How to tie a tent guy line and other useful knots

[@robertsbushcraft]

Get awesome military surplus gear here alnk.to/fHlelyN

[@alexcollier4053]

Oh this guy is a superstar. Great communicator, clear instructions and demonstrations. Legend.

[@righteousrat]

Most tent instructions don't tell you how to use these things so I'm really thankful for this.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, righteousrat!

[@4dzone]

Very nice, easily undestood, slow demonstration and easy to remember. Thanks for sharing.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, 4dzone!

[@AndreaSinclair-t4h]

Your video is really informative. As a solo lady camper I now know how to use those darn guy lines and a few knots😊 thank you

[@susanwhy9952]

Thank you so much for your thorough and patient teaching style! I know this is a simple skill, but one I have had trouble with. The few times people have tried to show me how to tie knots, they always went through it too quickly. This was perfect!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you for stopping by to watch and leave a comment, Susan! I am glad that I was able to help!

[@DevinDuclayan]

This video saved my butt the first time I went camping. Thanks for the great instructions!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey, I am thrilled this video helped you out!

[@TheMidnightModder]

This is such a great video! It was recorded very well, edited very well, you show the process very well, all with no confusing filler in your speaking. It's all concise and perfectly educational. You're like the father we've never had! Thank you!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Well thank you very much, MidnightModder!

[@ryandury]

I've watched a bunch of knot videos and this one is by far the best, in terms of explanation and demonstration... and even the audio only vibe at the end as I write this. Well done sir!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey I appreciate that, Ryan!

[@DartmoorPaul]

Terrific. Well filmed. Slow time talk and knot demo. Probably the best and easiest video to follow I’ve found. Thank you 😊👍

[@robertsbushcraft]

@DartmoorPaul I really appreciate that, and I hope the video helped out in some way!

[@kung1984]

I've been wondering how to use the guy line tensioner for the longest or even know the proper name for it. Also, these knot techniques have helped me immensely. Thank you for this vid. 🙏

[@robertsbushcraft]

I am so glad this video has helped! You are very welcome!

[@sadfur8728]

I couldn't figure it out trying to use common sense because I don't realize the knot at the end of the line needed to remain captive at the plastic tensioner, thinking it was pulled away as a length adjustment. Didn't realize the line was to be doubled up from the stake that way, would have been so much quicker and tidier this way😅

[@fubufb420]

Wow .. good video... Think I finally got that whole bowline figured out!🎉🎉 Been trying to figure out the whole Ridgeline thing!😂 I think this covers the simple method!🎉🎉

[@abonnieforclyde2802]

I've watched more than a handful of these tutorials in the last couple of weeks, and yours is by far the most useful for me. I am a new Scout Mom and first time tent owner. Setting it up in the parking lot of my local Elks Lodge, I could not for the life of me figure out how to stake and guyline it on concrete! This was the only video I found that helped illuminate that conundrum; resolved with a tensioner knotted after going through the tent loop, and secured to cinderblocks (that were attached with ratcheting tie downs to the floor) with the trucker's hitch you've just taught me! Maybe not ideal, but it allowed me to learn how to set up, and check that the tent itself was able to withstand the little Texas thunderstorm that passed by this weekend. Thank you immeasurably, and happy holidays! PS the chimes are beautiful. Sound very similar to the ones in the kitchen of my RV! Peace and blessings!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Erin, I am thrilled that this video was able to help! A bowline knot and trucker's hitch are two of my most frequently used knots in our camp setups. Keep those two in your pocket and they'll aid in almost any wilderness rigging riddle. Way to go using what was available to you in your setup, that's really neat! I love my little wind chime and hope to get a bigger set of chimes sometime this summer. Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave a comment, Erin. Good luck to you and yours in the scouts!

[@abonnieforclyde2802]

@@robertsbushcraft I'll admit I had to watch it a few times, and keep my phone on me while setting up so I could reference. But I'm sure that the Scouts will provide plenty of practice and some day it will come as easy to me as it does to you! I did have to chuckle at your reply though, solely for the fact that my husband has been known to call me "Erin Macgyver" after my "junkyard approach" to problem solving. Lol! Bamboo chimes are my favorite. In larger stalked ones, some of the tones are so rich and gorgeous - they are mesmerizing! And easy to craft yourself - if you have the right stuff lying around 😆😉🤣 Not sure if this will work, but here's a link to a picture of the one I have hanging in our RV flic.kr/p/2i94CSX

[@robertsbushcraft]

My wife often says that "if noone else can fix it, you can." I'm a tinkerer and student of the junkyard approach, what else can I say? Those bamboo chimes are really neat! I may try and make a set or two this year.

