Knots are an important part of outdoor recreation and safety. Here are a couple of knots and their uses which may be helpful to know for a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Definitions
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.
Difference between a “bight” and a “loop”:
Bight: Rope bend where rope does not cross over itself
Loop: Bend of rope where the rope strand crosses over itself
Knots and Hitches
Figure 8: Good stopper knot (prevents rope sliding through device) basis for a figure-8-follow through used for tying into a climbing rope.
European Death Knot: Fast way to join two ropes together. Easy to tie and rarely gets stuck, must be dressed well in order to work.
Bowline: 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). 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.
Barrel Knot: Stopper knot. Way to close a belay system and prevent rope from accidentally being fed through belay device. Friction knot and will self tighten
Fisherman’s Knot: Way to join two lines of the same thickness together. Require long tail ends so that knot does not slip.
Figure 8 Bend: Safe and easy way to join two ropes of same thickness together.
Clove Hitch: 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.
Munter Hitch: Used to rappel and belay without a device. Adjustable and acts as friction device to help control descent.
Trucker’s Hitch: Way to secure loads or tarps, adjustable. Can be used to secure boats to a trailer, tie down tarps and tents etc.
Taut-Line Hitch: Mainly used for securing tent lines. Adjustable and can slide.