5 Tightening Systems for Rideglines and Rope Bridges

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I'm Joshua Enyart, former Army Ranger (Bco 1/75; Ranger Class 10-96), and Green Beret (18B, 7th SFG). To see my upcoming courses and in-person training, visit: graybeardedgreenberet.com/col...
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Music used with permission under Artlist Unlimited License Number - 660361 License owner - Joshua Enyart

[@wtarizona1017]

Joshua, between 1987-1988 I worked as a deckhand on the Nordic Monarch in Dutch Harbor AK. One trick that's useful for fixing a tarp - where the corner grommet is completely ripped/torn out is to twist about 6"-10" of the corner as tight as possible, bending the leg into the shape of a "J" and then, using a double-sheet bend in place of the grommet, secure with whatever line will accommodate. It works well in a pinch, especially if your tarp breaks going down the highway. Love your videos!

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

wt arizona good tip! I usually end up using an acorn in the corner with a clove hitch around it but any excuse to use a sheepshank is a great one. It’s a great knot

[@nickcrosby9875]

Bloody brilliant. Love the use of the prusik especially

[@detcordxxxi]

Man. I've forgotten all of these knots! Great detail and instruction!

[@cgmiller82]

I knew most of these, and some are more useful than others... but what I really took away was the use of a carabiner to reduce friction, not just to preserve the line, but in a truckers hitch it really increases the tension you can achieve. Thanks!!!

[@kaydansdaddy]

I always love the instructional skills you show thank you

[@rubensmit8242]

Great video, very well done! At 2:02 the way you are tying it seems to be a Midshipman's Hitch and not a Tautline hitch; the Tautline does not have the diagonal crossing inside the loop

[@chiefkirk]

Awesome job Josh. Oddly enough I was working with some of those knots today. Thanks for sharing pal.

[@Stone_Cold_Steve_Autisim]

Dude, I love your videos. Good stuff!

[@jcompton4]

Very nice, Learned some new ways to apply some already known knots!

[@digitalvikingusa4738]

clear, useful instruction - thank you

[@pauljohnbaker]

Awesome! Thank you. Inspired to practice.

[@outdoorzone]

The running prusik is genius! Never thought of using that to make a tightening ridge line!

[@oldcowboy4624]

EXCELLENT VIDEO JOSH. I’ll try them at first opportunity

[@erickt2665]

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, thanks so much

[@besimtitiz]

Great Video Joshua!

[@marcinsochacki8707]

all of your movies are full of very usefull informations and what is important You explain in coprehensive mode thank You

[@mitchelljenkins7441]

Very good instructions. Thanks

[@FT4Freedom]

Excellent teaching.

[@bm3823]

Great instructional video! I’d never seen a Prusik tied on the ridge line to tighten it, only as an attachment to it. Thanks.

[@rcatman2]

You are a good teacher

[@bntaft5133]

Thank you Josh.

[@ZoomTrainerGuard]

Extremely valuable Knowledge. Especially the last version with fig8 👌

[@Mr808islands]

i love them all my favorite all time bowline knott and the trucker hitch knott sweet video bro

[@GarryNichols]

We use something similar to that last one for ridge line rescue. Except without the figure 8. I teach it w/ the double dragon or the Alpine Butterfly. Both are super easy to untie after load.

[@SquidPrince85]

Thank you for your videos on this subject. I'm a US Navy vet. I appreciate your service. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I never learned the names of knots you shared, but I've used the half hitch without knowing it many times. You've shown me how to use it more effectively with the locking bars. The importance of the Prusik knot for tightening. How to dress certain knots and why. The value of what you share can not be underestimated. Please continue. Thank you. The only problem I'm having is locating number 36 bank line for the systems of knots you describe in certain videos you have released. Not really a compliant. Just something I need to resolve.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

I offer it on my website graybeardedgreenberet.com

[@Vivo-yc6xc]

Awesome! Thank you 😊❤🙏

[@chefbobbarker3230]

Another great video thank you

[@paulrush9166]

Thank you for taking the time to make these awesome videos! Very much appreciated!

[@paulrush9166]

On a different video you have the Black Scout Medical Deployment Pouch with your gear. Specifically, what items do you have in there? I think you named a few items that it contained but maybe not all. The reason I ask is because when I go to the product's website, the pouch is sold alone with a drop down menu of what you would like to purchase along with it. Just curious to see what you would feel is sufficient. Thank you very much, in advance, for your time!