[@crankcuffin1948]

great video, noone ever showed me how to do this when I was a kid. Thanks for the tutorial

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad I could help with this, Crank!

[@rhysweston9426]

That’s funny! When I was a kid my dad wouldn’t shut up about the bowline knot lol

[@PolarRed]

The Perfect Tutorial! As a complete noob, I learnt exactly what i needed to know as a foundation point! 10/10. Thank you sir.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are certainly welcome!

[@Austin-ui8in]

I never knew about trucker's hitch before. Even though it's super simple I never bothered to learn how to tie down a tent ⛺ Very informative, thanks for posting!!

[@robertsbushcraft]

It's very useful in tying down gear in the back of truck, trailer, and countless other applications.

[@mrpoosteak]

@@robertsbushcraft I have always been confused on how to do a truckers hitch when I didn't have ratcheting tie downs. You made it completely simple. I'm taking my 5 yo daughter camping for the first time and looking for resources. Thanks!

[@alwaysforwardyt]

Every time l add guylines to my tents l come back here 1:06 So far, this knot has kept my tent and myself safe. Awesome. Thanks a lot!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey that's fantastic, Always Forward!

[@marshwiggleme]

I always come back to this video, it's so clear, the right speed for a learner, thanks! I took off extra parts to wash my tent and needed a refresher!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Now that puts a smile on a guy's face! I'm thrilled this video has been a help to you!

[@jolebole-yt]

After 40yrs you telling me its this easy.... No way :). I'm about to step up my camping game. Thank you sir!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You can do it! You are very welcome, @GoranJordanov!

[@kennyc388]

Thank you sir ! A nice clear video for novices like me. I've never bought a nice tarp before so I picked up a beautiful AquaQuest 10 x 13 camo Defender through Amazon. Not cheap but you get what you pay for most of the time and the tarp is beautifully made. With your help now I can half way know what I'm doing ! LOL Thank you !

[@robertsbushcraft]

We absolutely LOVE Aqua Quest tarps. LOVE! Check out what we did this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emq6iXuDgtCrrLs

[@samdeur]

Thank you so much this is one if not the best howto vid I have seen learning these knots they might seem simple to you but even for a former vet I never learned them We had bungee cord. And i used ugly Knots.. kind regards all the best from the Netherlands

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks for watching, @samdeur!

[@PB-PB-PB]

I loved the pace of this video. It is great for people with zero experience. Thank you for showing it slowly!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You're so welcome, Prachi!

[@roamingfree6968]

OH MY GOSH - THANK YOU‼ My first tent & had no clue. KZbin is a great avenue to learn & yours was the first video. No need to look further. Your a great teacher!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Well I certainly appreciate that, Roaming Free! Happy camping to you!

[@darkdeepred6577]

Great video, very concise instructions and very well filmed. Much appreciated, sir.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you very much!

[@soggers546]

The repetitive tying along with the soothing wind chimes and explanation is awesome. Great tutorial for the ol bowline.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you, S!

[@konstantindimov3153]

Thank you sir, educational videos like yours are really being missed on that platform.

[@robertsbushcraft]

I hope to have more like this soon, Konstantin. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@curtriceennis2924]

TYSM for sharing this in - depth tutorial about how to use the guy - line tensioner. Thank you also for showing us how to tie the two knots you used. I do appreciate your taking time to slowly explain all you did for us. 👍😉👍

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey you are very welcome, Curtrice!

[@DonnaBrown-c7j]

Excellent tutorial!! Thank you so much solo female festival goer camping alone this year! Tent prepped now bring on Bloodstock U.K. XX

[@robertsbushcraft]

Right on! Your welcome, have fun and be safe!

[@jacintoalmager8778]

I learned this knot working on the drilling rigs. It was the knot used on the cathead line to pick things up. It can hold alot of weight and is still easy to untie when you need to change knots. I remember it cause the rabbit comes out the whole around the tree and back down the whole 😂

[@robertsbushcraft]

That's awesome, Jacinto! I think it's probably my most used knot in our camp outings.

[@JackBQuick79]

Very helpful, I have referenced this video both times I have pitched our tents. I know, if only I would remember I wouldn't need to search knots on you tube every time I see cordage. In my opinion Bolin knott will be my choice when I need to call a knot by name.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Your choice is mine too!

[@canopus101]

Very good explanation of the basics. I use a bowline and truckers hitch often so I was not looking to learn but I did. A lot of beginners try tying a bowline and end up with a cowboy bowline because they make the initial lop the wrong way round. The idea of making a lower case 'd' is easy to remember and ensures the bowline is formed correctly. I liked that.

