Trucker's Hitch Versus Taut-Line Hitch

[@recall5811]

Please Hit The LIKE and SUBSCRIBE BUTTONS as well as the NOTIFICATION BELL. Feel Free to Check out my Amazon Influencer Page and Follow Me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Thanks For Watching. Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/corporalscorner?isVisitor=true&ref=exp_inf_own_pub_corporalscorner Facebook facebook.com/pages/Corporals-Corner/516423848419768 Instagram instagram.com/corporalscorner/ Twitter twitter.com/CorporalsCorner?s=17

[@debosquatch]

Looking extra fit Cpl. Anyone else notice you're down a few pounds .💪

[@recall5811]

paleo diet and old school labs products. thanks for watching

[@93jeepTimma]

Ok this time I'm sure you were out off Dugas rd lol I trap raccoon in that exact place and hunt in the whole area all the time. I use the truckers hitch and improvised marlin spike hitch all the time for all kinds of applications which I learned from you. Thank you for all the great information you provide. Love your videos and your channel keep up the good work! Maybe I'll run into you out there sometime stay safe brother.

[@recall5811]

location is roadside USA. Thanks for watching

[@caseyclark5392]

I've always done the trucker's hitch for a ridge line. I do use taught line hitch for tightening up the ends of a tarp from tent stakes. You can't get your ridge line tight enough using taught line hitch because you can't really crank on it like you mentioned.

[@gerrero4504]

My son is a British army cadet I told him your system but we use three Prusik knots with very light weight aluminium carabiners his Sargent was so impressed with his overall performance and set up instead of the usual heavy and bulky elastic bungees that asked my son where he got his awesome idea from and he took FULL CREDIT!! , the little brow nose is now a Lance Corporal Thank you Corporal!!

[@ddthedogmanoutdoors]

Fantastic

[@riley11us58]

Your videos are outstanding. As a former USAF lineman I know knots yet one can always learn from a Marine. Keep them coming.

[@nmarbletoe8210]

What does a lineman do, if I may ask? Sounds like a knot expert but I'm guessing it's something more airplane-ey

[@johnleonard4261]

Guys, just show a little courtesy for his way of teaching before criticizing. Actually try what he is showing and you just might learn something. I have been tying knots before this man was conceived and can tell you what he shows us has real practical value. If you think you know it all, you leave yourself no room to grow or improve!!

[@davidvaughn7752]

I like them both. Pitch multiple geometries for different contingencies and use different knots as needed. No controversy in my camp. Another informative vid - Thanks.

[@mjc139]

I’ve watched countless videos and could never figure out how to make this simple hitch, others make it too complicated or do not explain it properly, thank you for this great lesson. Tried it once in my kitchen by using two different door knobs for the support and got it done on the 1st try. Thanks!

[@lukecrue1]

You should check out The Prepared channel's version, that lady explains it so well and gives a few extra great tips like a simple loop to secure the truckers hitch, tightening the toggles by rolling them, and an awesome quick bowline. Trust me she is awesome

[@markp.9707]

I followed your logic for the first time setting up a ridge line and tarp and my wife was so impressed. Thanks for making me look good.

[@Ghost51492]

AS A MATTER OF FACT SIR!!!!!! ……………… I didn’t know any knots before I found your channel. Your channel inspired me to go out and give hiking, camping and bushcraft a try. I was always interested but I had no training and didn’t know where to start. I’m still a beginner but everything I learn I can now teach to my kids. Your content is awesome keep up the good work and thank you for your service.

[@doctorbea]

I, too, am all for the trucker's hitch. However, I think a more objective comparison would have been the taut line hitch vs purely the trucker's hitch, NOT the taut line hitch vs the trucker's hitch + prusik loops. I'm just saying, it became a bit too much like apples and oranges for me...and I have often wondered about people's preferences (possible advantages) between the two. A fair head-to-head would be better...including just putting the prusik loops on the taut line hitch.

[@JimStreb]

a taut line hitch gives you no mechanical advantage, the trucker's hitch gives a two-to-one advantage. So, you're able to exert greater pressure on the ridge line with the trucker's hitch. That two-to-one advantage is why truckers are so fond of the hitch, it allows loads to be better secured.

[@danieldockery4851]

I’ve been using your ridge line technique for the past year now and your knot videos have improved my camping experience. No longer spending time undoing crappy tie downs. Quick release and I’m ready to roll.

[@archi-mendel]

Taut-line is easily made quick release. Same as you do when you tie your lacers.

[@harrisonwilliamson8932]

This is why I like your channel. You do what you know, and try other suggestions, instead of insinuating youre the know all end all. I appreciate your insight and your time, to teach us young bucks how to survive and thrive. Your channel is relaxing to watch after a full day of BS and PC culture at work etc. Respect and thank you corporal!

