Knots

Taut-Line Hitch

An adjustable knot for tent guy lines and tarp tie-outs.

Intermediate

By William Blacklock · Last updated April 2026

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

See it done

How to Tie a Taut-Line Hitch — Eastmans’

Step-by-step photographs showing a taut-line hitch being tied around a fixed object — Taut-line hitch (ABoK #1800) by David J. Fred — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)

What you need

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

Step by step

1.Pass the working end around the anchor (stake or ring) and back toward the standing line.
2.Wrap the working end around the standing line twice, working back toward the anchor.
3.Make one more wrap around the standing line on the outside of the first two.
4.Tuck the working end through that last wrap and pull snug.
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.

Recommended gear

A short list of what makes this skill easier.

Reflective guy line (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)

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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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