Chapter 17 · Knots, ropes, and lashings
Summary table
| Knot | Purpose | Difficulty | Easy to release after a load? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowline | Fixed loop at the end | Medium | Yes |
| Figure-eight | Stopper at the end | Easy | Fair (it tightens) |
| Figure-eight loop | Very secure fixed loop | Easy | No (it jams) |
| Figure-eight follow-through | Loop around an object | Medium | No (it jams) |
| Alpine butterfly | Loop in the middle of the rope | Medium | Yes |
| Reef knot | Bandages, bundles; never for loads | Easy | Yes, too easily (it capsizes) |
| Sheet bend | Joining ropes of different thickness | Easy | Yes |
| Double sheet bend | Same, with slippery rope | Medium | Yes |
| Double fisherman's | Joining ropes of equal thickness; closing a cord loop | Medium | No |
| Clove hitch | Quick tie to a post; starting lashings | Easy | Yes |
| Round turn and two half hitches | Tying a loaded rope to a post, ring, or tree | Easy | Yes |
| Timber hitch | Dragging logs; starting the diagonal lashing | Easy | Yes |
| Cow hitch | Attaching a loop or sling to a bar | Easy | Yes |
| Cleat hitch | Tying up a boat | Easy | Yes |
| Adjustable-grip hitch | Tent guy lines, clothesline | Medium | Yes |
| Trucker's hitch | Tightening cargo, ridgeline | Medium | Yes (with the butterfly) |
| Prusik | Sliding grip on another rope | Medium | Yes, by loosening it |
| Improved clinch knot | Line to hook | Medium | No (you cut it) |
