Using a survival knot is something everyone should know. It doesn’t matter if you are a prepper or an avid camper. Even those that don’t spend time outdoors can appreciate using survival knots at some point.
If you like to spend time in the wilderness, hiking, camping, or fishing, then you need to know knots. And a badly made knot could result in disaster. You probably also know that there are thousands of ways to tie knots, but knowing the right ones is key.
What is a survival knot?
Surviving in the wild means knowing how to use every piece of equipment available. That includes using knots adequately. A survival knot is one that facilitates survivor-ship in one way or another.
Using knots will give you the ability to build shelter, create a fire, haul an injured person, or trap game. These are only some of the things that many of the survival knots can do for people. However, for the knots to work, they have to be tied the right way and with the right equipment.
Time to get down to business.
Here are the 5 types of survival knots that you have to know:
Type #1: The Square Knot
This is considered the first knot to learn, and it is relatively easy to tie. Once you tie it, the knot becomes flat, so you can use it in different situations. Because of this, though, this knot isn’t the most secure.
Most people use the square knot in tying an object. It is important to know that you shouldn’t tie this knot to another rope. It also isn’t meant for carrying heavy weight.
This knot allows for tying a rope around objects that don’t move, as well as tying bandages and bags.
To tie this knot, pick up the two parts of the rope, hold one end in each hand, and knot the same way you would tie your shoes. Remember, right over left, and then, left over right.
Type #2: The Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is another popular knot in the survival world. Since it stands firm, it is great for climbing mountains, but also in keeping many things tied together.
This knot is very secure, which makes it good for saving someone’s life. You can give this knot to a person and pull them, or secure it to a tree or car, allowing it to work as leverage.
You can also use the bowline knot if you want to make a loop at the end of the rope. It can also help link the ends of one rope, fasten the rope to a pole, and it is a great addition for making a trap.
Before you begin to use this knot, make sure it is secure. Also, keep in mind that once a load comes off, it can come undone easily.
Type #3: The Clove Hitch
This is a knot that most people use, and that is because it can be handy when you need to finish other knots. You can hold up the rope and wrap it around the object you want, like a tree.
Next, wind the rope around the tree again, but now go under the new loop. By pulling the cord, you will finish the knot, but this time, put it under the other loops and pull hard again.
The clove hitch isn’t as safe, as it needs a load pulling on each side. The bigger the load, the more secure the hitch is. This also means, though, that when you remove one load, the hitch can come undone.
This knot is great for securing shelter, settling a rope to a tree, or hanging bags or bear bins.
Type #4: The Square Lash
This knot is perfect when you need to join sticks or poles together where they meet at a right angle. If you know about survival, then you know that this is essential to build a shelter or a fence. The square lash knot is strong and can hold weight, so you can use it for support too.
Use this knot to build frames and shelters, establish a secure area, and use them when the poles are sliding if they have a big load. If you need to, you can make a diagonal lash instead too.
Type #5: The Shear Lash
This is the perfect knot if you need to hold two poles together and they are both supposed to bear a load. The shear load knot also works when you need to secure two poles from each end to make a much longer pole.
You can use this knot to make frames, to fix broken poles, to strengthen poles that may look weak, and for lengthening your poles. If you find yourself in need to build a frame for your shelter, then this is the right knot. Simply build an A-frame and secure the knot at the ends.
These five knots will come in handy any time you are camping, hiking, climbing, or spending time outdoors. Learning how to make them and use them is essential in any survival situation. Check out some more great survival tips here.
