ATV camping in the back country requires a lot of knowledge about a lot of different things. Knowing how to tie good camping knots is an invaluable skill and can be very useful in a ATV camping survival situation. I have put together four knots that are extremely helpful when ATV camping.
First off only two of these are actually knots the other two are hitches. What’s the difference you may ask? A knot is used when a rope is tied onto itself and a hitch is used when a rope is tied onto another object. To help in learning how to tie knots one must understand some basic knot terminology:
- Standing End – The part of the rope that you do not work with while tying a knot. The standing end could be several inches or many feet in length.
- Working End – The part of the rope that you work with, usually one end of the rope.
- Loop – When the rope crosses under or over itself to form a loop.
- Bight – Is a bend in the rope. The rope does not cross to form a loop.
The recommended four knots for ATV camping are:
- Bowline – A strong knot that forms a loop that will not slip and it doesn’t jam under force. It serves as an excellent knot to anchor the rope to almost any object.
- Reef Knot – Also known as the Square Knot, is a camp knot to tie two ends of a rope together. This knot works best with ropes of equal size.
- Clove Hitch – A knot to place over a tent stake, around a tree or pole, or around the top of a nylon food bag to hang in a tree. A clove hitch tightens as force is applied.
- Taut-Line Hitch – This knot is a handy camp knot because it is easily adjustable. You can tighten or loosen a line by simply sliding the knot up or down the standing end of the rope. The taut-line works by applying friction when it is under tension. Excellent for tarp and tent construction.
The following videos cover how to tie each knot:
The Bowline Knot
The Reef Knot
The Clove Hitch
The Taut-Line Hitch
Knowing how to tie and use these four must knots of ATV camping will help you in getting your campsite setup and help you in a survival situation. As you get more proficient in tying them you will fine more uses for them on your ATV camping adventure.