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Depends on your level of training, the IFAK insert, CAT Tourniquet, and Trauma Shears for sure. If you are trained in Needle Decompression, I would add that kit as well. Really the most important thing is to seek out training with all of it.

[@paulrush9166]

Right on! Thank you. Looks like a good kit

[@bushido007]

Found this after request under your other vid. Thanks

[@michalurbanful]

Great way to teach the knots, thank you! The way you used two prusik knots to tighten the line was really something! :-) BTW I'm used to bowline on one end (with a toggle for quick release) and a trucker's hitch on the other. Works fine.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

That one is my standard now as well.

[@clintstinkeye5607]

Good tutorial.

[@paulwatterson5992]

Thanks!

[@Jonboyr700]

Wow. I thought I had ridge line tighening systems down pretty damn well. You showed several I was unaware of. Time to practice more! Thanks Joshua - great video and explanations between the different systems. Also, had a great time with you at the PF intermediate class.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

A couple of them I picked up over the years! Some of them I actually learned from rope bridges to get personnel across a stream, believe it or not.

[@marcinsochacki8707]

easy and smart systems, thx Bro😊

[@renerenatorivera9062]

Nice! close ups of knots during and after tying would be great!

[@johnburakowski61]

I've always used a clove hitch with a couple half hithes in the tail , to anchor . It holds the tree firmly at the height you place it and is easy to remove regardless of how much of a load you put on it .

[@MichaelR58]

Thanks for sharing, I learned something new !

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Awesome! Always the goal!

[@rna16arunsainju]

Thank you sir

[@shaunmorris2722]

Best knot of dem all

[@outdoorzone]

I like your modified tautline hitch…I’m a big fan of the tautline but never tied it that way…I will try your method out! Thx for sharing good stuff!

[@rubensmit8242]

it's a Midshipman's Hitch

[@levi8686]

Great video, first time I've seen these methods. What would your opinion be on using a marlinspike hitch on the biner instead of that slipped figure 8?

[@FT4Freedom]

Simple system is around the tree with two half hitches and secure other side with simple scout taught-line hitch and secondary half hitch. All your other methods are excellent thought projects anyway.

[@kidbach]

gotta love the "do all" figure 8. thanks for sharing the tutorial.

[@CalebDiT]

I've given myself so many headaches for disremembering the tautline hitch. Don't fasten a mattress to the roof of your car until you know you got it right. Seriously, though, this is a great video. Many thanks.

[@WakeRunSleep]

An explanation of the advantage of each knot over the others would have awesome

[@shaunmorris2722]

My Dad 101st VNV RIP❤, UREMIND ME OF HIM UR Sense of humor love it Bro

[@oldcowboy4624]

You know important stuff for the mission

[@williamshockley7509]

Man, really digging your vids. This one especially. So I'm a super newbie to knots and ropes, could you break down what size rope to buy and which knots youd typically use for camp set up? Thanks in advance.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

For normal camp setup I just use paracord and #36 Bank Line. I use larger ropes for videos so they are easy to see. The only thing you need ropes this size for are mountaineering tasks. Check out my 11 Essential Knots video for the knots I typically use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qny7pnmwa8ibec0

[@rustyshackleford2910]

Not to take away from all the other tutorials up to this point but there are not enough thumbs up for this one. Can’t imagine what sort of knuckleheads gave it a thumbs down. Hope they suffer a long cold wet night with their flaps, flapping in the breeze.

[@lengthmuldoon]

My first anchor would be the siberian and my second a truckers with a rolling knot and quick release. It's as fast as it gets and gives a ridge as taut as a guitar string

[@rna16arunsainju]

Normal people doesn’t need such training except rescue stakeholder ; & not even climbers needs it. This demo is focused on survival preparedness for any Emergencies or Tactical Advantages.

[@robertw4230]

Josh, have you ever used a taught line hitch for climbing or rappelling ? I used to be a tree trimmer and that was the knot to tie - in with that everyone I know also used, and yes I still have some tree sap in my blood !

