How to Tie Truckers Hitch Survival Knots - Tarp Shelter

theprepared.co... Part of a free one page tutorial on the best 3 survival knots.
The Prepared's survival expert Jessie Krebs shows how to use Bowlines and Halter Hitches (2 of our top 3 survival knots) with a Truckers Hitch to make a tarp shelter between two trees.

[@macmac8249]

Informative, clear, to the point, no unnecessary talk/b.s. AND a great smile. Thank you for the terrific video

[@BobbyMeeks]

agree - trying to find the knot my father-in-law used. Almost 50 years old and mind blown. Love this video being fun and to the point - and her smile IS contagious too!

[@AskTheKid]

Simp

[@abelveram3882]

Excellent

[@Nancy-xg9nc]

Ditto

[@Kleinalrik]

Agree. The smile is definately the topping.

[@lukequixere7235]

The trucker's hitch has proven itself to be one of the most useful knots that I know. I've been using it for over 30 yrs. Good video!

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Thanks! It's one of my favorites as well.

[@stevenwaling23]

Oh, also agree with previous comments about no nonsense, no extra music or fluff- just clear, simple instructions! Well done

[@nomehdrider]

Long time ago, but this young lady did an excellent job explaining her knots, the bowline was very well laid out, and the slip knot with the keeper will come in handy for everyday use

[@jonc4719]

The double secure at the finish is what makes this more than magical, thanks u.

[@Jedi_Jed]

I can’t believe how many backpacking trips I struggled through trying to discover these things for myself. Thank very much. Perfect video!

[@cisco9027]

Finally found somebody who can explain something and make it understandable great demo skills.

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Awe shucks! Thanks! I'm glad you like my teaching style!

[@sic-n-tiredtired4273]

Hands down the easiest to understand video on these knots that I seen great job thank you.

[@SPCLPONY]

I was taught that knot she just did many years ago, but we never knew the name of it. The only difference was that we did not make the first loop a 'slip' like she did. I think I'd like the 'slip' knot better as after we were done cinching ladders and pump jacks to the top of the contractor's work trailer, we'd have a heck of a time getting that loop out of the rope! I don't know why this was in my suggested section, but glad it was. Thanks for this great video!

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Glad you liked it! You can put a couple more twists in the slip loop before pulling it through as a modification which makes it even easier to undo when taking it down. I really like the versatility of the trucker's hitch. There are so many ways to modify it for various uses and still get the 3:1 or more mechanical advantage. Happy tying!

[@OverkillTASF]

I have been hammock/tarp camping for like 15 years... Was using a bowline and a tautline hitch... you just cut my set up and tear down time in 1/3rd I'm pretty sure. That variation of the bowline, the trucker's hitch, and the trick with the stick.... are all amazing.

[@franklindjservices9844]

Very well done. As an avid camper, I'm always seeking great information to enhance my outdoor living skills. Thank you for well done video!

[@kuhmpashun]

Seriously, FANTASTIC video demonstration. I usually use figure 9 carabiners, but with this video I can get rid of them and just use the rope! Thanks so much. I’ll be sharing this video for years to all my hiker/backpacker friends!

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Great! I'm happy to hear it! So glad you found it useful! Happy hiking!

[@gregorybarry4564]

Never seen the Bowline made like that on the first tree, thanks!!!

[@richbravo4469]

When it comes to bushcraft I’m far from being an expert but I’ve watched a few videos on you tube and you’re for real. Thank you

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Thank you Rich!

[@onolicious9147]

The way you tied the bowline was the star of this video, thank you...I've never seen it done that way.

[@jakobkoprivnik6372]

Thank you so much! Best tutorial on the internet! It works perfectly. I used this for my laundry rope, and it's a total game-changer!

[@Asgard2208]

Simple. Clear. Effective. Thus, excellent!

[@cottondai]

Really great teacher on doing the knots. She makes it logical to remember how to do the knot.

[@clobbohead]

Clear and to the point. Excellent video! I used to get confused trying to tie a truckers hitch but not any more! Thanks, Ms Prepared!

[@seretrainingschool6778]

You're very welcome!

[@worldclassish]

That was very helpful. That safety loop is a new one to me. Plus the stick is very smart.