[@TheDeadeye5]

My wife and I watch your channel all the time(we are both outdoor enthusiasts). We went camping with some friends earlier this year and I decided I wanted to take some time and research some useful knots. This, of course, led me back to your channel and it was a very informative way for me to learn. I even brought about 20ft of paracord to my current "office" job and just tied knots in my free time for a week to get the muscle memory down. The amount of joy I had when our friends started jokingly calling me "survivalist" because I was able to whip out my newfound knowledge was immense. I was able to properly utilize a multitude of knots that you taught me, including the trucker's hitch, taut-line hitch, marlin spike hitch, bowline, fisherman's knot, jam knot, and even a simple overhand knot. I know this is all basic shit for you, but man...I felt like a rock star. Thank you for all the info and please keep it coming.

[@Th3Unf0rg1v3n95]

2 year old vid showing up in my recommended! We're making it happen I think lol keep up the good work. At least one of your vids is part of my daily ritual now. The fact that you never say "this is the best way" but rather "this is what I prefer" is so respectable and shows us that you are an open-minded leader. I've learned more from your channel in the past couple months than anywhere else on KZbin

[@nickydexgg4579]

Truckers hitch is a good knot, for sure. However, it seemed that the downsides you had with the taut line hitch would be largely avoided if you added prussic loops like you had on your other setup. Or, if you simply rotate the toggles to move/tighten/loosen the tarp... Yes, you can get the truckers hitch line tighter because of leverage, but nearly everything else, including the plow point shelter, is also possible with the taut line. Use what you know, either can be used to quickly setup a tarp.

[@dougshivers4996]

I've been using the truckers hitch for my ridge line ever since you taught me how to tie and use it. Thank you for everything you teach and explain. I really enjoy watching your videos. You always have so much to offer. Please keep up the good work and thank you again.

[@JimStreb]

As always, fair and accurate comparisons with reasoned descriptions. I'm with you corporal. I have five quick ridge lines set up and stored for when I need them. Use them all the time.

[@mlsknnr]

Another excellent video. Remember the acronym K.I.S.S., the truckers hitch is simple (no wraps to undo) and always secures tighter than the taught line hitch. The taught line hitch was designed so you can take up or loosen the line as needed, the truckers hitch is a dead stop for no slack. I have been using both for years depending on the application.

[@tactical_hen]

Your Ridgeline system is outstanding. This video shows how much thought went into this system. I always carry one such Ridgeline with me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@ReadyUpGo]

I like how you demonstrate tying it. I just spent 15 minutes on another site and came away uncertain; hit this and bingo! What I’m most impressed by is how he overcame his resistance to certain comments and resolved to research an answer objectively and share the results. Admirable.

[@jamespence9469]

As an old Eagle Scout, I would say of course the taut line hitch is superior, but I think you very well showed the advantage of the trucker's hitch in this configuration. To me, one of the key advantages with using the trucker's hitch is as the hitch is pulled taut, it gets closer to the anchor point, whereas the taut line hitch gets further away from the anchor point, which reduces the easy useable area (not having to untie one of the prussic loops and move it to the other side of the hitch) for the prussic/toggle system if you use it for both hitch ridgeline systems.

[@JackKarvo]

One thing i've noticed is that tightening the taut-line actually pulls the cord around whole back end of the tree, which can be bad for the cord if you have one with rough flakey bark like the one you're sitting in front of in this video. The trucker's hitch in comparison has the slack walked around the tree then tightened and tied off at the side.

[@archi-mendel]

Trackers hitch and similar polyspast systems with no blocks cause much more damage to the rope than simply rubbing it over the tree with similar force applied. Paracord 550 has 250 kilos (550 pounds) break strength. In CCs system you have a joint of two ropes each of which is bent in a sharp angle (almost 180 degrees) which means that outer rope fibers are already stretched more than the inner ones (practically, inner ones are almost not working and all the force is applied to outer ones). This bend causes a huge loss of the rope strength in specific bend place. I could find exact numbers, but considering a simple figure eight causes a loss of 40-45% of strengths, such a sharp bend should probably cause a loss of 60% at least. So, we can already consider the break strength to degrade to at most 100 kilos. Polyspast doubles the force applied. This means that paracord (which is already degraded to at most 100 kilos) can take not more than 50 kilos of force applied by user before it breaks. And what is specifically awful here is that it is not a static force applied to this least strong place of the rope - you are actually applying a sliding friction. So, the outer fibers are facing a huge stretching force and inner fiber are facing a huge friction force which causes a cutting effect. So, the strength degrades even more. It is easy enough to damage paracord (it gets that glossy melt-like look in the place where friction was applied). And it is actually easy enough for an average human to break paracord by applying enough force to such tightening system. I am actually going to make a test of how much force this system can handle. I reckon, there will be visible signs of damage at around 20 kilos and it will break at around 35-40 kilos.

