Taut-Line Hitch

When to use this

Use any time you need a loop that slides to adjust tension but locks under load.

• Tensioning tent guy lines
• Adjusting tarp ridgelines
• Any line you need to tighten or loosen quickly

What you need

• One length of rope or guy line
• A stake, ring, or anchor point

Step by step

1. 1.Pass the working end around the anchor (stake or ring) and back toward the standing line.
2. 2.Wrap the working end around the standing line twice, working back toward the anchor.
3. 3.Make one more wrap around the standing line on the outside of the first two.
4. 4.Tuck the working end through that last wrap and pull snug.
5. 5.Slide the knot along the standing line to adjust tension. It locks when loaded.

Pro tips

• If the knot slips, you didn’t make the inside wraps tight against each other before adding the outside wrap.
• Replace flat plastic line tensioners with a taut-line hitch — they break, this knot doesn’t.

Common mistakes

• Reversing the wrap direction on the outer turn — the knot won’t grip.
• Loading the line before seating the knot — it can pop loose.