Know your knots

We’re so spoilt by easy-to-use straps, bungee cords and other easy options to secure our essentials, but some basic knowledge of knots could make all the difference in a campsite or at water’s edge.

QUICK-RELEASE TRUCKER’S HITCH

This popular trucker’s hitch knot has its origins in the long-haul drivers, while other names for it, such as harvester’s hitch – points in the direction of agriculture. Whether you want to call the lorry knot, it provides somewhat of a mechanical advantage when you tighten it – which comes in handy when you tie down something like a tarp. This is the quick-release variation, which provides a faster way of securing a load and also to then release it.

“This is one everyone uses to secure a load,” says School of Mountain Leadership’s Rob Thomas.

Most of us know how to tie our shoelaces, but beyond the basic structure of a reef knot, many might not be able to hitch something to a tree or secure heavy loads.

We got a few experts who make use of more knots than most of us on a daily basis to share their knot know-how.

…anytime you need a loop on the end of a rope, this is your go-to knot

Step 1 Allow for slack, and then make a loop in the part of rope that’s already securing the load. Repeat the loop in the working end and run it through the first loop to form a hanging bight.

Step 2 Feed the working end of the rope into the bight and around the hook.

Step 3 Tighten the working end by passing it around the hook and pulling on it until tight.

Step 4 The release is simple. By pulling on the loop right on top of the knot – it all comes apart.