Learning knots can be a lot of fun and useful too. I’ve been doing a lot of knotting lately since my nephew started scouting and decided to practice his “knotting expertise” with me. It was kind of funny since I’ve known to do all of them too. I just pretended I don’t to humor him. 
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Knots can really be helpful during camping trips specially when you set up your camp. You can use it on many things as well just like tying a package, for hanging clothesline and many more. I listed three knots that I often used during my camping trips for you to learn.
Square Knot
Also referred as reef knot for it is often used by sailors for reefing. In camping, you can used this for joining cords together, tying packages, bandages, trash bags and even shoelaces.
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To start with, tie an overhand knot like you do in you shoelace by putting the left end under the right end. Tie another overhand knot but this time putting the right end under the left end. Pull the rope until it is tight.
Bowline
Also referred as “King of the knots” because it is very important and considered as a very reliable for it does not slip. In fact, you may use this on rescuing operations and securing tarp and your hammock.
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There is actually a mnemonic on doing this knot and it is quite easy. Just imagine the other end on of the rope as the “rabbit” and the still end as the “tree”. First you need to make a loop or the rabbit’s hole. Then the “rabbit” come out of the hole and run the tree from right to left, then come back down to the hole. Quite easy to remember, isn’t it?
Clove Hitch
Also referred as builder’s hitch, it is considered as most important know which is often used to secure the rope to a pole, tree or any cylindrical objects. I often used this on securing my tent, and hammock and even for my clothesline.
Photo via Pinterest.com
To do this, loop the rope around the object. Take the other end (A) and make another loop around the object forming an X. Bring the rope end (A) under the X and pull the end to tighten to rope.
Learning knots are fundamental in camping. One can never know when he will use such knowledge. In fact you can even use these knot at home just by tying your shoelaces, and making some DIY stuff. As the Boy’s scout motto say, “Be prepared“. So go grab some rope and practice knotting.
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