Companies that have helped me on my journey
Essential Rope Knots
Best all- purpose outdoor Rope Knots
-
The Surgeon’s Knot
The Surgeon’s Join Knot is renowned for its simplicity and remarkable strength. It’s versatility and reliability have made trusted choice beyond its traditional use in surgery and fishing; to climbing, camping to boating, . In fishing, it’s employed to join two lines of different diameters or materials together, (example: Braid to Mono), ensuring a strong and reliable connection; example – tippet to your leader. In outdoor pursuits like climbing, hiking, and camping, it can be usefully employed to tie ropes together securely. Whether joining ropes for rappelling, setting up a makeshift shelter, or creating a makeshift rescue harness. Tying Guide Overlap the ends of the two lines you want to…
-
Heaving Line Knot
The Heaving Line knot is designed to add weight to the end of a rope, making it easier to throw accurately over long distances, such as between ships or to shore. It is particularly useful for situations where a lightweight line alone would not have enough momentum to reach its intended target. One of the primary benefits of the Heaving Line Knot is its ability to add weight to the end of a rope, allowing for more accurate and controlled line throwing. This is essential for tasks such as passing lines between ships or to shore, where precision and distance are crucial. By adding weight to the end of the…
-
Slip Knot / Running Knot
A slip knot, often referred to as a running knot, is a versatile tool that enables the creation of an adjustable loop or noose at either the end or midpoint of a rope. Its adaptability lends itself to a multitude of benefits and practical applications spanning across diverse fields. A significant advantage of a slip knot lies in its remarkable adjustability. With a simple tug on one end of the rope, it can effortlessly be tightened or loosened, offering unparalleled flexibility in loop size. Here are some common applications: Overall, the slip knot’s versatility, simplicity, and adjustability make it an indispensable tool in various practical, recreational, and professional settings. Tying…
-
Highwayman’s Hitch
The notorious Highwayman’s quick-release knot, steeped in legend and whispered sagas is a blend of functionality and mystique! Today, the Highwayman’s Hitch serves as a versatile knot for swiftly and securely fastening a load to an immovable object, be it a post or tree . Commonly used in camping, boating, and various outdoor pursuits. This quick- release knot excels in its ability to promptly tether items or animals, providing a reliable means to swiftly secure or release a line with precision and ease. Overall, the Highwayman’s Hitch is valued for its simplicity, efficiency, and reliability in securing loads temporarily. It’s a practical knot to have in your repertoire, especially for…
-
Climbing, Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure, Essential Rope Knots, How To's, My Blog
Climbing Carabiners / Karabiners
Locking Screwgate Carabiners serve as essential tools for climbers and mountaineers, facilitating the secure connection of various equipment pieces, thereby ensuring their safety during ascents. Typically crafted from durable metal, these versatile devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, though commonly feature an oval design with a spring-loaded clip mechanism, ensuring firm closure unless intentionally opened. They have a wide range of uses across various activities and industries, including: Climbing and Mountaineering: Carabiners are crucial for connecting ropes to harnesses, securing climbers to anchors, creating belay systems, and linking different pieces of climbing equipment such as cams, nuts, and quickdraws. Rigging and Rope Work: They are employed in…
-
Overhand Loop Knot
The Overhand Loop is a versatile and straightforward knot used to create a secure fixed loop anywhere along a length of rope. Here are some common uses and benefits: Fishing: The overhand loop is frequently used in fishing to create a loop at the end of the fishing line. This loop allows for easy attachment of hooks, lures, or other terminal tackle. Climbing and Mountaineering: In climbing, the overhand loop can be used to create a secure attachment point for carabiners or other climbing gear. It’s often used in conjunction with other knots in anchor building or to attach slings to harnesses. Camping and Outdoor Activities: For setting up tarps,…
-
The Butterfly Knot
Climbers often rely on the butterfly knot in diverse scenarios due to its versatility and reliability. Whether equalizing a belay setup or isolating damaged rope; it is a secure loop knot that is proven to be indispensable. In the realm of glacier climbing, the butterfly knot assumes a pivotal role. It allows climbers to securely attach a third person safely to their rope and fostering team spirit. This becomes particularly crucial when navigating the challenging and unpredictable terrain of glaciers. Tying Guide Start with a bight (a U-shaped bend) in the middle of the rope where you want the loop to be. Take one of the free ends of the…
-
Sheepshank
The Sheepshank knot serves the purpose of temporarily shortening a rope without cutting it or taking slack out of a line. If a section of a rope is damaged or weakened, the Sheepshank can be used to bypass the damaged area and create a functional, shorter rope without compromising its overall strength. It was historically used in sailing and other activities where ropes were commonly employed. Tying Guide Be aware, the Sheepshank knot is not suitable for critical loads as it can slip if not under tension. While the Sheepshank was historically used for securing loads, particularly on trucks or trailers, and in sailing applications, it’s important to note that…
-
Taut-Line Hitch Knot
The Taut-Line Hitch is indeed a versatile and reliable knot for outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers and campers. Typically used for securing tent lines, hammocks etc…This knot is handy for creating an adjustable loop that stays in place even under tension, making it ideal for situations where you need to secure something but might need to adjust the tension later. Tying Guide Create a loop in the rope where you want the adjustable knot to be. Pass the working end of the rope around the standing part (the longer part of the rope) and then bring it back through the loop you created in step 1. The working end should go in…
-
The Carrick Bend
The Carrick Bend is also known as the Sailor’s breastplate, is ideal for uniting two substantial ropes or cables that are too bulky or rigid for typical bends. Its design ensures a secure and reliable connection, making it a preferred choice in scenarios where other common bends may not suffice due to the sheer size or inflexibility of the ropes or cables involved. A practical knot; easy to tie and untie, it does not slip even when wet, secure and stable once tightened – it is among the strongest of knots. Tying Guide Step 1: Lay the ropes parallel to each other, overlapping slightly. For clarity, let’s call the ropes A…
