Knots for Bushcraft, Camping and Canoeing. Six of the Best Knots I Use.

In this video, I will be taking you through the various knots and cordage that I use.
Although there are lots of clever modern labour saving devices about today taking the place of knots, I prefer the simplicity of just tying a knot. There are so many to learn and all have different uses and applications for climbing, boating and camp use.
I tend to use just a handful of knots and make them work for whatever I need them to do. I think it is better to know just a few, that you can tie without having to think about it and these knots work for me.
I have broken the video up into two categories:
Knots I use around camp - the larks foot, the taut line hitch, the prusik and the arbor knot.
And knots I use when canoeing - the bowline (the cowboy version, with the tail on the outside - I obviously didn’t listen enough when I was in the scouts!) and the classic clove hitch.
There are hundreds and hundreds of really good tutorial videos on KZbin, so if you are interested in learning some knots, go and take a look - its great fun learning!
I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for watching!
Links
Paracord
www.thebushcra...
3 Strand Paracord
ps://www.amazon.co.uk/Brotree-Paracord-Strand-Nylon-Parachute/dp/B07NNVW311
Microcord
www.thebushcra...
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
Facebook - Simon, a bloke in the woods
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Instagram - simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods
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Music: Opening track by Foxy Fox
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Island Wave By Tracktribe

[@rolandsalazar9562]

Who in blazes are the 9 people who didn’t like this video 🤔?? What’s knot to like about it? Well done Simon. Best wishes to Maggie 🙏🏼❤️🐶.

[@alanargent5422]

You did forget the strongest and most resilient knot in the world though which is of course the Christmas lights knot. Cannot be tied manually. Needs to form itself over 11 months. Impenetrable.

[@jeanetteswalberg6166]

🤣😂🤣 Priceless.

[@1fanger888]

Awesome knot, but I know a better one. Just go fishing with a lady you want to impress and you will remember it, I`m sure. Hint: reminds you of a bird`s nest.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahahaha!! I know that knot only too well! #christmastreelightrage

[@deborahhoch2662]

Loved all the knot jokes😂🤣..know those knots all too well🙄

[@claudelabelle7099]

That was very very funny,,,, True...!

[@toddharvey7089]

Never was a Boy Scout, but I'm finding that learning different knots to be kind of fun and practical in my older age. This was very helpful!

[@RedswedeOutdoors]

Good to hear that Maggie is on the mend, I hope she makes a speedy recovery. Take care and stay safe!

[@theosalt1]

Thank goodness a "Knot Expert" who knows the proper and commonly used terms for describing the actions and parts used in knot tying! However be careful with the bowline for trying up a boat, unless it is under constant tension it can shake loose. I have retrieved many dinghies due to this knot failing. Better to use a 'round turn and two half hitches'.

[@j_roq7112]

Maggie is. MUCH more important than a video. Glad you're back and she's getting better!!

[@svenvanderveen659]

Hey Simon. I hope that Maggie gets well soon and that you can go on an adventure together again. Thanks for your clear explanation and film work! Very educative!

[@MrMeltedwellies]

Nice one Simon a brilliant refresher on knots thanks very mush Mark

[@Smokeywolf64]

Simon's back and went completely knots 🤣😋 funny bowline story I learned the snake who comes out the lake and around the tree.. anyway nice video hope Maggie has a quick and good recovery! Stay safe and well🙏

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂 Thanks Tim!

[@watsondna]

I like the byte on the tautline. Never seen it done that way but really cool.

[@MsCarmaJ]

Hope Maggie recovers quickly, love seeing her with you.

[@Jaydcoke]

Oh no. Hope Maggie will be right as rain soon. Was wondering about the gap in videos and glad to have you back. Incidentally I tried learning all about knots some time back and you would think I'd be an expert by now, right? Well, I'm a frayed knot... Ahem.

[@turtlepoi]

Congrats to everyone learning these. You have taken the first step in becoming a tenderfoot level Boy Scout. I've used these knots because you can used them since way back then. Well done for teaching these. They really are the best. None of my tents/tarps have tension adjustors. One you know these few you can skip a ton of useless hardware and even ratchet web strap tiedowns. ...One I'd add is the pipe hitch for fixing line to smooth pipe and the knot will hold where it is tied and not slide on the smooth pipe.

[@RTFLDGR]

here in Kansas, we get winds that carry your house away. The taut-line hitch can be super-dupered for holding strength, yet fully adjustable, by adding one more loop around the line (rope) on both sides of the knot. That is, 3 loops on the inside, followed by two loops on the outside. You are adding two more loops of holding power.

