The 3 Essential KNOTS for Tarps | Camping & Bushcraft | Tarpology Essentials | Plus a Thank You!

[@mackbarker1990]

I'm a U.S. Air Force Vet and a professional firefighter and rescue team leader for 36 years (now retired) and know knots pretty well. However, I am always interested in the way other people use and tie knots. This video was great. I live by the motto, "Try to learn something new every day." And I learned some great techniques here today. You're video's are great and you look like you re having fun which makes the video's fun to watch as well. Keep up the great work!

[@Foxr6]

Well said brother 👏👍👌

[@NikosKatsikanis]

so what knots do you use instead Mac?

[@10colt01]

@@helbitkelbit1790 you have to know quite a few knots as a professional firefighter to: hoist tools, tie off to an anchor for rappelling, certain knots for rescuing victims etc. Professional being the designator between volunteer and paid.

[@neiltrevatt]

@@helbitkelbit1790 maybe if you took a little bit of time to learn about them you wouldn’t ask stupid questions

[@jameslollis2727]

Bro I have always used a bowline followed by a truckers hitch and finished with a slippery hitch. I can say it's fail safe but you just taught me a new method that I find exceptional! I have always liked the mechanical advantage you used on the second tree tension knot but the finish knot you showed Russian, Siberian etc is epic. Liked and subscribed. You do a great job showing steps and the explanations are very rememberable and clear. Love the accent too. American southern man here....

[@oscar38]

Probably the best knot demonstration I've ever seen. I used to work on boats when I was young, and would get shown how to tie a knot in about 5 seconds, and be expected to remember it. What does help, is to practice, over and over again. Walk around the house tying on to everything.....again and again, until it becomes burnt into your brain.👍

[@frankhupp7402]

I really like your description and going over it slowly and then repeating it.

[@lizziel4876]

Very clear demonstration of how to do these knots, from a middle aged woman who is hoping to go camping and use a tarp. I like how you used the picture of the gun to help with remembering how to do it - that really helps me.

[@Dingleowl1582]

Knots there the dark arts I’ve yet to master. Will be watching this one many time

[@impermanenthuman8427]

Thankfully he shows them nice and clearly 👍🏻

[@dpur773104aolcom]

At last! I have tried to master the truckers hitch to no avail. The two round turns and half hitch, so simple! Taking all this with me wherever I go now! Many thanks!

[@dpur773104aolcom]

@@tac1809 That's actually quite digestable! I'll put some practice time into it. Always good to have a backup! Many thanks!

[@dpur773104aolcom]

​@@tac1809 Haha, maybe he's from that neck of the woods or even North Wales or there abouts! :D

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

I have watched endless videos in how to setup a tarp since getting my hammock recently, and I have to say this by far explains the best way to set up quickly, easily and great adjustments on the stake out points. This video is saved for me to refer back to. This is a great find tonight, so thank you.

[@jasondunbar3667]

I've watched a million videos on knots and yet I have never seen any of these knots. I'm excited to try them out

[@hansfreekit]

I am learning to slow down.. after an illness kicked my butt. It is about that for me. I am about to start going camping this year at 53. - I've been watching a few vids to psyche myself up a bit. I like yours because they don''t assume i know anything but they are not condescending either. I've learnt a few basics of this vid. The knot for my ridgeline. Simple but very useful.. Keep doing it. You have to good knowledge to impart. I'm grateful.

[@cstuartcook9390]

Extremely good. Hours of practice over the winter to be ready to transmit to scouts who are not very good at knotting.

[@si_blacksheep]

Nick, that fig4 knot is a godsend. Saves using extra Prussics, extra guy line tensioners. I use it for everything, especially with hammock and tarp. 👍

[@RaynarNslR]

I found the first knot you did so much simpler than the truckers hitch. Interesting vid thanks. Atb stay safe 👍🦊

[@FlatusJae]

I went to my first solo two night camping trip and I knew there was gonna be rain, and I don't really know any knot to tighten tarp corners, I always just wing it. So one hour before leaving, I found this, specifically figure of 4 knot, practiced it few times and off I go. Against all odds, I managed to do it in heavy rain and wind as first timer, six times for each tarp corner! And it looked really nice! Now I'm watching this again and I did it lot differently but still the same, and still it worked. This is my third knot that I'll be using every time I'm out camping. Your explanation just clicked for me, so thank you :)

[@theecanmole]

That's three new knot lessons for me, thank you; and, to find out that there are Instagram channels dedicated to perfectly pitched tarps!!! Who knew? All the best for you easing out of lockdown and getting out camping and walking again.