[@sunroy1]

As another Eagle Scout, I was raised using the taut line hitch and would use variations so I didn’t have to pass 20 feet of line to tie it. I absolutely agree that the truckers knot is superior to getting a very tight line, but from my point of view putting up a rain tarp in a hurry the taut line is very fast. I really don’t care if it comes down fast. After 35 years of backpacking the taut line hitch has served me very well. Started backpacking in the late 1967 I guess it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks

[@richarddaugherty8583]

Spot on, Corporal! Marlinspike Hitch and Truckers Hitch, slam dunk. BTW, I camped at QuartzFest (just south of Quartzsite, AZ)t this past January for 7 days and for the first three days we had winds of 30 mph, gusting to 50. My camping neighbor had an EZ up off the back of his pickup as his main shelter and it was taking a beating from the wind. Using my Corporals Corner knots and pebble trick, we rigged up additional guy points where there were no tie-outs or grommets and saved his EZ up. We put two pebbles in the field of the side that was taking all the wind, and another in the middle of the canopy. Then we did the same for our special event radio station. Also, on the other side of my camp, we taught a camper the taut line hitch for their families tent when the plastic guy clips broke. See, no silly clips needed, just a great hitch. I used up 100 feet of #36 bank line putting additional guys on my tent and the other shelters! All that stuff you've been teaching works. Not only that, you have a real talent for teaching it, explaining things clearly step by step. I've seen other knot videos and at the end of it was asking myself "what did he say to do?" Never said that with one of yours. Good to Go! FYI, QuartzFest is a ham radio convention in the desert around campfires instead of in a hotel with conference rooms. Every year in January. We got to 1000+ attendees this year!

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Wow! Never heard of this... wish I knew about it, I wudda went! I live by Phx.

[@jamesnielsen1802]

As a boy scout, we learned the taut line and it was sufficient for a number of years... but had it's drawbacks. Ever since learning the trucker's hitch, or the concept of it- I've never looked back. Instead of the over-hand on a bite, I do an alpine butterfly as it's less likely to collapse on itself and easier to un-tie.... tie it and forget it. Rarely have to go and re-adjust it. Always works on various types of lines (nylon, polyester, jute, sisal, braided vs non-braided and twisted)

[@christopherbunik2116]

I was taught a truck hitch for rigid line and taut line for guid lines. You taught me something I love is to have a rigid line setup and ready to go,the spike for quick release. Love seeing great ways of keeping your items tight. Thank you for your service.

[@lanejohnson7656]

I've watched tons of videos and your system is the best I've seen for me. Looks super fast to deploy and take down. Perfect for what I want to do and my needs

[@hippiblue]

I use a yard arms, like navy sailing, my tarps never sag, and can be adjusted so all the water drains into a bucket. 8 x 10 tarp for camping, or 40 x 60 to cover hay stacks or larger kitchen in the woods like we did New Orleans after the hurricane, easily dropped low down during 60 mph winds,easily pull back up by single person breakfast cook so coffee is ready. Double down, and run second tarp in the other direction. See Ashley's book of knots for directions, and circuses tent designs.

[@24756550]

Love your methodology. Have seen so many of your quality videos for quite some time now. Really appreciate your commitment to efficiency & practicality. Keep up the good work !

[@DenisSolaro]

I've been very impressed with your system, it's elegant and there is no more paracord putting an enormous pressure on the grommets (like those plastic grommets of the USGI poncho) by coming in and out. Since I live in France and I cannot find tarred bank line, I've been experimenting with lines we use for craft or for boating, saving weight in the process. This weekend I'm demonstrating it to a friend and helping him select the best ridgeline + poncho + stakes combo. I really appreciate that you test all alternatives before reaching a conclusion.

[@SRDish]

I have only been watching your Chanel for a few months so I’m not qualified to make any evaluations. However, I wanted to put up a simple tarp shelter for my 8 & 6 year old grandson because they love being out doors. I used the system of the bowline and Marlene spike and the truckers hitch and a very economical tarp and some economical stakes with a length of paracord. The system has been standing without any adjustments for 21/2 months. For a first attempt at setting up the shelter system I have been very pleased with the result and how well it holds up. Even over this amount of time it has not sagged with the trucker’s hitch.

[@traveller563]

Great video! I’ve been enjoying each and every one of them. I’ve been using a bowline or figure eight with a tent stake along with a truckers hitch at the other end for to create a very taught ridge-line for my tarps for a long time. Your addition of the two, what I call a dropper knots, makes your ridge-line system very fast, very efficient and elegant, and is something I never thought of doing. It’s hard for me to believe that anyone with an knot tying experience would think that using taught line hitches would be faster or better. I think you hit the nail on the head when you expressed the idea that the people who think that just don’t have much knowledge or experience in tying knots.