[@knucker4931]

Knot nerd here, always interesting to see other folks goto knots. Sorry to hear Maggies been a poorly. I hope you're treating her to some steak to aid recovery. All the best Al

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Al!

[@SturleyArt]

Thank you for sharing this. I'll buy a length of cord and start practicing these.

[@carpenterpilot487]

Thanks Simon for talking about various of knots. Sorry about Maggie I'll be praying for her to get well soon! Ur the best!! waiting for the next one.

[@rialobran]

I still use the knots I learnt in basic training, often have a 1m length of line on me to practice if I'm bored.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I’m not the only one who carried a bit of paracord about with me then haha - I do the same - pull it out at break time/stuck in traffic/petrol station queue, like a fidget spinner for bushcrafters! 😁

[@counterdebate]

The brain and Hands, the greatest tools we got, thanks for adding to the brains bit Simon 👍

[@GAR85120514]

I'm a little rusty. Good refresher. Thanks

[@hsaurid]

Simon, thank you for this knot review. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Regular practice helps. Hoping for loosened restrictions soon. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Maggie and hope to see her again in future videos. Take care, and all the best! (edited to correct spelling)

[@lawrencemartin1113]

Great stuff. So sorry to hear about Maggie's injury. Really hope she makes a full recovery soon. Take care.

[@perarne73]

Hi from sweden. Great tutorial, easy and useful.

[@rogerroberts9136]

Thank you Simon hope Maggie has a swift recovery. Good knot tutorial easy to forget when you don't get out .

[@paulhermans82]

Thanks Simon for another video!

[@lindac7146]

MAGGIE- NO. I hope Maggie recovers quickly. I love seeing her with you. Thanks for the lesson and explaining the ways to use these knots.

[@lifestidepools]

Best to Maggie, dogs are so very resilient. She's a sweetheart

[@islandlife9127]

Good to see you are well Simon, hope Maggie makes a speedy recovery.

[@bryanbadger6841]

Great video mate. Someone once told me to get knotted. So I took up yoga. My ex always said "knot now." I had a mate a from the Naval college down here in Nz, teach me the bowline. But showed me how to do it quickly, under water, upside down, blind drunk in the dark, whatever. Great tutorial mate. Atb from down here in Nz.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Bryan! 👍👍

[@fcmcfcmc]

Came for the knots stayed for the vibe

[@johnfitzgibbon225]

Cracking video as always Simon

[@The_Stoic_PhilosopherAU]

Hi Uncle Simon! This takes me back to my scouting days. Thanks mate!

[@Antagonistic]

Welcome back Simon! Hope Maggie bounces back soon.😊

[@davidharkins5345]

Great Great video! Very well made. Thank you.

[@lulzmusic]

Great timing! I’ve been falling into the knot rabbit hole for over a year now. I find them interesting and fun, and always carry a small hank for practicing when I’m bored. I hope Maggie makes a full recovery!

[@richardwiley5933]

Thanks for your post, now I don't feel like a goofball for carrying a piece of paracord around in my pocket to practice knot tying. This must be a man thing. 😁

[@Gavlar77]

Wishing Maggie all the best ❤️

[@gud2go50]

Thank you so much. I learned a lot on your video and I have found you easy to learn from. I have been practicing these knots all day now. I like that you explain what each knot is used for and illustrate each knot in a practical real time way.

[@Laubasss]

I'd really would like to learn how to make that chair! Looks awesome!

[@Tasos85]

Perfect Video. Thank you for your advice!!!

[@xaraxania]

Thanks for that video Simon, I don't know much about knots, love to Maggie I hope her poorly legs is better soon , poor girl

[@alanclouner7021]

Good to see you back Simon our best to Maggie, nice bit of knot tying, useful thanks! 😎👍

[@ericstoever9577]

Thanks for sharing some simple basics! Be well stay safe and take good care.

[@OregonMikeH]

There we go! a detailed Demo that ends up being learned and applied. Thanks Simon, good job!

[@tracyl1368]

Hope Maggie gets better soon! Thanks for fiming this, very informative!

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Loved it! You even make knots interesting!🤔😃🛶🐾♥️ Thanks, Simon.

[@paulineshelley4421]

Poor Maggie!😢 I hope she’s better soon. Enjoyed the knot tutorial. Look forward to more canoeing and camping videos when the weather improves.

[@grahamfisher5436]

Hi Simpn, want to say a big. CONGRATULATIONS on receiving your Silver KZbin award.. hope Maggie's doing okay.. keep going

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Graham!