[@adii.3665]

Thank you! This is the best instruction on this issue I've seen and now used easily in my camping site!

[@ShokiNatsume]

A hurricane is about to hit Japan🇯🇵. This will help a lot securing many things around our house. Thank you for making this video.

[@jzahirniak]

I've been a hammock camper for several years now and I have always struggled with how I dealt with my tarp. My reliance on hardware was the center of it all and it never really worked like I wanted, it was too fiddly and too complicated. I know the bowline, I know the truckers hitch...I just never thought to put them together to address the ridge line! I made a hammock convert out of one of the other fathers in my sons scout troop back in Sept. I shot him the link to this video prior to us heading out for winter camp. He felt it might allow for the tarp to slide in windy conditions. He was teaching the camping merit badge this year. At the lunch break I showed him the set up and we tugged on it to his satisfaction that it wasn't gonna move after all. He was bringing his group of scouts over to show them how he rigs his hammock and asked me to demo how to hang the ridge line with your method. All the scouts said this looks easier than his (continual loop ridge line with a soft shackle and two mini-biners) Pros as we examined it. Obvious one...this is extremely simple, no hardware apart from a couple twigs found on site. Huge problem solved for me was tarp tension. I had almost always had the tarp in the load and didn't like that because I don't think the tarp would hold up long term (not the blue ones, the ripstop silnylon type). To keep it taught enough to not sag was too much tension on the tarp itself. In this system you can really torque the line and keep the tarp just snug but still have no sag! I may have to come up with an alternative to the bowline the way you use it because I gut my 550 cord to save weight and space in the tarp sack. Once that bowline got loaded on the gutted cord I couldn't get it untied. I'll probably just tie a 6in bowline and just hitch it around the tree...unless you have a suggestion. Might try with intact "330" cord the sell at Hobby Lobby for the bracelets...I am sure the problem is the flattened line. Thanks for this video. I will no longer have tarp dissatisfaction :)

[@ElDiabloLocoPoco]

You can use a truckers hitch on both ends. If your line is long enough and you use the securing hitch, you can leave slack on the first tree for hanging items at chest high level.

[@jessiekrebs5764]

I'm glad you found it useful Jeremy! Per your bowline issue: the bowline should always be able to come out fairly easily no matter how much tension is put on it or what type of line it is made with. The trick to undoing a bowline is to find the bight that wraps around the body of the finished bowline (it looks like a tongue with the body coming out through the middle of it like a piercing), and then lift it up towards where the body comes out. This is not possible when it is under tension. So when undoing the Truckers as shown in this video, the bowline is the last part to undo after the tension has been released. If you'd still prefer not to use a bowline, a Timber hitch is a great alternative though it also must have the tension released before it can be undone. Happy camping!

[@strayandrongo7461]

My grandpa taught me the truckers hitch when I was 8 and its amazing how often I still use it. Great knot, great explanation.

[@finbarscanlonwolf]

Great video, very well explained & demonstrated. Best one out of about 10 or 15 that I've watched. 👍👍👍👍

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Thanks much Finbar! I'm very glad you found it useful!

[@Wayneawebb]

One of the BEST tutorials I have seen on KZbin. Got my subscription. Thank God for Solar powered battery packs & an iPhone so I watch more from the discomfort of my shelter I just learnt how to put up :)

[@hfactor6429]

Ive been making the hitch loop pull tight thingy for YEARS to tie down/off my materials on trucks and such BUT!!!!!.........struggled and never new the best way to tie it off once pulled tight Now I do!!!!! MARRY ME PLEEEEAS!!! I mean.....thank you!

[@MinimalistExplorerEDC]

Best demonstration I’ve seen so far! Thank you! It’s not an easy one to learn!

[@msgonzo60]

best explanation yet

[@navinbabji]

Great video, explained very clearly and precisely, without any bull crap...👍👍👍 Best part was that beautiful smile at the end.

[@PAKLeow]

Nice, tq. I really like the way you do the bowline to use - excellent

[@lulzmusic]

Very comprehensive breakdown. I’ve seen many shelter tutorials, and am familiar with all these knots, but I’ve never seen this particular ridgeline setup. Thanks for a new perspective.