[@terryqueen3233]

The second way you did that with the Trucker's Hitch and my opinion also is the best way. Especially when you went from a squared tarp to the plow point. I use the Trucker's Hitch in a whole lot of things that I do because it's so much easier just to pop it Loose plus I also put a toggle in my Loop just in case it happens to get jerked out while walking around camp and the tent. Those prusik hitches work great for a lot of things. Thanks for the lesson and have a great day and stay safe and keep your powder dry!

[@bathcolin]

As always, 100% sense talked on this channel. That is why I keep coming back here. Thanks Shawn, you are a great source of outdoors information.

[@mrwes100]

Personally, I feel I can get a much tighter ridge line with a trucker’s hitch. I roll with the CC method. 👍

[@Post-Alone]

Yep 100% agree

[@not1just4words]

Efficiency is king... I use your ridgeline system because it works well and I can't find anything easier. Quick release makes for frustration free camping. I applaud you for taking an objective look at other methods, that's how you can be sure truckers hitch gives you the fastest, easiest, most efficient method of setting up a tarp or shelter. Outstanding!

[@kaitsamari]

While I agree the truckie is the superior of the two, it's sort of a false equivalency here. You haven't compared them fairly when you add Prusik loops to only one of the two models.

[@Hedgeturtle]

I think the argument was that his use of truckie and prusiks is too complicated and all you need is taut line hitch with 2 sticks. But i agree, the comparison is a bit unfair in the bigger picture.

[@darbar2375]

I just tried both ways in my garage between two shelf uprights for my own experience. It's a no-brainer. The trucker's hitch is far superior to the taut line hitch for ridge lines. It's faster and easier to tie, you can get it a LOT tighter, it's quick-release, AND you can put a stick in the quick-release bight to prevent accidental release, AND if you do have to tighten it later for some reason, it's a simple act to pull the release, re-stretch and remake the bight. Nicely done, Corporal. Love your concise, clear videos. I've learned a ton from watching you. Thank you!

[@adamelida19]

I’ve used taut line with prusik attachments for years and never had any issues. I’ve also spent years tinkering with line lock gadgets like the figure 9. All of the gadgets are good and do their jobs. I mainly use them on tarps for hammock camping. That said, after watching your video I started messing around with the truckers hitch, and I find it to be a superior knot for ridge lines. It replaces all the gimmicks and gadgets and saves weight. I am solidly in the Truckers Hitch camp now. Great video.

[@joshables9161]

I’m glad to see that you’ve done well on KZbin. You worked hard at this and now you get to enjoy teaching survival and earning a living doing it. When you love your job you never work a day. Congratulations at your success on KZbin. You deserve a job well done Brother!!!

[@tracygallaway886]

Though I'm just learning these things, now after some practice, I see the elegant qualities inherent in the Trucker's Hitch and the quick deploy ridgeline. Corporal, you're a Guru, Brother! This knowledge is priceless, IMHO!!

[@lemminglobber1854]

Your videos are revolutionizing my camping set up. I have removed so much unnecessary stuff it's untrue! I'm actually looking at a smaller pack now as my current one is getting too big. Thank you for all the tips!

[@slowlyrusting4044]

I have used a trucker's hitch for ridge lines and taut-line for guy lines since I was a kid (67 now). Don't see any reason to change now. Bottom line : Works for me, use whatever works for you. Thanks, Corporal.

[@lildevilgamer]

My go to method is truckers hitch and prusics to attach the tarp so I agree 100% with you

[@victor-ling]

You indicate that in the taught line hitch setup you could see potential binding or fraying issues over time. Yet that truckers hitch creates a much harsher bind on the rope and due to the stated benefit of being able to really tighten the line will end up putting the bind under far greater pressure. Now I agree with the overall method described here, your ridgeline is definitely preferable here, just pointing out a definite bias in the potential cons you alleged to in the taught line hitch.

[@teddyruxpin3811]

Instead of passing the tail through the loop on the truckers hitch to tighten it, you can attach a carabiner between the loop and the tail so there is never rope on rope friction.

[@lloydwhite3198]

Former Marine, 1971. Great to have your refresher courses. Thanks & Godspeed.

[@bcp092980]

I'm a trucker. I deliver windows to mostly job sites. I use the truckers hitch to secure windows and sliding patio doors. It has never failed me. I've even used the rapid deploy ridge line to hang birth day banners. People are amazed when seeing me do this. I tell them I learned the Corporals Corner.

[@garandm1d]

Another excellent example of info-tainment... Truckers hitch is the next best thing to a ratchet straps or a come along( and has advantages over both)...the taught line or midshipmans hitch ,in my opinion, is better suited to lighter static loads (hanging a food bag in bear country) rather than a highly tensioned ridgeline and seems to work better with natural fibers or tarred line. Nylons, poly or newer wonder fibers are very slippery, I find it tends to slip over time. It's popularity can be attributed to the boy scouts of America.... keep up the good work.

