Pixabay© Pixabay
Pixabay

5 Ridiculously Handy Knots for Camping

© Pixabay

The Knots for Camping that Every Backpacker Should Know

Travelling New Zealand on a budget often means learning a few practical skills along the way. One of those essential skills that will particularly help you when camping or doing multi-day hikes is knowing how to tie a few different knots! Tying knots for camping is especially useful for securing tents, hanging up clotheslines, hanging tarps and may even come in handy during rescue situations.

Whether you are travelling New Zealand by campervan, saving on the cents by sleeping in a tent, or going on multi-day hikes, these are the camping knots that every backpacker should know. What’s more, they are relatively easy to learn and easy to figure out from the images provided. You’re welcome!

Learn more about camping in New Zealand in the 11 Golden Rules of Camping in New Zealand and What is the Difference Between a Campsite and a Holiday Park?

1. The Bowline Knot

It’s strong, it’s simple and it works for most situations, so why not start with learning the bowline knot? It’s particularly handy if you want to put up a hammock or solar shower, for instance. Otherwise, it’s a great one to know for rescue situations as it can be done with one hand.

Pixabay© Pixabay

2. Taut Line Hitch Knot

If you’re camping a lot, this is an essential knot to know! You can adjust the line tension with a taut line knot which is ideal for guy lines on tents or tarps, for instance. We also like to use it to string up a temporary washing line between two objects.

David J. Fred© David J. Fred

3. The Girth Hitch / The Cow Hitch

Don’t know this knot already? Where have you been?! The cow hitch is probably the easiest knot out there. Not only that, but it’s one of the strongest as you would have to break the rope to break this knot. The uses for the cow knot are endless, as you can hang it from just about anything.

Whidou© Whidou

4. Sheet Bend Knot

Need to make a longer rope? Tie two ropes together using the sheet bend knot, even if they are different sizes.

Lucasbosch© Lucasbosch

5. Square Knot / Reef Knot

Another knot for binding things or joining two ropes together, the square knot is perhaps a less reliable knot than the sheet bend knot. Nevertheless, it’s an easy one to learn and makes a tidy knot for tying objects down. However, it should not be used during emergency situations.

Eigenes Werk© Eigenes Werk

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

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