[@barnehagefanden]

Oh look, a knot video! Que six minutes of me going "oh, dang I've been doing it wrong for years"... 🙄 My ego is bruised, but thanks for the knowledge 🙏🤗

[@AndrewVelonis]

There can be more than one right way.

[@jimleffler7976]

Wow, she kicks arse. Great video

[@motooilermotooiler9597]

Really good and concise explanation. Thanks for the video.

[@mannydrives]

Screen shot this one so I can go back to this when needed. Awesome tutorial.

[@Skeetmgeett]

That's how I tie a bowlin. Excellent video

[@outbackeddie]

Wow - you make it look so easy. I have a very hard time remembering knots. I think I may need to limit myself to learning one knot per month. Maybe if I make the same knot a hundred times before trying to learn another one I could actually remember how to make one. Great video (even if you did make me feel stupid for not being able to remember how to make knots).

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Hi Eddie, I tell my students to keep about 3' of line with them all the time in a backpack or pocket to practice. In training at SERE knots were a central part of the curriculum and used multiple times every day in a multitude of ways. We were required to have two 3' lengths of para-cord on us at all times and any instructor could quiz us at any time on our knots ability. So having a line on you that you can whip out and practice with while waiting at the doctors office, as a passenger in the car, in line at the DMV and so on can really improve your skills quickly. Also challenging yourself to make a knot with your eyes closed, opposite handed, behind your back and so on really helps. Happy tying!!!

[@outbackeddie]

@@seretrainingschool6778 Great idea. I'll give your method a try and see if I can make a few knots "stick" with me.

[@diverbob8]

Something to try...at the second tree, when ready to put the loose end thru the slip loop, do it twice, the second below the first. Now when you stop tugging, the second loop will invert with the first and form a cinch automatically. You can then add an additional cinch as you did but there will be no loss of tension since it is already cinched by the inverted loops.

[@leepinnguin9682]

Wonderful, now if all that doesn't "slip" my mind, I will be ok. I guess I need to practice!! Thank you for the video!

[@charlieboutin3341]

Good clear instructions! I like the loop & stick trick securing the tarp. I’ve camped a lot and always like to learn new methods. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a Great and Happy New Year! God Bless

[@ravindra1206]

Nicely explained sister. Thanks from India.

[@knordberg]

Very articulate and informative. Just subscribed.

[@bradvoogel]

Thank you for posting. This was extremely helpful setting up my Cooke custom sewing tarp.

[@michaelsiney2608]

New to the channel and I'm liking like vids!! Keep em coming

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Thanks Michael!

[@chrisgriffin3374]

Someone taught you correctly. Nice to see you getting it on propper🤘

[@MeyersCTR]

Very nice presentation with good informations.

[@Blagger3000]

Good Boy Scout knots and lashings.

[@Lip_Ripper.]

I didn't know you could make a bowline this way! Always made a bowline and used that loop to attach it to the tree with a slipknot. This is so much easier! Quick and to the point as well. Thank you so much.

[@Limicola1]

I agree it's pretty cool but you can do the same thing tying the bowline conventionally. Make a "six" (a loop) in the standing part (just turn the standing end to make the loop), run the bight end around the tree, pass it up through the loop in the standing part, then run it around the standing part (left or right--it doesn't matter) and back down through loop. It's "the rabbit jumped out of the hole, ran around the tree, and jumped back down the hole" method, but the "tree" is the standing part and the loop that goes around the post is the bight end.

[@Kachelator]

Ever tried an Evenk hitch?

[@canopus101]

I used to do this, I use the waggoners hitch now. Good formation of bowline by the way.

[@penawarluka2480]

Now its much easier to go camping...🤗 Thank you..😍

[@jmose1911]

Awesome! Taught in a simple, clear and concise way. Curious, lesson taught by a good teacher appears effortless. I have used tarps lots, my concern, grommets, on poly tarps are weak & easily torn out. Inevitably in downpour. Teach if you can simplify following (me understand, duh?) perhaps a good alternative or fall back. Good luck, I wrote it and just reread it and I'm confused! :-) Holding the corner of the tarp w/ smooth rock, golf ball sized underneath, bunch & rap the tarp around the rock. Make a double slip knot as if hanging bad guy, place the loop over the rock and tarp, cinch tight. Whew...

