Knots!

Knots are an important part of outdoor recreation and safety. This page explains how to tie various knots and what they are used for.

Working End: The end of the rope that is actively used to tie the knot and is typically the shorter end
Standing End: The end of the rope that is not the working end and the knot is sometimes tied around.
Dressed Knot: Adjusting individual rope strands into their proper place within the knot and getting rid of any unnecessary twists or slack. Makes it easier to inspect knot and improves knot strength.
Bight: Rope bend where rope does not cross over itself.
Loop: Bend of rope where the rope strand crosses over itself

Serves as the basis for a figure-8-follow through, which is used for tying into a climbing rope.

Rope below word 'figure-8' and arrow points to an end of the rope with a pink hair-tie around it saying 'working end'

A loop on a rope under the words 'figure-8'

Forms a secure loop in the end piece of rope. Used mainly for sailing for fastening to a mooring or tying rope around a natural anchor (ie. tree or rock). Much easier to tie around something. Does not slip or bind under rope strain: cannot be tied or untied when there is a load on the standing end. Requires a long tail end or stopper knot to prevent slippage.

Fast way to join two ropes together. Easy to tie and rarely gets stuck, must be dressed well in order to work.

two rope ends below the word 'european death knot'

carabiner and rope below the words 'munter hitch'

Used to rappel and belay without a belay device. Adjustable and acts as friction device to help control descent.

Way to attach rope or cord to pole, ring, or carabiner. Can be weighted and does not slip, used as a temporary hold. Way to attach yourself into a rope system or to secure rope without untying.