[@thefucrew9865]

Thank you for stating what the outdoors is for.....slowing down. Becoming "centered". Connecting back to nature. Keep up the great work !!!

[@johnnybeanz1296]

You mean it’s not for seeing if you can make a 747 jet out of sticks?

[@thefucrew9865]

@@johnnybeanz1296, but, alas, YOU CAN. Do us a favor a do a video on that for us. Should keep you busy for a bit....

[@lawrencee9655]

“If you’re feeling brave and you’ve not got a lot to lose...” comedy with camping. Love it & great content, Nick

[@Jhumphreypitbull]

Thank you for this. I don’t know much about tying knots. You break it down and make it easy but don’t make me feel stupid for not knowing

[@chefinwood]

Traditional woodsman skills. Let's not lose it. Thanks for the lessons 👍🏻

[@andrewtaylor5421]

Thanks you for this, I love that first one. Very useful and quick to undo ✌️

[@kennywoods8713]

The basics are always needed and due to the huge amount of videos out there they always need refreshing, Think the biggest problem we get in the UK is that everywhere is owned so adds to the stress of feeling like your sneaking about. Keep up the good work.

[@johnbuck90]

This is the BEST tarp video I’ve seen. Really clear instructions, even for a knot dyslexic like me!

[@bathcolin]

A brilliant little video on knots for tarps Nick. Your explanations and reasonings are spot on. Thanks.

[@katherinebuchanan9350]

I've been trying knots for many years for different things and there's always just a few I fall back on. I'm trying out these new ones before I head off camping again!

[@scottroberts7875]

i have tried to use this knot( Evank hitch) for many years and sometimes i succeed,.. most times i do not... thank you for POV angle , it has made things so very much clearer and easier to follow.. ATVB. keep um coming.. Scott Somerset

[@LITTLEbigREG]

I'm useless with knots so I cheat by using carbineers and line tensioners 😗 This was a great video though, loved the pistol and donkey tail reference.

[@jamesthorley2776]

Nothing is better than having a brew in the wilderness with your pup. Love these videos, Please keep it going, I'm learning so much from you.

[@randywithofapt2660]

As much as I'm out in the woods, I'm never great with knots beyond standard half hitch and slip knots. You made a great point concerning building in purposeful weakness in your tarp ties. This was all good, basic, needed info. I've subscribed. thanks

[@marcusschmidt2363]

As I travel about on KZbin I came across your video and gave it a fair shake. after the first one I found a second video and again watched completely... I find your style of sharing and the depth of real world instruction you offer to be enviting and easy to follow along... thanks. Marc.

[@learntechwithruth2147]

Just ran into your video. I just love how you explain it! You seem to be left handed if I’m not mistaken because I can follow this so well. I have now mastered 1 and 2. On to knot 3. This will be so good to try at Tuesday’s car camping in the rain with tarp over hatch. Thank you for this! Update: I know all three of those knots now and I’m getting my daughter to learn them since she and son-in-law are hitting the road in August.

[@paulcarey9248]

Clear, concise, and informative.More of these please.

[@randyleppell8885]

Been doing this for a little while now and I always love to see new ways to do the same things I"ve been doing, just another tool in the tool box. Thanks for taking the time!

[@MrChadillac89]

These seem a lot easier than the truckers hitch that I was using. I’m going to try these when I go out next. I’ll have to practice first though and make a cheat sheet. Thank you for this. First time watcher and I love it!

[@rickminer7528]

Yes, more of this type of video: instructional and not too long. Thanks as well for the reminder at the end, of why I do this stuff.

[@kev5046]

oh thank you so much man I was on a backpack trip not too long ago and the wind was crazy without your number four I would have never knew how to stop the wind thanks man 💪

[@deandunbar5159]

NICK YOUR INPUT AND KNOWLEDGE IS OUTSTANDING LOVIN YOUR CONTENT AND SINCE I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF YOUR CHANNEL I HAVE REALLY ENJOYING AND LEARNING A LOT MORE ABOUT WILD EDIBLES AND WHAT USEFUL WAYS TO USE THEM TO MY ADVANTAGE I AM VERY GRATEFUL TOP JOB FELLA BLESSINGS TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY 👍👍

[@kevcollins2079]

Being ex military myself loving your videos I live in the Algarve I have just got a new tarp so me and my steel horse going camping cheers a scaley

[@tearoha.hohaia]

I really know I’m getting into knots when I exclaim out loud ‘Oh - that’s nice!’ to the down pipe run on your cordage. And what great advice on building in a deliberate weakness to tarp tie outs. Awesome channel by the way.