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Hi Mose, Yes, I understand what you are referring to, so not as confusing as you thought! At SERE we called this method creating a "button". I've also heard folks refer to this technique as "ghosts" or "chicken heads". Let me see if I can improve on what you have already written. It's much easier to show than write! 1. Make a running loop (meaning it gets smaller when you pull on the BODY of the line) in the end of the line you want to attach to the cloth/tarp and slip it over your dominant hand like it's a bracelet or just around your fingers. 2. In your non-dominant hand grab a small amount of random material (duff, a smooth rock, leaves, nothing sharp or pointy though). The diameter of this material should be no smaller than the diameter of a dime and no larger than the diameter of a quarter when compacted. 3. Place this small amount of material onto the cloth/tarp in the spot on the cloth/tarp you want to attach the line and wrap the cloth/tarp around the material. 4. Slide the running loop off of your fingers/wrist and around the material encased in the cloth/tarp and pull it tight by pulling on the body. You now have the line attached to the cloth/tarp firmly in a way that is stronger than a grommet and using a technique that can be used with any cloth strong enough. There are many take offs/modifications to this concept, but this method I find to be the simplest and easiest to do using a very small amount of line. I've made a shelter from a bed sheet using this technique and slept in it in the rain and stayed dry. The key is to keep the angle on the sheet fairly steep and not touch the sheet while inside. Thanks for the dialogue! Happy tying!

[@wahraoeh]

One of the best explanations / demonstrations I've seen! Thanks!

[@markkmiecik9797]

Does the chin level part work equally well for those who are 5 feet tall and well as those who are 6-1/2 feet tall? Seems like that would make a big difference.

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Like the prepared said it's a good rule of thumb generally, but it also depends on the size of the tarp you're using, what environmental conditions you expect, and the danger factor. If I have an 8 X 10 tarp and the weather looks nasty or I don't know what to expect but if I get wet I don't happen to have extra clothes and I might go hypothermic if the weather turns, then I'm going to chose a shelter design (A-frame vs. Lean-to) that is low and pick a site that has solid natural protection as well. I'll also likely seal the ends so it feels completely enclosed. This might be for sleet or snow conditions. However if I'm worried more about overheating I may choose a design that has a higher mainline, and a location that is more open to invite breezes along with making sure that if the tarp has different colors on each side I put the lighter color facing out to reflect heat away from the interior. Make sense? I'm a fan of tarps because they are generally a LOT more versatile than a tent. There are dozens of different shelter designs and then combinations of those designs as well, each of which are best suited to specific environmental conditions. We silly humans build houses that look almost exactly the same whether we live in the NW rain forest, the SW deserts, the coastal regions, mid-west, etc. We don't change the design much which results in a lot of inefficiency and energy waste. I can't afford to waste that energy in a survival situation. I need to adapt.

[@LacyJaneCompton]

Very helpful. Well done video and thank you for the excellent info.

[@LoftusRoadLad]

Excellent! Short, sharp, and sweet!

[@Peter-976]

Excellent video. It would be much easier for me if you just came camping with me, lol

[@quintenputnam4578]

Nice job I will use your video for future reference when putting up my flies. Tks

[@Perktube1]

Great tutorial! In between then and now I've learned how to do the hitch without having to run the whole standing end through the loop.

[@unclemikeb]

Great video, some clever tips there. Many thanks. I got tired of my line getting slack while pinching to finish the hitch knot, so I started going twice through the loop and guess what? I can still increase the tension, but with two passes the rope bites on itself and no longer will loosen up while I'm tying off the remaining part of the working end!

[@emzirek]

We used this hitch knot to tie out the horses as we groomed them for show buy mine knew how to pull it loose by pulling the dead end and he actually showed other how to do it as well...

[@antaress8128]

Wow! This safety is very clever indeed.

[@user-eo4ps7re5e]

Best YT video on this topic

[@bahbee5659]

Sending this link to my grandsons!