[@robertsbushcraft]

The lower case d shape is something that always stuck in my elementary mind :D

[@carmie5881]

Thank You. It was an excellent tutorial. I was staring at the stakes and tensioners for the longest time trying to figure it out.

[@robertsbushcraft]

I'm glad it helped, Carmie58!

[@sharrarak115]

Thank you thank you thank you. I’m a beginner and last camping trip could not understand how to use these guy lines or how to secure them. Lol. Bless you.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, @sharrarak115!

[@inthemix3013]

Explained brilliantly to a simpleton from England. Cheers mate

[@robertsbushcraft]

From one simpleton to another: you are certainly welcome, Gary! Cheers!

[@rosive1]

really upped my abilities when camping! have re-watched every time before I go as a refresher. thanks

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome and I am glad this helps!

[@subgeta07]

thanks for the tutorial. I hadn't been camping in years and this really helped out

[@robertsbushcraft]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@heartrockgirl4800]

Happy I found this. I misused that piece today, I knew it wasn't right, I didn't put it around the stake i just tied a knot in the line instead of using it to create the loop. Will fix it tomorrow, thanks!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad I could help, Lenore. Thank you for watching and commenting. Good luck!

[@maestrokross3083]

Thank you so much, this has really helped me on my last camping trip! My lines now don't look like a ball of mess from a noob.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad it helped!

[@cbdyna]

Thanks for the video, especially the guy line tensioner piece. Not so much the bowline; As a right handed person, it is much much easier for me to go through loop from left to right and create a "b" instead of a "d" as that allows my left hand to hold the rope steady while dominant hand completes the through hole, wrap, back up through hole and tightening down.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey, that works for me! Thanks for the input!

[@beautifullyblessedbygod740]

Thank you so much. I've been looking for the right video for my tent. You're the best!! Thanks, again❤

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are so welcome, @beautifullyblessedbygod74! Have fun!

[@kellymhanson]

Thanks for the helpful video. I really liked the pace of it. I could practice alongside you without pausing and rewinding the video a bunch of times.

[@outdoorseyfun9842]

I never new how these properly Installed or tied on and I've been around for a while thank you for showing us I'm going to practice that bowling knot.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are certainly welcome, outdoorsey fun!

[@kimberlym4289]

This was a very thoughtful, clear and educational video- thank you for your patience and awareness for us on the other side. You took your time with the knots and ensured the camera angle was so we could clearly see. Thank you!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome and I am thankful it was helpful!

[@Bo-tr5yx]

This was the best tutorial available online!!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Many thanks, @Bo-tr5yx!

[@MixMeisterChef]

Excellent tutorial, great teaching pace, and I love the all the practical applications being demonstrated.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad it was helpful, MixMeisterChef!

[@clindholm9396]

Great video! That tip to make a “d” for the Bowline made everything clear for me. And I’m happy to know I have been using guyline tensioners correctly.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad it helped, C!

[@christopherng9362]

Hi Robert, thanks for the excellent tutorial. It is clear, simple and straight to the point! You simply nailed it!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you very much, Christopher!

[@MatthewBester]

That double loop was just what I was looking for, thank you kindly!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You're very welcome!

[@bobwall3]

Thanks!

[@robertsbushcraft]

WOW! Hey thanks, @bobwall3! I know cash is hard to come by these days I sure appreciate this!

[@JohnGreen_US]

Very useful video. Wrapping the guyline around the tent stake, feeding the working end back thru the bowline, then tensioning & tying off with a slippery half hitch ... I've seen that method referred to as a McCarthy Hitch.

[@robertsbushcraft]

That's exactly what that is called, John, a McCarthy Hitch! Nice call! Thank you for watching and dropping that knowledge.

[@pumpamentaIs]

Thanks

[@robertsbushcraft]

@@pumpamentaIs thank you for that donation!!!

[@iamshack]

Falling asleep to that fabulous chime and wind in the background :)

[@robertsbushcraft]

Beautiful, aren't they?

[@SargentSkroonk]

That was the perfect video with simple instructions of the some essential knots. Thank you for sharing.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks, Chris!

[@Calin_Sanchez]

I've been coming back to this video for a refresher for a couple of years now.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Now that is AWESOME, Calin! I'm glad this video helps!

[@RJ-ek7ov]

Last Saturday my tent flew up so I’m learning how to tie it down properly. Very stressful camping wknd.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hopefully this helps keep that gear secured to the ground!

