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One of the best ways to survive in the wilderness is to be proficient with a few basic knots. You may have learned them in scouting or similar activities. Since two of the three knots explained here belong to the four basic nautical knots, sailors are usually proficient with them. One thing about knots is that when you do not practice making them, you get rusty. Use a thin cotton cord for practice. Heavier rope is bulky and does not always show the result properly. When you see that your knot looks right, you will feel better about all the practice. If you have children, encourage them to practice with you. Providing your family with survival skills is one of the best lessons you can teach.
Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is a good knot to know for wilderness survival, camping, mountain climbing, nautical use and even lifesaving events. The result is quite strong and the weight placed against the knot is well- balanced, giving a lot of security for a relatively uncomplicated knot. It is easy to untie, a definite asset because when most knots pull tight, it is difficult to loosen them. The bowline does tend to loosen if a load shifts or depletes, and that is why you often see truckers out checking bindings. Once proficient, you can make this knot quickly. Like all knots, everyone improves with practice. Start out with a two-foot length of cord and a flat area to work on. Match the ends of the rope and set it down flat. Smooth the rope out so you have room to work.
Make a small loop in the center of the rope. Some people like to pick up one part of the rope and loop it to make the circle sitting on top. Others just pull a section of the rope under the other part. Both are right, so choose the style best for you.
Take one end of the rope through the loop, around the main line of the rope and down into the loop. The result resembles a cursive capital O.
Bring the edge of the rope back up and around the other part of the rope and down under the original circle. Then pull the main rope away from the loop to tighten. You end up with a long length of rope and a big loop.
Square Knot
The square knot is also one of the best knots to know. It allows two pieces of rope to join securely. In emergencies, such as wilderness survival, you may end up making bandages from strips of cloth and the square knot is what a person should use to bind them. Make a secure handle on a heavy box or container to send something safely over the river to the other shore.
Put the ropes close to each other in a parallel fashion so the top of each rope is straight across from each other. Pick up a piece in each hand and tie an overhand knot (similar to tying your shoes).
Tie another overhand knot and put the left end under and over the right side of the rope. The ends will be looking at opposite directions. Pull tight. You have just completed a knot that will get you through many emergencies, including tying down tarp and making hanging water jugs. Safe and dry with plenty of water is a critical step in wilderness survival.
Clove Hitch
The clove hitch is also one of the four basic nautical knots. Use to fasten a rope securely to something solid, like a beam or pole. The clove hitch is also the knot that lets you make secure starts and finishes to lashings. Practice on wood running horizontally, such as a low branch or a board between fence posts.
Bring the rope over the pole and under. The end will be above the top of the post. Take the rope and bring it around one more time. Cross over the first wrap to make an X. The top end should be standing straight up at this point and the rope wraps will be spread part. Bring the rope around one more time and draw it through the center of the X.
Tighten the clove hitch by pulling the top end straight up until the X unites.
Continue to practice these three knots so they are automatic when needed.
Source by Pat Fisher