Cordage & Knots

Overview

A small set of knots solves most field problems: securing loads, building shelters, and creating adjustable lines. Practice until you can tie them in the dark and under stress.

Square Knot

Join same‑diameter lines; not for critical loads. Right over left, left over right. Secure with backups or use a sheet bend instead.

Bowline

Fixed loop that doesn’t slip. “Rabbit comes out of the hole, around the tree, back into the hole.” Leave a long tail; secure with a stopper (Yosemite finish optional).

Clove Hitch

Quick midline/anchor tie‑off. May slip on slick lines or with changing loads; back up with a half hitch.

Constrictor Knot

Excellent binding knot; holds tight, difficult to release—use when you can cut free later.

Taut-Line Hitch

Adjustable friction hitch for guylines. Two wraps toward the anchor, one away; slides to tension, holds under load.

Trucker’s Hitch

Creates ~2:1 mechanical advantage to cinch loads/tarps. Anchor → loop (slip knot) → through anchor → back to loop → pull tight → finish with half hitches.

Sheet Bend

Join lines of unequal diameter; more secure than square knot. Add a second turn (double sheet bend) for slippery lines.

Prusik

Slides when slack, grabs when loaded. Cord ~60–80% of rope diameter; 2–3 wraps common. Use for emergency progress capture or adjustable loops.

Lashings

Square for right‑angle frames; diagonal to stabilize crossed spars; shear to make folding bipods. Finish with frapping turns to cinch tight.

Improvised Harness/Drag

Seat harness from webbing (water knot to join ends); tarp/sled drags for short moves with multiple helpers; watch for spinal concerns.

Simple 3:1 Z-Drag (Caution)

For light recovery only with proper anchors and pulleys. High forces build quickly; use gloves, clear zones, and real rescue training for human loads.

☑️ Checklist — Shelter Tension Lines

• Bowline on tarp grommet; trucker’s hitch to anchor
• Taut‑line on stakes for adjustability
• Backup slippery hitches; check after wind gusts

Examples

• Tarp A‑frame: Bowlines at corners; ridge with trucker’s hitch; guylines with taut‑lines; clove hitch + backup to poles.
• Load tie‑down: Trucker’s hitch to cinch, finish with two half hitches; inspect after first mile.

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Key Takeaways

• Practice a core set: bowline, trucker’s hitch, taut‑line, sheet bend, clove, constrictor, prusik.
• Back up slippery/simple hitches; inspect under load.
• Use appropriate cord/rope sizes; avoid shock loading improvised systems.

Scenario

🧭 Scenario (Storm tarp holds): Wind shifts at 02:00.
🔍 Decisions: Re‑tie corners; add trucker’s hitch; adjust taut‑lines.
✅ Outcome: You tighten guylines with trucker’s hitches, reset taut‑lines, and sleep through the squall.
🧠 Lessons: Bowline + trucker’s + taut‑line = shelter toolkit
🏋️ Drill: Tie these three knots in under 60 seconds, eyes closed.