Knot reference
Quick, printable instructions for the most common outdoor knots. Perfect for meeting skills stations or patrol challenges.
Square Knot
Reliable join for ropes of equal diameter.
Use cases
- Joining two ropes of equal size
- First aid bandages
- Tying down light gear
Bowline
Creates a fixed loop that will not slip or jam.
Use cases
- Rescue loop that stays open
- Securing a rope to a post or carabiner
- Loops for hauling or towing
Clove Hitch
Fast anchor knot, great for starting lashings.
Use cases
- Starting and ending lashings
- Quickly tying to a post or stake
- Temporary anchor that is easy to adjust
Two Half Hitches
Secure knot for tying a rope to a ring or post.
Use cases
- Securing a rope to a tree, pole, or ring
- Tying down tarps or rainflies
- Clotheslines and campsite lines
Taut-Line Hitch
Adjustable hitch for lines that need tension changes.
Use cases
- Tent and tarp guy lines
- Clotheslines where tension changes
- Any line that needs on-the-fly adjustment
Timber Hitch
Great for dragging logs and starting diagonal lashings.
Use cases
- Starting a diagonal lashing
- Securing a rope to a log for dragging
- Anchoring to an irregular object
Sheet Bend
Best for joining ropes of different diameters.
Use cases
- Joining ropes of unequal size
- Extending a rope
- Net making and temporary repairs
Figure Eight
Simple stopper knot that prevents a rope from pulling through.
Use cases
- Stopper knot at the end of a rope
- Preventing rope from slipping through hardware
- Foundation for a figure-eight follow-through loop
Practice knots under supervision and load-test before trusting them with people or critical gear.