[@bernielamont825]

I sure wish this channel existed 50 plus years ago when I was in scouts, you showing how to make knots would have made getting my merit badge super easy.

[@oldbaldguy6151]

I like getting out myself so subbed, as you're never too old to learn something new.

[@FreddiBi]

I'm just beginning to discover that I appreciate taking trips outdoors. Have bought all the gear (privileged like that) and am now cherry picking the best tips and knots from all the veterans out there. One of the main things I'm taking away from your video, besides the knots, is A: your charisma and talent for being on camera, and B: that you chose to talk about the mental and emotional aspect of your personal experience. You should 100% keep this direction for your future content. Wishing you much luck. And viewers. (And yes, I would go for the trucker's hitch with double turn ;) )

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

The Evenk or Ray Mears knot is probably THE most common anchor knot for tarp line's used by ' Bushcrafters ' / Woodsmen, good little tutorial for those just starting to get out Nick 👌🏻

[@josephbittar5041]

Is it strong enough for hammocks?

[@ScoOutDoors]

Another brilliant video outdoors definitely improves my metal health keeping busy keeping active getting involved with nature it doesn’t get better 💪😀👍

[@darreneaton9901]

Gonna get out and try this as making knots is a massive weakness of mine but this is the best and most informative video I’ve seen on it. Excellent stuff.

[@trekmate1]

Very clear explanation and great camera work! Good to hear some "why's" too, not just "do it this way" (I remember "how" better if I understand "why"). Feeling inspired. Thanks.

[@thebushcrafttribologist8771]

Thanks Nick. Out with my mate today when the snow came in pretty bad. Used knowledge gained from your tutorials to rig a shelter from our ponchos and some paracord. We were sitting pretty making tea on a hobo stove until conditions improved. An awesome day. Thanks again.

[@normanmcquade1703]

As an absolute knot novice this video is magic. Also what a great channel very glad I found you on KZbin.

[@johnswanson3741]

Been tying off tarps for 50 years, good video. Never used such a heavy rope for a ridgeline!

[@Life-Outdoors-UK]

I do find it interesting how many different ways people use to do basic tasks such as the tarp. Listening to their reasons, taking on board and trying out and comparing to my own way and reasons. A while ago now, started brewing up / cooking when out instead of a flask & sandwiches etc. It slowed everything down and allowed me to decompress. It's done wonders for my head.

[@kellykaufman9209]

This video - I've probably re-watched at least 60 times. It's literally one of my favorites.

[@shanedpain7734]

I like “stories” when learning things, whether knots or memorising a deck of cards… good vid, thank you

[@lawrencemartin1113]

Fab. All great stuff and the POV filming makes it really clear. Great teaching and as a 'teacher' in a busy boarding school, I spend as much time in the woods as possible, exactly for that vital reason of staying sane and slowing down. Wonderful. (Back to school next week...gulp!)

[@Bens963]

Incredible tutorial, I've never seen the siberian hitch tied like that before. Keep it up I appreciate it

[@Tango27800]

Hoofin ! Being an old bungee bivvy Booty, Nice to be reminded of long forgotten skills and rekindle the desire of getting outdoors with a few mates.

[@robpaultog]

Thanks for this. I go fishing for 2/3 days at a time and have started bringing a tarp with me to create a porch at the front of my tent. These knots worked a treat and I was jumping about like a kid when I nailed the first one. My porch has never looked so tight :)

[@robpaultog]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Just bought myself a mora black as well, very pleased with it. Your content is great, pretty much binged your entire library now. ThankYou!

[@duncys]

Another good one. The bright guide ropes help a lot in seeing what your doing with the knots to mention tripping over. But maybe even better is the idea that you don’t have to be all hardcore and out for days on end. Much better to sit in the woods with a brew than in Costa.

[@warren7949]

I’m off out tonight in my new hammock for the first time to put these knots into practice. Thanks.

[@brucematula833]

Nice, And thank you for the simple useful and applicable knots that I can use when I’m out hammock camping. If you ever think you know it all because you know a tautline, and a bowline, These knots are impressive! Thank you sir, subscribed

[@krisgoodgroves2654]

Thank you. Not being able to get out your vids have kept me going and taught me loads. Be heading out soon and im sure I will tie myself up in knots lol

[@randyspencer5664]

I really like the creative way that you tied the Slipknot and the Timberline hitch.