[@Drifter35417]

Looking at the taught line from the cold fingers angle... there is too much fiddle farting with the knot when finger dexterity is compromised. Watching your videos changed my ridge line knot preference from a Canadian jam knot too the modified marlin spike hitch. Because, when I saw it, it was instantly recognized as a superior method of fastening (for me and the way I operate). Thanks for your squared away blocks of instruction.

[@royrodgers567]

Definitely worth practicing all of the 5 minutes it takes to learn the Truckers Hitch. I like both for different reasons but I agree with the Corporal. Thank you.

[@b1gda1]

i use the same method as yourself, only using the tautline knot for attaching the corners to trees or pegs for the sides of the tarp. Can almost play a tune on the line once cinched up tight using the truckers knot.

[@martinjenkins6472]

Corporal NoBS Kelly, you are The Man...my go-to source of information for everything outdoors, thank you.

[@garageliving3658]

Went out kayak camping last weekend, my 10x12 tarp was set using your exact quick deploy ridgeline and it withstood 60mph winds. Tornado sirens in distance. One hell of a weekend!

[@memathews]

What you said. I saw your trucker's hitch/Prusik set up in an earlier video and immediately switched from the trailing hitch system I learned in 1965. Using the Prusiks is genius, how did I survive 50+ years without knowing that? The trucker's hitch is easier to tighten the ridgeline, but it takes just as long to tie as the tautline early. The tautline has an advantage by easily tightening after the initial tie, this is important if the weather changes and the line slacks. So there is a trade-off between quick-release trucker versus extra tightening tautlineb use hitch whichever best fits the situation. But using those Prusiks, why have I never thought of that? And it's easy to put additional Prusiks on the same line (slaps forehead!).

[@lisawagner421]

I created a rapid ridge line as you’ve instructed here and in previous videos. The taut line is more complicated than necessary especially if faced with an emergent situation.

[@pawoutdoors9290]

After watching your quick setup I switched to the truckers hitch. Love it. Thx

[@CroakerOutdoors]

My technique is to use a butterfly loop in conjunction with a tautline hitch. The loop strung through gets you the mechanical advantage, then you already have the tautline behind it to simply pull and tighten. Plus, if you are encamped for a while and are dealing with some line sag, just pull the tautline in some more and done. No need to go through the extra step of retying the trucker's hitch. I will play around with the trucker's hitch but I don't like how you have to hold the tension while you tie the closing end. Also, not sure why you didn't add the prusik knot to the tuatline hitch demo if it was an issue.

[@HumphreyChou96]

Great comment -- your method works well for tightening the ridgeline anytime without having to retie anything!

[@antoniojgallegorodenas7637]

5 years ago since posting the video and still being used for my personal reference. Outstanding job sir.

[@EffTwoFiddy]

corporal, i agree, for a ridgeline, truckers hitch is hands down better. it's not debatable, mechanical advantage, as you have always said. that said, there is no reason you can't use prussik's on a taut line ridgeline. taut line is still a great hitch, especially for staking out guy lines. its much easier to make incremental adjustments due to wind, rain, etc, on lines that don't need the strength of a ridgeline. i watch all your vid's, can't believe i wasn't a subscriber. until now. keep up the good work...

[@nmarbletoe8210]

truckers: tighter, more secure taut line: finely adjustable i agree, other than that they are pretty similar

[@barrybri]

A short stick(~24") can be used between the two lines at the tree for tightening the ridge line with either hitch.Turn the stick which twists the two lines together,shortening the ridge line to make it taut.Tie a cord around the tree to keep the stick from rotating and loosening the ridge line. A short piece of cordage can be passed through the tarp grommet and looped around the ridge line.Pull the ridge line loop through the tarp grommet and insert the toggle to hold the tarp and pull the short cordage free. Thanks for the videos! :)

[@hentiebeukes5319]

Thanks for the easy demo. I like your method with the truckers hitch and prussic loops. Way easier and more options.

[@lusl1094]

Thank you for another excellent video. Another trick for the taught line hitch ridge line is to just put the paracord through the tarp loops or grommets/tabs, then tie a Prusik from the ridgeline to the tarp grommet/tab. Use the Prusik to tighten the tarp by pulling it directly from the grommet/tab down the ridgeline; therefore eliminating the loop and toggle through the grommet/tab.

[@julianrussell1456]

Just stumbled across your video, I personally use the knots you preferred. I have questions but will check your channel out before being a broken record. Thanks for posting.