[@marcchrys]

Very clear overview of some of the basic essential knots and how to use them. I practise these almost every day...practice drills them into memory! I also find the double fishermans (and the reef knot) useful for joining two ropes...and, as a climber, the Figure of 8 is handy for loops and is now considered a better 'tying in' knot than the bowline (though I'm a bit old school and still use it, as I have fond memories of being shown the bowline rabbit/hole tree method when I first started climbing). On a bushcraft course I recently went on we learned the Evenk hitch - handy for tying a quick release tarp line (instead of the bowline) when you are wearing gloves.

[@heathernisbet4136]

I'll have to remember the clove hitch, it looks a lot more secure than the muddled mess I use when mooring up ! 😁 I have seen boats drifting in the middle of the river before as they haven't been tied up to a post properly! Also, give Maggie a hug from me !

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It’s a good knot to know, but for moorings, can loosen as the boat tugs on the ropes - best to add a.stopper knot as a precaution! 👍😁

[@jkline999]

Never, ever use a clove hitch for bigger boats or large animals unless you throw a couple extra loops in it.

[@norseman1137]

Good to see output Simon.... Hope Maggie is OK bro

[@marcgelly7639]

Thanks for knots video, but firstly Maggie, hope she will be good enough for a new adventure 🤞

[@Defender110SLO]

We did mised you. Hope Megie gets whell soon. 👍🍻

[@paulfisher4293]

Good one Simon. Useful, understandable. Always find ropework fascinating. Most important tho, wishing Maggie a good recovery. Stay well all

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍 well demonstrated.

[@miqsh70]

Finally something I can impress my teenager with!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂👍

[@adventuredogs8773]

Cool Simon, thank you - I use a very similar set myself. Cheers, Amy, NZ

[@Thedagda801]

Great video

[@user-wq6hr9xi2n]

Good and useful, thanks

[@Rageslayerz]

Never thought I'd find Knots this interesting. Also wishing "god bedring" to Maggie! Hopefully she'll be out and about with you soon :)

[@VileVeil]

That's two YT channels I follow explaining the clove hitch within a week (you and Biker Bits from Australia), better learn this as it seems it might be something I need to know and I have wondered before how you set up your tarp/hammock etc. Best wishes to Maggie, hope she heals quickly.

[@phantomphydlapirdue2030]

Thank you

[@backpackingireland8624]

Outstanding, 🇮🇪🇮🇪Atb Tony

[@bangggalih]

very nice

[@ruuddijken6698]

In holland wr call the bowline “paalsteek” and we also have a way to remember it by. Bud not with a rabbit and a holl butt a frogg and a pawn. Just so you know

I hope Maggie is good/better knots ... finally here ^^ as you said thousands of knots existing and ... really usefull for everyday life ? No These.yours 6 are perfect for me (i can take out knots from canoë ... i have not so just 4 for me :p. In fact lots of ... really LOTS OF knots are coming from Navy :p interesting to search knots on youtube) Rmk: As a french native speaker it is not easy to follow knots in english because we have our specific words but with images ok :p (prusik is easy , same in french ^^ you can do 2, 3, 4 , ... loops if needed)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Raphaël, a few knots you know well is better than lots you struggle to remember 👍👍

[@Lazarus-aap]

TIP: If your prusik knot slips, you can pull it through 3 times instead of 2 times

[@bobbyfischer6786]

I like my knife knot. Named by the only means by which one unties them

[@1967AJB]

Nice! If your hat is so itchy it needs a wash. Keep that pooch warm.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂 I expect you’re right!

[@leeedmunds2539]

Nice!

[@hunterromano5562]

Should adress square knots as well. That's a bit of a catch-all when it comes to fixing bits of line of different lengths or diamaters.

[@affendihamzah5587]

My prayer to Maggie, hopefully she ll be oh soon

[@steelymodz1834]

thank u bud

[@tcswag801]

Knot bad bro (I had too) thanks for the info

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂👍

[@brentkelly5445]

Are those bush chairs suppose to be done with green wood? would dry wood snap?

[@eligranados9515]

Thoughts for Maggie. Hope all is well.