[@stevenwaling23]

Had to watch a couple times to see that bowline again... I didn't catch the "pull till it pops thru"... THEN I could see it. Had to try it to fully get why... cool... not 100% certain it's any easier than the standard way, but I love seeing a new way to do it. The trucker's hitch... always been a go-to staple, but I like your "lock" better. Thanks!

[@ThanhHuynh-xo4qe]

Thank you so much! Today, I learned the helpful thing.

[@lesgohbrandon]

You have a great way of explaining the process. Thanks for this video.

[@georgeohwell7988]

Greetings from Northern Ireland....subscribed

[@paulwhat322]

Omg, finally an instructional i can easily understand and follow. You're amazing! Thank you so much!

[@steveneugene339]

Awesome someone that knows how to teach those of us that have learning problems .Well done thank you for making this vid , subed .

[@yenhsiangyuan1338]

Such a great and clear introduction, I like your video

[@Breal191]

Excellent explanation. Never done a bowline that way. Seems simple enough😃

[@khaeosz]

In Ranger school, we called it the Transport Tightening Hitch. Good video.

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Fun. Life is much more interesting when we have many terms for the same thing right? ;-) Then again a rose by any other name... as long as it works!

[@khaeosz]

@@seretrainingschool6778 exactly. Just mentioning that it looks familiar and felt the need to comment.

[@cybersoil100]

Great video. Thanks!

[@youhen01]

Thanks for the bowlin trick!!

[@chalemi]

Very nicely done!

[@harrickvharrick3957]

I would like to see you do the SELF-TIGHTENING 'version' of this tho! Most oftentimes, the difference is in the last step, at least with most people that I saw do it.

[@boogerteeth]

Very smart & helpful, everyone should know this! Thanks for sharing.

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomthompson5723]

VERY GOOD INSTRUCTIONAL on a tempory houch!!! YOU were Great!!! and has been 35-40 years since I used. So Glad Tradition Skills being used. Semper-Fi GySgt T USMC (Ret)

[@TATEXPRESSINC]

I love the video

[@vence2383]

Clear simple and very useful.. TKS alot for great video..

[@mayasturm8965]

Wow that was awesome! Really concise!

[@jolly_roger1021]

Ahh! You made this so easy to understand.

[@riverice7]

I’m using this for a clothesline, mine always ends up on the floor with regular knots

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Yes, it works great for putting up a clothesline! I hope your nice clean clothes are staying clean now!

[@meilmontigny9201]

Great video, great personality, thanks a million. God Bless.

[@williambtm1]

I admire the handiwork of competent women, it always elevates the women up to and sometimes higher than a man. Go you lovely women out there.

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Awe! Quite cool of you to say so William. I tend to agree! Thanks much!

[@sfetsasp]

Excellent video and very useful. Well done

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Nicely done !

[@mikebetts2046]

Something shown but not mentioned. With this method of attaching a tarp to a line, the rope takes the tension and not so much on the tarp. The rope is stronger than the tarp. Nice concept.

[@jessiekrebs5764]

Yes this is one of the several advantages for sure! It really extends the life of a tarp.

[@CorporalPunishmint]

I always make at least three end loops on the trucker's hitch. It acts like a compound pulley, you can put an incredible amount of torque with very little effort.

[@seretrainingschool6778]

Shew, that's really adding up the mechanical advantage! I do that as well on rare occasions, but in this case with a tarp and simple shelter I think it just puts extra stress on my line and uses up more line than I'd like. It works really well though in rescue scenarios or when lifting heavy loads. Thanks for sharing!

[@stephanygates6491]

That’s a new safety, for sure!

[@ricpowers1475]

Perfect, concuse, instruction. Great job.

[@craigberesford440]

Thanks for an easy to understand video.

[@321southtube]

Really really well done. Nice job. Informative, intriguing and interesting. Thanks

[@commonsense504]

Outstanding. Great video!

[@WilliesDET]

I love this video!

[@dme7689]

Impressive..... great explanation... thank you.

[@RobertusFelicis]

Weren’t you on Alone?? You should be so proud of what you accomplished on that show!

[@briankane6547]

INTERESTING Bowline technique. ;¬)

[@wbishop1330]

A big TY 4 the tutorial.⛺👍✌❤