[@charliewilliam9573]

Awesome video this got me ready to put up my tent for my first festival, never used a tent before or set one up

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey that's awesome, Charlie!

[@kevinklein4748]

This video just made my outdoor life 10x easier. Cheers!!

[@robertsbushcraft]

That is awesome to hear! You are very welcome and happy outdooring!

[@R-Dub_]

Wonderful video, very thorough and well explained. Thankyou for taking the time it really helped me

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks, @R-Dub_Gone_Wild!

[@Campsitereview]

Putting this to use today! Going to make my first KZbin video: unboxing the OneTigris Rock Fortress. So excited!!

[@robertsbushcraft]

All the best to you, Briar Babe!

[@afiqsinclair]

this is very useful, as a newbie in camping I had a problem tying the correct knot. thanks for the thorough tutorial.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad it was helpful, afiq!

[@knightalumni]

Very helpful, lots of videos on the plastic doodad, but not on the knot. I'll be using this tomorrow..

[@robertsbushcraft]

Right on!

[@oliverdouglas9887]

Thanks for a great tutorial! I was able to guy out my tent for the first time without any issues, just before a fierce hailstorm came through, because I studied your video before my trip. Thanks for helping me keep my tent on the ground!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Oliver, I am thrilled to death this video helped you out! Happy trails!

[@corporal1107]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you. My first video to learn this and I got it. Saved to favorites for review anytime I need to refresh.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you and that's fantastic!

[@drunknmarxist]

New subscriber was wondering what these were for, thanks for taking the time to share this with us!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Right on, and welcome aboard!

[@drunknmarxist]

@@robertsbushcraft thanks brother!

[@Laubasss]

Very handy for noob like me! Been practising various knots lately😎. Cheers from the Netherlands Missing the taut hitch. Used that to set up my tarp as I had not the wee plastic tensioner thingies

[@robertsbushcraft]

I'm glad to be of assistance, @Laubasss!

[@suzybeebuzz3924]

Thank you so much, for this demonstration. I really needed to know this because I was lost with these strings for the tent

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad it was helpful, SuzyBeeBuzz!!

[@hadigamos6462]

Thanks for video, good explanation, good camera angle, so i can learn it. 😊

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad it was helpful, hadi!

[@TheArbiterSux]

This has everything I was looking for about staking a tent. Great video!

[@robertsbushcraft]

I am glad it helped, Arbiter!

[@ST-hq3rs]

Thanks mate, very helpful. I've been fumbling around with these things for the past hour. Life savour 👌

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad it helped, ST!

[@sylvanaire]

I’ve always wanted to learn how to tie knots, but was intimidated. This instruction video is very clear and I am looking forward to trying the bowline, truckers knot & slippery half hitch on the bird feeder pole in my front yard to keep it straight this winter. Thanks!

[@T3RR1_F41TH]

Thanks so much for being informative with this. 1st time setting up tents, since I was a child and this helped so much.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, Shaterra!

[@snowymatrix]

Best video on KZbin on this subject. Thanks, really useful and easy knot to learn how to tie👍🍺

[@robertsbushcraft]

Well I certainly appreciate that comment, snowymatrix thru-walker! Thank you!

[@saintmetal10]

Thanks a lot for the brilliant patient guidelines bud. Bless!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are welcome, Saad!

[@garry9588]

Great video. Thanks mate. I'm hopeless with knots but I'm going to practice this one and hopefully master it.👏

[@yingsampaguita6536]

Thank you for this video. It’s so clear and very helpful.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome!

[@bethrealrockingrealtortrep2827]

Thank you so much. Heading out on my first camping trip.

[@robertsbushcraft]

I hope that it went well for you!

[@armwrestling_nerd]

Kalmyk (instead of bowline) and rolling hitch loop (midshipmans loop, instead of tensioning tabs) makes it possible to make a rope only way to set guy lines in a nice way. Kalmyk has a quick release, so you release the kalmyk and then slide back the rolling hitch out of the end where the kalmyk was and the rope is completely undone.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Excellent suggestions, @armwrestling_nerd!

[@marykinser]

Thank You. I knew I was doing it wrong, now I know how to do it RIGHT! ❤

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, Mary!

[@IDontTalkToCops]

Thanks for taking the time to make this clip. I found it very helpful.

[@robertsbushcraft]

That's fantastic news, Dan! I am glad this video helped. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@josephpmcl1241]

Me too, very easy explanation to follow, user friendly. Well done and Thank you!

[@Levi6229]

Thanks man. You saved me from looking like a clown. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad I could help, Levi!

