These essential knots to know in the wild can be a lifesaver, like the basic two we discussed earlier. All knots have their specific uses, although they can be used for general purposes too. The knots to be discussed below are considered advanced but still easy to master. All it will take is a regular practice. 

Here we go.

3 Essential Knots to Know in the wild

Figure 8

Figure 8 creates a stopper knot at the end of a rope. It is necessary if you’re aiming to tie more complex knots, in that it holds things in place as you tie. The figure 8 prevents a rope from slipping through or away completely (since it’s a stopper knot). And, yes, it may jam when you pull it tight; it can be easily untied.

How to Tie: A figure 8 is easily tied by passing the free end of a rope over itself to create a loop and then continuing under & around the end of the rope. The knot is finished by passing its free end through the loop.

Sheet Bend

No other knot is as effective as the sheet band for joining ropes of different thicknesses and tying different types of materials. A sheet band will help to join materials or ropes that can’t be joined normally. This makes it a crucial knot to know since you may be out of enough rope & may have to join different materials together in an SHTF situation.

If you can spare the time & get the materials, a sheet bend can make a fishnet. To some preppers, this is the most important knot in the wilderness.

How to Tie: Typically, you have more than one rope to tie a sheet bend, so use the more slippery or thicker rope to make a “J.” Proceed to pass the other line through this J from behind & wrap it around the entire length of the same J, after which you tuck its smaller line under itself.

Taut Line Hitch

The TLH acts like a slide to loosen or tension the loop in a rope — much like a tent guy rope. The taut-line grips tightly, providing tension is kept on the loop’s taut side. Failure to keep this tension on the line will cause the knot to slip quickly. When the knot is snug & set, you can then adjust the hitch as needed.

If you have to tighten the rope according to the load’s weight attached to its standing part, put a hand inside the loop & pull the standing part towards the object. Grip the hitch with your other hand & soon as there’s a slack within the loop, pull the hitch away from the object, thereby enlarging the loop. To loosen the rope, pull the hitch towards the object, causing the loop to become smaller. 

How to Tie: First, form a loop by wrapping the rope around an object like a tent stake or tee. Holding the other free end of the line, wrap again towards the tree twice, then proceed to wrap the free end over everything, towards you & around the rope, and then cinch the wraps tightly down.

Concluding The Essential Knots to Know in the Wild — Part 2

These essential knots to know in the wild are very important. They can be what saves your life. Start practicing them as soon as you can. Watch tutorial videos & continue until you get it right. Avoid underestimating the usefulness of knot tying.