[@lurchie]

One additional benefit of the Bowline is that it can be put under a huge amount of strain and it won't bind and become impossible to untie. I learned a lesson the hard way - I used a simple square knot to secure my hammock straps years ago (I know, I know) and ended up having to cut them apart because friction had caused the knots to bind and literally melt together. I would highly recommend checking out this alternate method of tying a bowline : kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWTKiHSHlKt4l5Y

[@hammondauger]

I was expecting lot's of punney jokes form this video but some are knot. Did you see what I did there, did you ay ay did you, a double whammy 😀

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂👍👍

[@PaulCowcher]

What do you think of those two campers several weeks ago who one had a heart problem and called 999. Then a rescuer sadly fell and had life changing injuries?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

They certainly shouldn’t have broken the rules and put that rescuer at risk that is for certain. I doubt they had any idea of the potential consequences of their actions - just wanted to get out, chose an area where they were unlikely to meet other people, but sadly ended tragically.

[@simonhopkins3867]

So the Canadian jam knot is just an arbour knot. Dough...

[@antonybach373]

We miss you when you'r knot around.

[@busansanai]

Tensions build up when there's not enough videos

[@irenekarlsson4356]

I agree🇸🇪

[@AirstripBum]

"Knot around" Love it! Gives me a good idea. May I appropriate it for a card for someone that's not feeling well?

[@jonahtwhale1779]

I am in complete a cord with your sentiment!

[@AirstripBum]

@@jonahtwhale1779 Another good one! :D

[@m0n0x]

Don't sell yourself short! As a beginner this was easily the most helpful guide I watched: short, concise and with a pletera of different kinds of knots/hitches!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Get Knotted with Simon a Bloke with the itchy buffy in the woods. Here’s hoping Maggie continues improving 🙏🏻

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - thanks mate!

[@terminal-velocity111]

Such a good vid. My Late Father was a Royal Engineer, he made sure I knew how to tie ropes. I do miss my Dad.

[@sargie7828]

Sorry to hear about Maggie mate, hope she is better soon. When she is back on all fours she needs a cheeky canoe overnighter with a steak for dinner!! 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I reckon she’d love that (as would I!) 😁

[@Pseudonym-No3]

Your knot tutorial might not be the most fancy one but after watching a lot of of them as a beginner I must say I find it is one of the most practical ones. You cover the most important things in quite short time. Thank you for the good content 😊

[@ramblynrocketeer]

Man is a knot 🪢 into which relationships are tied. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

[@bergolli1]

I wish all the best for Maggie and you, too. Greatings from Germany

[@scetis]

We’re glad to see you back Simon… You had us worried!

[@cybercrafter8588]

Love and hugs to Maggie. So sorry to hear she's hurt. Thank you for the update and video Love learning knots

[@Wayneawebb]

Glad to hear Maggie is on the mend I thought a Bowline had to end with the working end on the INSIDE of the loop? Great Vid & easy to follow.

[@Tony29685]

The bowline you tied is actually a "Cowboy Bowline" send the rabbit the other way around the standing part and the rabbit will finish up on the inside of the loop creating a true bowline.

[@fatsdulange]

I know this is now 2 yrs old, but to this 55 yr old it's pure gold. Was never taught knots in school here (US) but i firmly believe they ought to the world over. Thank you! 🍺

[@bugnfront]

Hey Simon..you should make your own product of carry tutorial cards. In a emergency most people become stressed and so easily confused with some things as simple as knots. Carry cards as I call them are just reminders. Should be simple pictorial of basic knots or skill sets. You have a group of followers that would be interested in your take on these things. Something to throw in the olde bag that will be a resource under stress. Since your in the humidity, could make them water proof...another spot on vid...as always...may your feet be sure on the trail, your campfire warm at night and your trail tales be true!

[@geoffallert1921]

Never apologise for taking care of your family first.

[@JoshuaBenitezNewOrleans]

I love how you explained the clove hitch. For some reason that one never seemed intuitive to me. I think because it’s always been explained as a knot that has to go around an object. But seeing a free floating clove really clarified how the knot is actually working Thanks!

[@jaykay8570]

Instead of an overhand knot loop, you might try a figure 9-- nice and easy to undo, as opposed to the overhand or figure 8. On the bowline, sometimes I'll make it a slipknot variety: when the rope goes back down the hole, don't put it all down, just a loop and pull the knot tight. Handy when you don't want to pull 50' of excess line through it, or when tethering a horse. Great vids. Thanks.

[@sim-sam]

To knot or not to knot, well, no question, we missed your video. Stay healthy and safe everybody.

[@greetb9330]

"Useful to know? Knot half" thanks for sharing Simon. all best.

[@msongy4947]

Plainly demonstrated and informative. Beautiful canoe!!!

[@stst9185]

GREAT video Simon!! Always wanted to see a tutorial on the knots you use. You make it look so easy!!! I am. SOOOOO sorry to hear about Maggie. I hope she makes a complete recovery! She's such a doll!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! She is getting better by the day! 👍