[@recall5811]

ok

[@NinjaHempKnight]

I love both knots for different reasons. My son is in scouts and we spend a lot of time outdoors using knots. For a ridgeline a truckers hitch can't be beat, but we do a double pass through the loop so it locks itself down. My son is small and cannot pinch & hold the line before tying a slippery half hitch. We like to use the taught line when adjusting tension for our tarps out to tent stakes.

[@g.g.hochstetler2286]

I just upgraded my ridge line to lash-it with dutchgear Dutch hook and wasp. I use soft shackles with a prusik knot to secure the tarp. I have the ability to switch back to rope only but I like the convenience of the titanium dutchgear hardware. Also got a couple titanium toggles if I need them. Very small and lightweight. Your methods(truckers hitch) are more than adequate though and work quite well. I used your method until recently. I also keep a 25’ piece of 7/64th Amsteel with a loop on one end handy for when I want to throw up a strong ridge line with your method. Again with soft shackles though. The only thing bad about the hollow core rope like Zing-it, Lash-it and Amsteel is that is doesn’t take traditional knots well. It requires a tool to tie the knots. On other hand it allows you to make a whoopie sling style ridge line and other cool knots. BTW, when I do a truckers hitch I do the self tightening version. That is awesome! Really appreciate your Channel.

[@scottcoombs3201]

I appreciate you, Sean. You do a fantastic job of getting us prepared “quickly”. Thank you for the leg up!

[@PghFlip]

Old video, (and yes I'm not subscribed but i did like!) so you might not see this. You make good points about quick release, but i have no idea why you didn't use the prussik knots on the taught line hitch. using the bight and grommet seems weirdly complicated and has the problems you mentioned. The real advantage of the trucker's hitch is the mechanical advantage you get in the tightening step. That allows you a much easier time getting a very taught rope. Thanks for the video!

[@viewsandreviews180]

Good instruction. That’s the way I’ve done it for years. It just made sense if I was using a tarp to make a roof.

[@inomad1313]

I use the taut line for permanently attached lines where the length of the line needed from site to site will be about the same. The tension lines that I leave in place on my tarp and rain fly all have taut lines on them for ease and speed of setup, break down and adjustment. For a ridge line. That will always be a truckers hitch until someone shows me a hitch that can get better tension. The prusik knot is superior to the inline toggle in every way.

[@ZachofaIItrades]

One thing that addresses one of your concerns with the taught line hitch is tying some toggles onto your Ridge line with your prussek knot as you did with the truckers hitch. This allows you to save your Ridge line from the possible fraying problem and increases your ease of setup without having to slacken your Ridge line multiple times. I do love me some truckers hitch though! I use it regularly to tie stuff down on my sailboat.

[@jeffrichards5106]

Looks like the fastest, easiest way for a ridgeline. I have to practice my knots. Thanks for the video.👍

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

I switched to your quick deploy ridgeline set up a while ago and it works great. I only use the taut line when I need to guy out my tarp.

[@eds6098]

So why didn't you use the Prusik knots with the first set up ? You wouldn't have had to loosen it.

[@shanebrinlee1241]

My only guess is that pulling against the standing end with a prusic coUld loosen the ridge line since technically the taught line isn’t a fixed loop. so if it’s windy or something while your asleep maybe you could wake up to a loose tarp. Or just over time the pulling of a prusic could loosen it some how. I had the same thought as you but idk this is the only thing I could think of. Good question tho

[@Bigfoot_Boogaloo]

He said in the video he keeps being told all you need is a tautline and two sticks. So that's what he used

[@BeccaTheBoring]

Agreed. Trucker hitch for the main support, where you don’t want it to loosen or self adjust. taught line for bracing, where you might want the tension to be adjustable.

[@acrobaticfish]

I'd too use a trucker's if I really need to crank and the application doesn't require adjustments. Separately, I prefer the Farrimond friction hitch over the taut line. Check it out if you haven't heard of it...it's a friction hitch that's actually quick release and I surmise is grippier than a taut line as it wraps over four times instead of three (it's tied similar to a (partial) prusik).

[@scottfenton7607]

Thank you for your service! When I was serving they never got to tying knots. But after watching your video it will come in handy for when I cut down the dead trees around the yard I live on. That will help me direct the trees if they try going the wrong way. So I hope! God bless you and the 3%ers

[@IngeniousOutdoors]

Also, instead of trying to figure out where to put that slip knot for the truckers hitch, just use a third prussik knot loop for an adjustable truckers hitch loop. You can then put it exactly where you need it without thinking about it. Even less stress and longer life for your ridgeline.

[@dyvel]

Brilliant idea! Do you know from the top of your head weather a thinner dimension on the Prussia knot loop allows for Auto locking trucker's Hitch?

[@teamdawkinsmo6095]

I use prusiks on everything. Ridgeline inside hammock as well. I like the way yours is up fast and down fast. It really gets noticed in pouring rain for sure. Really enjoy the videos!