[@lindastone9516]

I'm 71 yoa female and for the first time in my life I now need to learn knots. This was a great instructional video for me. Thank You now I' m off to practice! thanks again. Beautiful dog.

[@HawkFamilyArchive]

I have been trying to learn this complicated tie for years and you are the first person to explain it in a visual way that I will always remember from now on. Thank you so much.

[@stoner1916]

Great video. My father was an instructor in the civil defense school in Ireland many years ago. This brought me back with some of the terminology, donkeys tail. I liked how you spoke about building in a weakness when working on the tarp, I've busted a couple in my time with knots that I realise now were too good!!

[@rhyslewis5418]

Thank you for this instructional video , I personally found this much easier to follow than most of the other videos I've watched. Need to learn these in time for my hammock and tarp camp outings.

[@Banditman369]

Great tutorial, knots always seemed to complex to attempt but you broke it down really simply 👍

[@brucematys6064]

A very good video Nick, I must say I like the way you present knowledge and visual tips. I find I can't wait for the next video each time you put one out. Cheers from Canada! 🍻🇨🇦

[@MrWoody135]

Very nice, simple, brief, no mess, no fuss. Will definitely follow you. Top marks

[@barryconway]

Totally useful, to me. Thank you. Well explained, well filmed, I could see exactly what you were up to. Now all I need to do is find some thick bits of string to practice with! So yeah, "more like this" would be my vote, since you asked. And thanks for asking.

[@thedragonflai396]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wow they say you learn something new every day, well today I learned three things, three amazing knots that I am going to practise and who could forget the way you describe the donkey tail wow a winner in my eyes thank you so much 😊. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@mtkoslowski]

Glad I found this channel. Glad you recognized Dave’s channel too. It’s good things that you do. 👍

[@angelabarnes1547]

I'm a humble 'ol lady. I loved this visual style of learning knots! Always needing to learn. Especially camping season and recent 'discovery' of tarps over heavy pop-ups.

[@canopus101]

Nice video, personally I use bowline at one end of the ridge-line, some variation of waggoners hitch at the other, and prussic loops to attach the tarp. This works for me but I enjoy seeing other methods. The trailing line to let the drips down in rainy weather is good, I always make sure there is a line on either end of the tarp for water to drip off, sometimes led into a container. I like drinking rainwater.

[@punkinpunker]

Only been watching your videos a week. Moved into a new house and the gazebo keeping out lawn laying kit dry has been destroyed. Just bought a tarp and used all these knots to put it up as a temporary shelter. Something I need a bit of practice with but really appreciate the clear and simple instructions. We shall see how it copes in the first few winds 😬😁😂

[@winstonalan5731]

The way you show how to tie the knows is well done, and it's readily understandable. I'll be using this video as a reference for practice!

[@vonries]

That was great. The filming of you doing the knot was spot on. You can be proud of your work here, that is for sure. I appreciate you not only saying to do something, but more importantly you explain the why behind your statements.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

It's clearly obvious that the British have one of the best (if not the best from what I've seen) year round climates and environments for camping & bushcraft... and no deadly poisonous snakes ! I like that drip block + line in case of rain. That is a new one for me !

[@clayl9202]

Excellent video, these are the most usable knots for the purpose and are very easy to learn and remember. Used them last weekend for a winter camping foray and they work great in high winds, as I found. Thanks for putting these up, your teaching method and point-of-view video are very useful. Oh -- and I own a Fjallraven Singi 48 now because of you. If my wife finds out she'll be coming to you straight away. LOL!

[@tororb9142]

The best bush craft/advice I've seen. As an ex military medic, that's a big EX, many years ago, your videos are an excellent refresher.

[@alexblue6991]

I have been thinking about getting a tarp for about a year but the thought of knots put me off this video explained it perfect after watching I'm going to get one might even take the grandsons

[@alexblue6991]

Thanks will do what I like about a tarp you can see all around your camp as I like to look at the wildlife

[@dominofalling2038]

I always have had trouble tying knots, (dyspraxic brain), but your way of explaining/ illustrating the rope sequence is brilliant! I'm going to get some string and practice until I can get the sequences into my muscle memory. My friend has recently moved to Plymouth and is planning to go walking on Dartmoor. I am sending him your tutorials so he can plan to have the right equipment with him. Thank you so much for your, informative wonderful channel. You a such a great presenter, well done.