[@Michael-tn3pn]

Simple, complete, and very helpful; I appreciate that.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad it was helpful, Michael! We appreciate the watch and comment!

[@thehighwayman10]

Excellent video so helpful for a newby to tenting

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad it was helpful, thehighwayman10!

[@EndsofRoads]

Great video man... Just got a new tent that had these included... Thank you!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Glad I could help, @EndsofRoads! Happy camping!

[@traveler320ak7]

This video was very helpful. Thank you so much!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@johannarepo5674]

Thank you for this video. It was easy to learn watching your clear instructions.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are so welcome, Johanna!

[@cwiehle0]

Thank you for this video. Simple and well laid out.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You're welcome, Chris!

[@ersent8624]

The video I've been looking for 😅😅, great video. Do you have the video of how to tie taut hitch as well? If you don't, can you also make one of it? Thank you

[@robertsbushcraft]

That's awesome, @ersent8624! I don't have that video made, but I just might make one!

[@christopherschissler1675]

Bin using these knots for some time, but have never seen a double bowline. I don't recall you stating it's purpose, advantage or when to use it instead of a single bowline. Thanks.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Double bowlines are advantageous when dealing with a lot weight, they're easy to untie (weight removed) and isn't used too much (in my opinion) unless you are climbing. It's neat to show the double bowline but it's really not needed for small tents and tarps.

[@angelurena6137]

Awesome tut! I can only imagine what you did to film this. Great job!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Some parts were pretty easy and some not so much! Thanks for taking time to watch and leave a comment Angel!

[@deleted.23]

Thank-you. I've used guy lines loads as a kid. But I am dyspraxic so my brain goes to mush with stuff like this when I'm Out Out. Gonna practice now at home repeatedly until its second nature and hopefully I won't flap when Out and neither will my tent 😅

[@vicspeed1068]

Awesome tutorial! Well explained and clearly shown!🙌🥰🙌

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thanks so much, VicSpeed! 😊

[@deborahcargle9968]

I've been looking for exactly this...thank you so much

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, Deborah!

[@jewelweed6880]

My hammock is easy setup, kind of obvious, but still included directions. The rainfly says setup is easy, but it requires knots I didn't know and directions were NOT included. I figured out how to attach it to trees using the taut line hitch, 2 tension adjusters, and 2 toggles, but I still needed help with guy lines. 👍

[@epiedra99]

Very nice guidance. Thanks! Any recommendations on types of guy lines to replace the original lines? Maybe neon ones or different materials. Thanks!

[@robertsbushcraft]

My favorite guy line replacement is paracord. It's versatile, cheap and available in stores like Walmart as well as online. Paracord come in glow in the dark, high visibility colors, reflective, earth tones and pretty much any color imaginable. The inner strands can be removed and used for other things such as sewing, fishing, gear repair and so on. So, paracord is my go-to replacement for guy lines.

[@danos5181]

Thanks. Do you have any idea how strong these plastic tensioners are in cases of strong winds? I've seen other vids out there encouraging users to stake guylines without tensioners a(for holding strength reasons) as your video also show, but don't know what to make out it. Also, what's the advantage of a double bowline vs a sing bowline knot?

[@vegandew]

I feel like a complete idiot after watching how simple this was. Thank you for educating me with your easy to follow instructions.

[@Keepmelevel]

Gide line tensioner… mind blown! Makes so much sense now 🤯

[@robertsbushcraft]

I hope this was a help to you, @Keepmelevel!

[@rosiealaniz3205]

What a fabulous video Robert! Thank you!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, Rosie!

[@itsmeLori]

Thanks for making this video, very helpful!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, Lori! I'm glad it helped!

[@Strepsiades14945]

Thank you, I wondered if using a bowline knot would work. Is a double bowline more secure, or is a single enough for a tarp?

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are welcome, @Strepsiades14945! A single is more than enough for a tarp.

[@user-yx2ff3mv2q]

I think I missed something, what's with those bells? Its after 2am here and those bells are the only sound for miles. Maybe its Zen, right? Edit: I get it, its a wind chime. Now I am wide awake, of course its a wind chime ffs lol. I thought I had missed the tying the bell on knot lesson. I certainly didn't miss the bowline knot tying lesson. I've watched a tonne of those 1 and a half minute videos where people tie a bowline knot and none of them are just as clear and straightforward as you demonstrated it here. I am not sure, I don't think it was just the bright orange against the green, although I am sure that helps but you make it look very simple. Some people leave you thinking that you need 3 hands to tie some of these knots. Good job 👍