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

I haven’t, that is probably one of my least used hitches. I do a lot of prusik’s for mountaineering

[@jack_batterson]

Here's a suggested (tried and used by me) third technique using a Prusik knot and a second piece of cordage: tie the small diameter cordage into a loop (use a tracing 8 knot). Take the loop and use it to form a 6-wrap Prusik knot around the standing end of the ridge line. Next, run the working end of the ridge line around the anchor (a tree in this case). Attach the working end of the ridge line to the Prusik loop (use a Sheet bend, Carrick bend, etc, even a toggle.). You should now have a ridge line going around the tree and attached to the a loop, which is tied on to the ridge line with a Prusik knot. Slide the Prusik knot/loop away from the anchor (tree) to tighten up the ridge line. (Wish I could post a picture here....) This is very easy to untie, even after being loaded. I prefer the Taut-line hitch (I think the Midshipman's Hitch variant is demonstrated in the video here.); however, under a load, the Taut-line hitch (especially the Midshipman's variant) can lock up tight and be tricky to untie. The Prusik is easy to untie, even after being loaded. My suggested "third technique" is similar to the first technique demonstrated here, but a bit easier to tie and cinch down. And, using a secondary piece of cordage, it also has the advantage of using narrower gauge cord to form the Prusik knot. It may have the disadvantage of not providing as much working load strength, depending on the secondary cordage used. I leave a Prusik loop(s) pre-tied and left on the ridge line when moving between locations. This makes setting up a ridge line a snap: I use a figure 8 loop on one end (now the standing end). On the other, I run the working end around an anchor, bend it on to the Prusik loop, and slide the Prusik to tighten it all up. If you can use a toggle (or snap link), to attach the working end to the Prusik loop, it is even faster to set up! Again, the Taut-line hitch is still my go-to for most tie downs, as long as the anchor is not too thick or wide, but using a secondary Prusik loop for a simple ridge line can be fast and efficient. Nice video!

[@davidyanceyjr]

My father's retired Army. Growing up on bases around the country those woods looks like places I camped while we were stationed at Fort Benning or Fort Stewart.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

This was around Camp Lejeune NC so not far off, same kind of woods for sure

[@davidyanceyjr]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret the last system in this video was very interesting. I'm searching for a video of that system in action. I think "Corporals Corner" posted one before.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Probably not on his channel, him and I were discussing the differences between Ranger rope bridge systems (which that is) and the ones they used in the USMC about a month or two ago when we were teaching together. We swapped techniques then but he had never seen this way and I had never seen his way. I think we both decided to keep our own ways of doing it out of familiarity

[@doncarlos4548]

Great videos! How about shelter for places without trees? Still using a poncho......

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

That is a future video that will be on the shelter playlist

[@Halligan515]

Excellent video. Being a CS/HA Rescue Tech at work I love ropes and knot work. I just learned some wicked cool new tricks to teach my sons on this weekend's session in the woods! ~ Halligan515 ( IG )

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Awesome! Nothing better than passing it on to the next generation.

[@NicolasDerudder]

Great parenting priorities 🙏

[@nathansharp3193]

I was really expecting to see you show what I would call a 'Prusik Looped Trucker's Hitch." It's what I've found very useful for setting up a tarp over my hammock. On the first tree I tie a slipped buntline hitch - nothing special there, it's just an easy knot to untie and I'm confident it will hold a very tight ridgeline with a load on it. And of course I always keep pre-tied prusiks on or with my ridgeline to make setting up and adjusting my tarp easy. My 'trick' is to have a third prusik loop on my ridgeline that becomes the first loop knot of a trucker's hitch. I run the working end of my ridgeline around the second tree and through the prusik (or if using good rope, a carabiner snapped to the prussic which would also help avoid having to pull through excess line). From there I have the typical tension setup of a trucker's hitch and all that's left to do is pull it to the desired tension and lock it off - I use a slipped overhand backed up with an overhand in the bight (I've never had a problem with them - definitely just a ridgeline knot though [none of the knots in the setup I'm describing are for bridge knots]). The advantage of using the prusik instead of a typical knot in a bight with the trucker's hitch is that you can move the bight knot (the prusik in this case) to exactly where you want it. I've tied many truckers hitches that I had to undo because my initial loop was either too close to the tree to get the desired tension, or too far from the tree and it interfered with my tarp. With this method all that's needed to adjust that first loop is to relieve tension and slide the prusik to the perfect location after you know how everything is going to layout with tension on it. This can be a huge timesaver if you're using a large length of rope that you want to avoid cutting and you don't have an extra carabiner to make feeding the working end through the bight of a trucker's hitch. I don't know if I saw someone do this knot on KZbin or if I came up with it. I'm sure it's been done by plenty of other people besides me but I never see anyone mention it. I thought for sure that a video called 'Five Tightening Systems for Ridgelines and Rope Bridges' would have showed this under-utilized method. If my description is a little hard to follow and you want me to make a video explaining it better let me know. If it makes perfect sense and you think it's a brilliant technique then please make your own video mentioning it and share it. I've found it to be a game changer with my tarp setup. It's always right the first time...because I get unlimited second chances on the first attempt. 😉 I don't recall actually seeing a video of it. I think I just adapted the prusik and a 'button stick' tarp tensioning technique to the truckers hitch. I'm sure I'm not the first to combine these knots. I watch quite a few camping and knot videos and never see it used. It should be common knowledge. Also the double prusik around the tree at minute 12ish was new to me. Thanks.