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

what each person does is fine if it works for them. personally, I use a trucker's hitch for ridgelines, and taut line hitch for the guy lines. I have a lot of time in the dirt. I grew up hiking, hunting and learning and practicing fieldcraft skills with my father and grandfather, then I spent 10 years as a grunt in the ARMY, and have tried to teach fieldcraft to my sons as well. I know I do not know everything, but I know what works for me.

[@wolf1066]

Taut-line hitch for guy lines, I can understand. Tie 'em once and then just leave the loops in the end of the lines ready to throw over the top of the pegs and cinch them taut. I use trucker's hitch for ridgelines and tying down anything I don't want falling off the back of a trailer

[@ImNotHereEither]

I built a tarp tent and campfire in the garden today and made camp bread and Nutella for my best friends 3 yr old boy. All in the rain! What a great day. And I used the taught line knot I learnt in scouts! I’ll try this system next time. 😂

[@fransbester5932]

Keep on doing what you are doing man, OUTSTANDING!

[@PeeWee33772]

Outstanding, I love it! I've had the trouble of tie untie, along with unwinding the taught line over and over again. Thanks for your guidance with this dilemma.

[@Boxof100]

Good to see that you listen to others' points of view. Then give them the benefit of the doubt, and try their methods. Rather than outright dismissing them. It is a good change of pace.

[@Knotshaw]

"looks like somebody who doesnt know what their doing trying to act like they do"

[@justythrasher]

So good brother. I love your methods. It's always well thought out, yet simple af and quick. The less you have to think about and do the less mental and physical energy you waste, the better off you will be. Stay outstanding af!

[@Dydreth]

Thanks for your instruction and great attitude, Corporal

[@BeercanBushcraft]

The thing about the taut-line hitch is that it's used when adjustment is required, like a guy line on a tent say. Also, if my memory serves me correctly, there are three, it could be four (?) versions of the taut-line hitch, the version you have chosen tend to come loose. The Midshipman's version (where the second round-turn crosses over the first) is the least slippy! Great video as per usual x

[@hughhubble]

Well done video. I like the taut-line hitch for applications where I need to adjust tension, but not where I need a fixed amount of tension. The taut-line hitch will slip over time if it gets windy.

[@stephenwandling174]

I agree that the taut-line hitch can slip a bit in some situations. I like what we learned in the US Navy called a Rolling Hitch. As Shawn shows, the TL is tied with one wrap to the left and then one more wrap to the left of that turn. The RH is the same, except the second turn is ONE turn to the RIGHT of the first turn. Both are finished by the half hitch. But, the TL will slip or come part long before the RH. As an aside, both of these hitches can be tied 'on the bight', meaning that you make the wraps and half hitch with a looped section of the line. This allows the knot to be removed without having to pull long sections through. Just pull the bitter end and the hitch is gone. AND, I fully agree that Shawn's method is what I would always use, especially in severe survival conditions: darkness, cold hands, etc. I have practiced putting up a 2 minute shelter while blindfolded and that convinced me.

[@hughhubble]

@@stephenwandling174 I'm not familiar with a rolling hitch -- I'm gonna have to look into that. Thanks.

[@jotade2098]

I'd say taut line hitches work better with stripped paracord. Less moving parts.

[@stephenwandling174]

@@hughhubble I use the rolling hitch on all of my tie-outs.

[@xlSevro409lx]

I like your system much better. I've used it for a couple of years now and I can't fault it in the slightest. I trust in your experience and that trust has never failed me yet. Keep up the great work!

[@931outdoors5]

I completely agree on going with a truckers hitch and Prusik. Been doing that for years. However I’m confused as to why you didn’t use prusik loops on the taught line demonstration.

[@dwaynedevine8331]

First thing to my mind too.

[@BobPreis]

Maybe the comparison wasn’t meant to be fair by design. This video really only highlighted the utility of the Prusik knot.

[@shawnmckenna3667]

He mentioned earlier that the demo was in response to a specific set up (taught line and two sticks) he was only using what a poster had said was better.

[@JustAdude93]

Yanno.. I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and I didn’t even realize I wasn’t subbed so.. you got my sub! Getting into bushcrafting because I’m selling my house and gonna learn the hard way, save the money, buy some land and take what I’ve learned in that meantime and start REALLY bushcrafting. I’m excited and worried but your channel has been a HUGE help on learning new things and practicing some skills before really diving deep. Thank you CC!

[@petar-boshnakov]

Hi Corporal. First, using Prusik is definitely better than the toggles. Then, here some things that you missed while comparing the knots - just my 2 cents. The tightening - trucker can give you better tightening for sure but tautline is named like that for a reason. you can actually pull the rope around the tree so it is as tight as you like and then tie the knot. It is one of those knots that can be tied while the standing end is under tension. So you pull the working end around the tree as hard as you like so it is as tight as you like. Then you do the two loops around the standing end. This locks the knot and keeps the line tight. The final half hitch just locks it. Very nice comparison though and thank you for the effort! Have a good day.

