the wraps tight.
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

Pass the rope over the pole, then bring it around and over again, crossing the first wrap.
On the second pass, tuck the working end under the diagonal cross.
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 any load that swings or reverses direction.

Diagram: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Free with email

Camp Knots Reference Card

The four camp knots a kid can master in an afternoon. Diagram, steps, and use case for each — all on one page.

Prefer the full landing page first? See the camp knots reference card.

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