[@NinjaHempKnight]

When using the figure 8 with the carribeaner, could you have used the rolling hitch like you do with the modified truckers hitch?

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

I don’t know that it would bite on itself if it was running through a carabiner

[@NinjaHempKnight]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret thanks for the reply. Love the videos.

[@sirj3487]

How is a fig. 8 retrace easier to untie than a bowline or a round turn and two half hitches?

[@howdydoody30204b]

Thanks for the video. Always interesting. In my opinion, though, and I mean for my personal use, in your first example, your anchor knot is much too complicated and time consuming. I'm used to using smaller ropes, but I would use a half-hitch and a slippery half-hitch to anchor. You can stop that, if necessary, by forming a second loop inside of the first one, but still quick and easy to untie. Plus, I would use small Samson Dyneema rope, like Amsteel. I like the taut-line hitch on the other side, but I haven't seen that variety. What's wrong with the 2 inside and 1 outside method?

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

These are just the four I like to use, not just for shelters but for rope bridges and mountaineering. Nothing wrong with other techniques. This video is certainly not meant to be all inclusive or suggest that if it isn't shown something is wrong with it

[@howdydoody30204b]

Good to know. Thanks.

[@jakewalden771]

HK ..... Sick Hat

[@DannyWalker1949]

Some Very GOOD Knots you showed. I do have 1 question though. Your "Trucker's Hitch". Do you know where this came from? I used to drive back in the 40's thur the mid 80's. We Had a Knot known as a Truckers Knot for tie'n our Tarps down on Grain Trailers and on Flatbeds too. But, it wasn't nothin like that knot you showed and ours is simpler to tie and to Un-tie too. Just curious is all.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Ex-Law Enforcement from my understanding this truckers hitch is derived from that, could be the same name applied to two different knots that have the same usage. I’ve found that between the Army, Navy, Boy Scouts, rock climbers, search and rescue, etc. you will run into three different versions called the same thing or three different names for the same knot. I learned this truckers hitch and the variation in the Special Forces community somewhere around 2004

[@DannyWalker1949]

Thanks Joshua, I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question on this. I enjoy your video's you make.

[@JohnDoe-ee6qs]

Ex-Law Enforcement maybe you were tying a wackos transport knot like we used to use in Europe in days before ratchet straps took over to tie down loads

[@nathansharp3193]

knots3d.com/knots/en_us/63/truckers-hitch There's a phone app that is basically this whole website of knots for availability offline in the boonies. It's my favorite camping app. Google "knots3d" if you're not a link clicker - I certainly don't click every link I see.

[@rem45acp]

What's the best way to secure a ridge line to a tree that needs to be positioned above reachable height, such as 10 feet up? For instance to hang a large 20x20 tarp over a camp tent, chairs and picnic table, and back of a truck. I can use a carabiner on the first tree, with a pole to push it up there. But how to do I get it tight on the second tree when it needs to be above reaching height and no ladder is available to get close and tie a knot?

[@zoehancock]

You could throw the route over a high branch, pull right and tie where you can reach.

[@tonyyoung327]

You could’ve added the double truckers hitch For extremely tight ridgeline

[@eddyflo2978]

Top Knot!!!

[@FT4Freedom]

There are so many whys and ways to skin a cat. The benefits are in the discovery.

