When you’re out in the wild, knowing a few strong, reliable knots can make all the difference. Whether you’re setting up camp, securing gear, or tying down a canoe, having the right knot for the job is crucial.
Here are six of the best knots I personally use for bushcraft, camping, and canoeing. Master these, and you’ll be ready for any outdoor adventure!
1. Bowline – The King of Knots 👑
✅ Use: Creates a secure loop that won’t slip under tension.
✅ Best For: Tying canoes to shore, securing hammocks, and making rescue loops.
✅ Why It’s Great: Strong, doesn’t tighten under load, and easy to untie.
The Bowline is my go-to knot when I need a fixed loop that won’t come undone. It’s great for securing gear to trees, anchoring tarps, and even for emergency rescues.
2. Trucker’s Hitch – For Maximum Tension 🚛
✅ Use: Tightens a rope to hold gear in place.
✅ Best For: Securing tarps, tying down loads in a canoe, and tightening ridgelines.
✅ Why It’s Great: Acts like a pulley system to create extreme tension.
The Trucker’s Hitch is perfect for pulling tarps tight over a shelter or making sure your canoe gear stays put during rough waters.
3. Taut-Line Hitch – The Adjustable Tension Knot ⛺
✅ Use: Adjusts tension on a rope without untying.
✅ Best For: Tent guy lines, clotheslines, and securing a canoe.
✅ Why It’s Great: Easily adjustable and holds tension well.
I use the Taut-Line Hitch whenever I need a rope that can be adjusted on the fly, like tightening a tent in windy conditions.
4. Clove Hitch – The Quick and Secure Hitch 🏕
✅ Use: Attaches a rope to a post, tree, or canoe frame.
✅ Best For: Setting up tarps, securing gear, and tying a canoe to a dock.
✅ Why It’s Great: Simple, fast, and easy to untie.
The Clove Hitch is perfect when you need a temporary hold that can be adjusted quickly, like hanging tools on a branch or tying up a canoe for a short stop.
5. Canadian Jam Knot – The Survival Knot 🍁
✅ Use: Creates a strong, cinching loop that tightens under load.
✅ Best For: Securing sleeping bags, binding firewood, and making traps.
✅ Why It’s Great: Tightens down hard and won’t slip.
The Canadian Jam Knot is a bushcraft essential! It’s fantastic for securing bundles of wood or compressing gear to make it easier to carry.
6. Prusik Knot – The Climber’s Friend 🧗♂️
✅ Use: Grips another rope for climbing or hauling.
✅ Best For: Canoe rescues, climbing, and tensioning tarps.
✅ Why It’s Great: Holds tight under load but slides when released.
The Prusik Knot is a must-know for canoeing. If your canoe flips, you can use this knot to climb back up a rope or pull yourself to safety.
Final Thoughts
These six knots are my go-to choices for bushcraft, camping, and canoeing. They’re simple, practical, and will cover almost any outdoor situation.
Which knots do you use the most? Let me know! 🏕🚣🔥