[@recall5811]

I didn't miss anything. the truckers hitch has a mechanical advantage and the tautline never will no matter what you do to it. the video was a response to a constant question as to why some top youtubers do this. Thanks for watching

[@rodneyconner3373]

Corporal, you are exactly right. I used to use a taught line hitch almost exclusively. When I saw you use the truckers hitch it became my go to hitch. I always use your method of the quick release ridge line now.

[@keithweagle]

Taught line on both ends with two presic knots for the tarp is superior in every way. You can tighten or adjust from both ends, and you have unlimited adjustment without having to undo the knot like you have to with a truckers hitch.

[@pechacekcp]

That was a great video about the two knots, now I don’t have to waist my time anymore using my tried and true fisherman’s knot. I know it sounds weird but it does work. NOT ANYMORE, I’ll save that for the fish from now on. Thank you very much Corporal. SPC. Pechacek

[@ericfheins5861]

The taut line can be pulled pretty tight by pulling on the rope working end after putting it around the anchor (tree or stake). The taut line hitch got its name because it can be tied onto a taut standing line.

[@deetngator1624]

Thanks for the video. I have been in awe of people who can tie knots and not have to stop and retie every little bit

[@aussieknowhow9720]

As a trucker (in Australia it is now illegal to secure loads with rope) I tie a truckers hitch different to what you show but that said I believe your method is superior for your purpose (in my job I would Often have too much rope to pull through a loop) outstanding

[@bobclark5058]

Your method is the best. You can tension the ridge line as tightly as you want without applying tension to the tarp and possibly ripping grommets out or tearing the tarp. The tarp attached by bankline tensioners to the Ridgeline does not bear the tension applied to get a taught Ridgeline.. Additionally the Ridgeline is not tied to the trees but just goes around the trees.

[@jonathandeering8122]

I discovered another variation to the trucker's hitch that makes it self locking. When passing the working end through the pull loop before cranking it down, if you pass the end through a second time, the hitch locks down on itself eliminating the need to pinch the loops for the quick release tie off. Also, it helps get the ridgeline even tighter. To release, just pass the working end back through the pull loop in the opposite direction. Just a thought.

[@calsdorf3]

Jonathan Deering, I was thinking the same thing.... there are other versions of the trucker’s hitch that are worth playing with that each have their own advantage. To be honest though, until I saw the video I would have used the taught line hitch... just an old Boy Scout habit. Nice job.

[@donbags5542]

@@calsdorf3 Lol..but I did learn both in the Boy Scouts. I use the tautline all the time. Hell, I have several sweat pants where I tied tautlines decades ago to tighten and loosen the waist drawstrings and I very, very rarely have to retie them.

[@calsdorf3]

Don Bags, Holy sinch knot Batman! I never friggin thought of that... no more searching for lost draw strings pulled into the waist bands! Tonights task is to do that with every pair of shorts and sweat pants I own. The internet is good for something.

[@lekistick1013]

Love your ridge-line system; I've been using truckers-hitch with prusik knot loop's for a horse high-line system for years. You can't beat that system. I sometimes add a 3ft piece of large diameter rubber surgical tubing attached at one end of the ridge-line (not in-line with the ridge-line) that pulls the ridge-line up and away from the ground at an angle (attach it to an adjacent tree via a rope). That makes the entire ridge-line act like a long spring-loaded bungie cord. The horse can pull down on the ridge-line to feed off of the ground, but as soon as he lifts his head, the ridge-line comes back up to it's original position. This eliminates horses getting tangles in the ridge-line. Semper Fi

[@rogkmyers]

So why didn't you use prusiks with the tautline?

[@chris-edward2264]

Yeah, that's what I was wondering.

[@randyrussell6246]

Because he doesn't like that system and......doesn't have to ! Lmao ! I'm with the him on this one because I like very very tight lines and tarps that are also very very quick to breakdown and won't losen up and or rip in violent wind and rain storms. When you have lived this shit in swamps, jungles , snow covered mountains and other inhospitable inviroments , fighting the elements of weather ,insects, and animals ..........there's no time to fk around playing boy scouts. Old saying in the Millitary that I would guess is still around ........." keep your shit tight "

[@rogkmyers]

@@randyrussell6246 The video says he's comparing the truckers hitch to the taut-line hitch, not the truckers hitch with prusiks versus the taut-line hitch without prusiks. By NOT using the prusiks with the taut-line hitch, it's not a fair comparison.

[@randyrussell6246]

@@rogkmyers You are right Sir and I stand corrected. The Corporal lost his place and misspoke , let's not cut his tounge out for getting his demonstration

[@randyrussell6246]

Off .