[@gkaye9393]

sound check please

[@raymondsanchez808]

What kind of cord or rope are you using? Please and thank you 👍

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Its just a Sterling climbing rope so that it is easier to see vs. Paracord

[@raymondsanchez808]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret awesome, really appreciate it

[@shaunmorris2722]

BTB BOUT TIME

[@Peppymoke]

To fix the rope on the tree just use a siberian hitch. Easily and fast tied even with mittens (hence the name) and can be undone easily even under load because it's slipped. For the other side just use the original truckers hitch. With you version you're taking away the 3to1 mechanical advantage.

[@g-palloyd3600]

I got audio loud and clear.

[@jasontindell6734]

God Bless everyone!!!! Jesus Loves you all very much!!!!

[@FT4Freedom]

This is the real message.

[@markbh8]

What type of rope is that? And how big?

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Its a climbing rope that is larger sized so you can see the knots easier on video, I don't actually use or recommend using one for a shelter ridgeline.

[@FT4Freedom]

Taught-line hitch is quite different from the one taught in the scouts for the last century. I wonder the benefit of the one you teach. The scout version is simpler.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

I would like to see the scout version, they may have an easier way to tie the same thing

[@FT4Freedom]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret the TL hitch is a clove-hitch on a rope with an extra wrap around on the tree side of the knot. When you bring it perpendicular it slides free. When you let it relax it tightens up the inner loops around the rope.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

That is a good way of explaining it, it is a clove hitch with an extra turn in the loop towards the tree. Nice!

[@FT4Freedom]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret I like to teach too. Something to give is good. Kindness begets kindness, generosity is contagious.

[@michaelcarter8209]

👍

[@GrumpyGrunt]

Knots are a weak point for me. I need to practice them a lot more. I know a few, but need to be better. I especially like the Prusik System 2 (11:06). I'd never thought of attacking it like that. Makes perfect sense, though.

[@catmandont100]

Prusiks are a Life Saver, when climbing & winching.

[@greglum2]

the gray bearded green beret has a video of 11 knots that might help you

[@FT4Freedom]

Using those two half hitches to finish the rope bridge anchor seems a bit risky as they could slip along the rope if the line loses the friction lock on the tree. Maybe better to trade them over to the caribiner instead.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

For which anchor, the far- or near-side?

[@FT4Freedom]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret the side with the caribeaner. The two half hitches onto the first wrap.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Gotcha, on the Figure-8 tightening system. The full knot is called a Round Turn with Two half Hitches, it is a constant tension knot. It is extremely secure. It has been used by the Rangers for decades to move troops and gear across rivers. Holds up really well.

[@FT4Freedom]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret yah. I figure that wrap around the tree is mostly going to stay put.

[@wtr7]

Were you a Ranger? Rope bridge construction.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

William Rich I was a Ranger (Regiment and School) prior to SF, yes. Good eye, these tightening systems also directly translate to rope bridges and is where and how I originally learned them.

[@shaunmorris2722]

I meant soldier/sailor 😮

[@yoongiwifeinthenextlife]

It was difficult to see the knots being created.

[@beardedarchery3576]

Instead of a figure 8 you can use a cat's paw bite

[@brandonrippeonphoto]

great video other than the wood chopping in the background audio

[@jasongriffitts443]

Can't hear anything

[@oldcowboy4624]

They army should teach that in basic training instead of teaching the EO week

[@asmith7876]

HA! Every knot I used in the Army I learned at 12 yrs old in Boy Scouts! LOL The Army could learn a thing or two!

[@enriqueestebanantoniosuare6414]

Copy loud and clear.

[@beardedarchery3576]

Why not just use a cat's paw with a snap link or locking bener

[@jamesb7103]

This video and many others by the GBGB are well made and very informative, however, i just cant get past the background noise that sounds as if someone is standing right next to the camera chopping wood.

[@KaylynnStrain]

NO AUDIO AT ALL DURING THIS VIDEO

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Kaylynn Strain definitely has audio, something has to be off on your end

[@KaylynnStrain]

that i weird because I just watched another video from another channel without any problems

[@JesseAdams]

I had audio but kept hearing an audible pop noise every 15-30sec randomly. I don't know what that was but it drove me crazy.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Jesse Adams yes, that was actually the wireless microphone for the farther away from the camera shots, pushed the range a bit too far. Drove me crazy as well so they have since been upgraded.

[@JesseAdams]

Joshua Enyart that's kind of what I thought but didn't want to be a complainer:) Thanks