[@FidoHouse]

Love these knots. Very doable. Visual "story" for each - 4, pistol, donkey's tail - helps commit to memory. Cheers!

[@Daymanoahha]

This is super useful. Will binge watch all of your stuff now 👍 thanks for taking the time to put it together!

[@andreikossatkine8725]

Right on, Nick!! Keep this type of content going! Good refresher for us old timers that need to reconnect to the outdoors!

[@alanreal3377]

EX forces guy 40 years ago, wanting to spend a little me time wild camping, have just started looking at your you-tube videos for some help this one really informative as are all the others I have seen. Keep up the excellent work many thanks for your help.

[@philbalaam3326]

I was wondering what to write to give a true feedback and then the narrator said 'personally' in part of the commentary and that is exactly what I like about this guy, he address this personally, it makes you feel he is helping you directly

[@MatthewWilliams-bb6kv]

Great, clearly and effectively explained and demonstrated. All the very best Hidden Valley Bushcraft.

[@ltlgaming2669]

“Build in a weakness, cos you will never win against Mother Nature” such a great comment! Very informative video! Subscribed!

[@PaulSmith-xh2ex]

Fabulous channel. When I thought I knew it all!!! , having been a climber, a mountain guide and retired due to long standing illness, I found that hard to deal with, slowing down, has been a difficult process mentally after being so active. I've always been passionate about the outdoors and wildlife, and getting my head around not being able to achieve those Vdiff routes, or winter mountaineering anymore was soul destroying. But I've re-engaged with the outdoors, in a more harmonious way. I'm lucky to have been allowed to use some private woodland not far from home, were I can immerse my self under my tarp, with my stove, with my youngest Son and take it all in. 🙏🙏 Cheers.

[@NosePrint]

so clear in explanation & I loved that you gave reasons on choice, with small bits of wisdom like the rain stopping on the knot & running down the length of rope away from the tarp.

[@karenraby8241]

I like you. I love your dog, she's adorable. The tip about getting the middle eye of the tarp tied first makes total common sense but something I've never thought about embarrassingly. Thank you so much for that little bit of gold. Hurry up and slow down mentality is also my motto for being out in the natural space. Definitely saves a lip welding. I've subscribed. Thank you :) xx

[@PaddyNinja]

Bushcraft is truly an art. So is making videos interesting, I could've listened to you for at least twice that long. Subscribed sir. Have a great day.

[@RAWEDC]

Seriously straight forward teaching here in a great style. I'm just not going to forget this! Thank you so much!

[@jaykay1207]

Hi , I am para vet fm the Indian Army . I discovered your videos of late , and find them absolutely wonderful . I get to relearn quite a lot fm your knowledge , and learn even more . You narrations are simple and easy to understand and imbibe . Thank you

[@Sailsnhorizons]

The set up technique is fast,no mess around,this you have demonstrated very well.I'd like to see you incorporate the lower/raise bends for your ridgeline.This is very handy when you need to quickly alter the sheet(hoochie) to create weathering from the elements.Can you do a little brew corner as well,that would be a very cosy tip for keeping hot beverage intake sustained for punters who need to keep extra warm in light kit layup.Your a gem mister!

[@jamesthomas582]

This is really useful information, well explained and demonstrated - making me want to get back out there ASAP

[@mrdhughes4635]

never a truer word spoken. great video, i'm not goingto use the trucker hitch anymore, this one seems more graceful somehow. Thanks.

[@vf19blue]

Excellent speed and presentation. Might be nice to add a tree of the week so we can learn to identify, it's uses, be they structural, tool or medicinal and the time of year for best harvesting. Was happy to see your subs have grown by more than a thousand since I first came here, well deserved Nick. 👍

[@migueldeangel46]

I appreciate seeing different knots than most bushcraft you tube guys show.

[@TheVermillionAura]

I'm a bit late to the party. But I'm heading out on my first solo trip shortly and am trying to learn as much as I can before heading out. This is by far the best knot tutorial I've come across! awesome work, love your chanel.

[@joeoutdoors0161]

Wow thanks! Just found your channel an you wont believe what I'm doing? I'm sat in my living room with a piece of rope an a table leg. Russian knot check! The other two am working on!

[@ninjasrose1653]

Mate this is gold for me as I am completely clueless with knots. Only just started Bushcraft and that's my weak point. *KNOT* anymore though lol This is by far the most easy and clear way I have seen this explained. If I can do this, then anybody can haha!