Here are three essential knots that every outdoorsman should master. By "master" I mean you should be able to tie them by feel in complete darkness. If you're ever caught without a flashlight in a pop-up thunderstorm and your gear starts blowing all over camp, you'll thank me when you can secure it quickly and securely.
The video demonstrates how to tie each of the three knots, so the photos that follow are primarily to show how the finished knot should look. You can click on any of the photos to enlarge it to a size where you can easily see the details.
I also show you a handy way to coil and store rope so that it will be neat and tangle-free when you need it.
TWO HALF HITCHES
This is probably the most useful knot there is... period. I use it for all sorts of things like:
HAULING A BOW UP INTO A TREESTAND
Notice that I've made a loop around the grip before tying the two half hitches
HAULING A RIFLE UP INTO A TREESTAND
Again, a loop around the stock just under the sling swivel stud keeps the rope from slipping off and keeps the muzzle pointed up so that it doesn't get jammed into the dirt, thus avoiding any possibility of a very dangerous barrel obstruction. Obviously, this should never be done with a loaded chamber!!!
HAULING A RIFLE AND PACK UP INTO A TREESTAND
Same method of tying a wrap and two half hitches, but pass the rope through the haul loop on your pack first.
BOWLINE
TRUCKERS HITCH
A very handy knot for tying down canoes, ATVs, Boone and Crocket deer, or maybe even your daughter's pink Barbie bike.
HERE'S THE ROPE COILING TECHNIQUE TOO
