Master these top 5 essential survival knots

06/26/2024 / By HRS Editors

Knot tying is an important skill for preppers, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors camping or hiking.

Knowing survival knots can also help if you are preparing for emergencies. Different knots can be used to secure a shelter, tie down gear or even create traps for hunting.

When SHTF, a secure knot can spell the difference between having a secure shelter and your tent collapsing because of strong winds. (h/t to TruePrepper.com)

While you’re preparing for an emergency and stocking up on supplies, make sure you also buy a strong braided survival cord that won’t fray and is strong enough to support heavy equipment.

Below are some useful knots that you can learn to improve your survival skills.

Bowline knot

The bowline knot is a non-slip knot for the end of a length of rope. With this knot, you can put an attachment point on the end of a rope that is still easy to loosen as needed.

The bowline knot is ideal for:

Gear attachment loops
Pulley loops
Securing things to poles

The bowline knot is not complicated and you can tie it quickly. The knot is also easy to disassemble.

Double fisherman’s knot

Use a double fisherman’s knot if you need to securely join two rope ends together. This knot can be used to lengthen rope, repair rope, or tie fishing line.

The double fisherman’s knot is ideal for:

Extending fishing line
Creating a longer rope from shorter ropes
Repairing fishing nets

The double fisherman’s knot is easy to learn and is useful if you need longer cordage. (Related: Prepping must-haves: Essential items to include in your survival stockpile.)

Square knot

The square knot can also be used to join two ropes together since it holds well under tension.

The square knot is ideal for:

Attaching gear
Splicing rope
Tying loops

The square knot is common, but it is a versatile one with many uses.

Trucker’s hitch

The trucker’s hitch can be used if you need to apply a significant amount of tension to a line with easy adjustments. This knot uses several loops and half-hitches to provide a mechanical advantage against a heavy load.

The trucker’s hitch is ideal for:

Clotheslines
Hoisting supplies up a tree
Tying loads down tightly
Shelter lines

The trucker’s hitch can be relatively difficult to tie if you haven’t practiced it, but once you get the hang of it the knot is easy to disassemble and is very strong.

Zeppelin bend

The zeppelin bend is a knot that can join two rope ends together strongly and securely. Rescue climbers use this knot when strength and reliability are essential.

The zeppelin bend is ideal for:

Lengthening rope
Making a rescue harness

This knot is easy to learn, and it can be useful for different survival situations. Practice the zeppelin bend if you need a reliable connection between two ropes.

Where to get sturdy cordage for your survival needs

The Health Ranger Store is here to help you prepare for any emergency and we’re proud to present Ranger Gear UHMWPE Braided Survival Cord 1.5mm.

With a multitude of survival uses, Ranger Gear UHMWPE Braided Survival Cord 1.5mm is the perfect cordage for nearly all of your basic survival needs.

This cordage is versatile and it can also be used for normal applications.

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) cordage has a multitude of survival uses. In terms of raw strength per mm of thickness, UHMWPE is stronger than 550 paracord, nylon and Kevlar cordage. It’s also buoyant, meaning it floats on water and is great at resisting abrasion.

Sold in 100-foot lengths, this UHMWPE cordage is high-quality survival cordage. It is made by tightly braiding individual fibers into a super strong finished cord.

Our Ranger Gear UHMWPE Braided Survival Cord 1.5mm can carry up to 200 lbs., which makes it suitable for securing rolled items or binding small things, such as firewood or twigs and branches for a temporary shelter.

You can also use it to tie tools to your belt for easy access. The cord can also be used to make clotheslines, bundle plants and herbs for drying, or create DIY fishing lines.

It can also be used to tie down tarps or make simple traps, snares and trip wires for hunting small game. It can also be used for first aid purposes, such as making a DIY sling or splint for injured limbs.

Click on this link to learn more about other useful items that you can stock up on while preparing for emergencies.

Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more prepping products for your stockpile. Visit Survival.news for more essential survival skills you can use when SHTF.

Watch this clip to learn how to make paracord fishing lures.

This video is from the Survival 101 channel on Brighteon.com.