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UKSN Bushcraft Basics: Essential Knots for Outdoor Adventures *Updated*
- UKSN
- Apr 11
- 5 min read
Whether you're pitching camp in the Lakes, rigging a tarp shelter deep in the woods, or securing kit during a weekend UKSN Charter meet-up, mastering a few essential knots can make all the difference. In bushcraft and self-sufficiency, your knowledge is often your most important tool – and that begins with the humble knot.
At UKSN, we believe in empowering our members and outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels with the practical skills needed to thrive in the wild. Knots aren't just for sailors or Scouts – they are critical for building shelters, securing gear, hoisting food away from wildlife, setting traps, crafting tools, and even performing basic rescue.
In this extended guide, we’ll walk you through nine essential knots that every outdoor adventurer in the UK should know. Alongside each knot, we’ll explore practical uses, pro tips, and how you can apply them in real-world bushcraft situations. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned woods-dweller, these knots are a must for your skillset.
Why Knot Knowledge Matters in the Outdoors
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore the why.
Understanding knots is not just about tying a rope – it’s about:
Safety: Securing loads, preventing injury, and avoiding costly accidents.
Efficiency: Saving time and energy by using the right knot for the right job.
Versatility: Adapting to different bushcraft tasks with confidence.
Resilience: Operating effectively without relying on modern kit or gadgets.
When you're camping off-grid or attending a UKSN event, knowing how to properly tension your shelter lines or create a secure hitch can mean the difference between a dry night and a soggy disaster.
Square Knot (Reef Knot)
Use Case: Joining two ropes of the same size, bundling firewood, or securing rolled items.
The square knot, or reef knot, is one of the most well-known and easiest to learn. It's ideal for tying two ropes of equal thickness together or binding objects.
How To Tie:
Pass the right rope over and under the left.
Then pass the left rope over and under the right.
Tighten by pulling both ends.
Bushcraft Tip:
Avoid using this knot for load-bearing situations – it can slip under tension. It's best used where security isn’t critical, like tying a tarp or making a simple sling.
Clove Hitch
Use Case: Securing ropes to poles, trees, or other fixed objects. Ideal for quick anchor points.
A clove hitch is a favourite among campers for its simplicity and ease of adjustment. It’s great for attaching lines to a tree when erecting a shelter or stringing up a clothesline.
How To Tie:
Wrap the rope around a post once.
Cross over and wrap again above the first loop.
Tuck the working end under the second loop and pull tight.
Bushcraft Tip:
It’s not the most secure knot under varying tension, so back it up with a stopper knot if necessary.
Bowline
Use Case: Creating a fixed loop that won’t tighten. Ideal for rescue, securing gear, or making harnesses.
Known as the king of knots, the bowline is strong, reliable, and forms a fixed loop that won’t slip or jam. It’s invaluable for everything from rigging tarps to improvising an emergency rope harness.
How To Tie:
Make a small loop (the "rabbit hole").
Pass the rope end up through the loop (the "rabbit"), around the standing line (the "tree"), and back down the hole.
Pull tight.
Bushcraft Tip:
If you struggle to remember the bowline, learn the "rabbit and tree" story – it’s a great way to teach it to children too, making it perfect for family-friendly camps.
Taut-Line Hitch
Use Case: Adjustable tension knot for guy lines and shelters.
The taut-line hitch is the camper’s best friend when it comes to tent or tarp setup. It allows you to easily adjust the tension of a line without untying it.
How To Tie:
Wrap the rope around a post or peg.
Make two loops on the inside of the standing line.
Make a third loop on the outside and tighten.
Bushcraft Tip:
Works best with synthetic ropes. Always check the tension in wet conditions, as ropes can slip when damp.
Trucker’s Hitch
Use Case: Creating a high-tension line. Ideal for tarps, securing loads, or ridge lines.
Need to secure a load on your trailer or make a rock-solid shelter ridge line? The trucker’s hitch gives you a mechanical advantage for maximum tension.
How To Tie:
Create a loop in the rope (a slip knot or a figure-eight on a bight).
Feed the working end around a fixed point.
Run it back through the loop and pull tight.
Finish with a couple of half-hitches.
Bushcraft Tip:
Don’t be afraid to cinch this one tight – it’s built for heavy-duty use. Great for windy or rainy conditions.
Figure-Eight Knot
Use Case: A stopper knot to prevent ropes from slipping through holes or other knots.
The figure-eight knot is simple but incredibly useful, especially when you don’t want your rope disappearing through a grommet or pulley.
How To Tie:
Make a loop.
Pass the rope end under the standing line and back through the loop.
Pull tight.
Bushcraft Tip:
Use this knot to finish off other knots or as a handhold for climbing and rope ladders.
Sheet Bend
Use Case: Joining two ropes of different diameters or materials.
Unlike the reef knot, the sheet bend is specifically designed for tying ropes of unequal thickness. Essential when you’re improvising with mixed gear in the field.
How To Tie:
Form a bight in the thicker rope.
Pass the thinner rope through the bight, around the back, and tuck it under itself.
Bushcraft Tip:
Secure with a double sheet bend for extra hold when under load.
Prusik Knot
Use Case: Climbing, securing to another rope, or creating adjustable loops.
A prusik knot is a friction hitch used for climbing or rope-assisted movement. It grips tightly when loaded but slides freely when tension is released.
How To Tie:
Use a smaller diameter rope (prusik cord).
Wrap it around the main rope two or three times.
Thread the end through itself and pull tight.
Bushcraft Tip:
Great for improvised rescue or making adjustable tarp ridge loops. Always test before loading your weight.
Practising and Applying Your Knot Skills
Learning knots is one thing. But making them second nature takes practice – and repetition is key.
Practice Ideas:
Set up a tarp in your back garden using only the knots listed above.
Create a mini obstacle course or challenge at a UKSN camp for your Charter to test knot skills.
Include knot-tying in family bushcraft games – it’s fun and educational for kids.
Challenge yourself to tie each knot one-handed, in the dark, or while wearing gloves.
Safety First: A Note on Responsible Knot Use
Although knots can serve vital functions, always remember:
Don’t use non-load-rated rope for climbing or rescues.
Check knots regularly, especially in wet or cold conditions where materials behave differently.
Avoid using knots for life-critical tasks unless you are fully trained and have the right equipment.
Final Thoughts: Build Knot Mastery Into Your Bushcraft Arsenal
Knots are an essential part of any bushcraft, camping, or prepping toolkit. The more confident you are in your knot-tying abilities, the more capable and self-sufficient you become outdoors. Whether you're stringing up a tarp before the rain hits, securing gear on a hike, or just showing off at a UKSN campfire session – these knots give you practical power with nothing more than a bit of cordage.
So get out there. Practise. Fail. Learn. Tie. Retie. Master these knots and you’ll carry an ancient, tried-and-tested skill wherever your adventure takes you.
🔗 Want More Bushcraft Skills?
Join the conversation in the UKSN community forums, connect with your local Charter, and check our upcoming events to participate camps and events!
🧭 Got a favourite knot or a tip to share? Drop it in the comments below – we’d love to hear how you use knots in your adventures.
🪓 Stay wild, stay prepared, and tie on.
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