12+ Essential Knots: A Guide for Everyday and Emergency Use

The right knot, chosen and tied correctly, can be far more useful than it first appears—it can help you build a shelter, secure gear, and even save the day in an emergency. This article provides an overview of essential knots, grouped by their purpose, along with their advantages, limitations, and practical tips for tying them. These knots are valuable not only in the outdoors, but also for everyday tasks at home, at work, or while traveling.

In the sections ahead, we’ll look at which common knots are best suited for various—and sometimes less-than-common—situations. But before we start tying, let’s take a moment to talk about the ropes we’ll be working with.

Types of Ropes and Paracords

When tying knots, the most commonly used options are static rope, dynamic rope, and paracord (parachute cord). Each has distinct properties and ideal applications.

?? Static rope has minimal stretch, making it well-suited for rappelling, high-altitude work, or rescue operations.

?? Dynamic rope, by contrast, stretches under load, absorbing impact forces—an essential quality for sport climbing.

Ropes intended for securing people must be explicitly certified for that purpose. Without certification, a rope cannot be safely used in any life-safety application.

?? Paracord is a lightweight nylon cord with an inner core. It’s highly versatile—useful for gear repairs, shelter building, securing equipment, or crafting small accessories. However, it is not designed for supporting human weight. The only exception is an extreme emergency when no other option is available, and even then, it should be used strictly at one’s own risk.

Knot on a strong rope—an example of securely fastening a rope to a post, commonly used in maritime, outdoor, and construction settings. This knot is primarily intended to hold and maintain tension along the rope’s direction.

Basic Knots by Purpose

Knots can be categorized according to their primary function. In this overview, they are divided into four main groups:

• Safety and sport use

• Joining ropes and materials

• Utility and everyday use

• Professional, technical, and specialized techniques

?? Knots for Safety and Sport Use

?? Prusik Knot

The Prusik knot is a friction hitch used for climbing safety, rescue operations, or as part of pulley systems. It is named after Austrian mountaineer Karl Prusik.

Prusik knot—a friction hitch used in climbing, rescue, and belaying. It tightens under load but slides freely along the rope when not under tension.

?? Bowline Knot

The bowline is a traditional knot used to create a fixed loop at the end of a rope. Historically, it was widely employed for tying in climbers, but today it is considered outdated and unsuitable for securing people.

The reason is its tendency to loosen under one-sided load, particularly when used with stiff or slippery ropes. In modern practice, the bowline is better suited for auxiliary attachments, securing objects, or as a temporary solution in situations where there is no direct safety risk.

Bowline knot—a simple knot for quickly tying into a rope. It can fail under improper loading, so today it is used only in limited situations.

?? Clove Hitch

The clove hitch is a versatile knot designed for securing a rope to a solid, cylindrical object. Traditionally used for mooring boats, it is now also common in climbing, shelter construction, and material handling.

It is valued for its simplicity and the ability to be tied with one hand. It holds well on both smooth and rough surfaces, but only under even load. Under one-sided tension, it can loosen, which is why adding a backup knot is recommended.

Clove hitch—a reliable knot for fastening to posts or rings. It can be tied with one hand, holds securely, and is easy to untie.

?? Figure-Eight Knot

The figure-eight knot is used to secure the free end of a rope, preventing it from slipping through a pulley, carabiner, or other anchor points. It is also used as a stopper knot when joining ropes or to prevent unraveling.

It is a simple, easy-to-recognize, and reliable knot that tightens well under load without collapsing. Its main drawback is that, after being heavily loaded, it can be very difficult to untie. The figure-eight knot is not the same as the figure-eight loop, though the two are often confused by climbers.

Figure-eight knot—a basic stopper knot used to prevent a rope from slipping out. Simple, easy to recognize, and holds securely even under load.

?? Figure-Eight Loop

The figure-eight loop is a strong and reliable knot used for tying a person into a rope—most commonly in climbing, caving, and high-access work. In modern practice, it has completely replaced the previously used bowline for this purpose.

This knot holds securely even under repeated loading and retains about 55–60% of the rope’s strength. It is important to tie it correctly and finish it with a backup knot. After a sudden heavy load, it can be difficult to untie.

?? Joining Ropes and Materials

This group of knots is used to connect two ropes, cords, or lines - whether they are of the same or different diameters. Emphasis is placed on the strength of the connection, the simplicity of tying, and reliability under load.

?? Fisherman’s Knot

The fisherman’s knot is a simple and strong knot designed for joining two thin ropes, cords, or fishing lines—ideally of the same diameter. It consists of two opposing overhand knots that tighten against each other when pulled.

While primarily used in fishing, it also serves in climbing as a secure connection when tying prusik loops. The knot is strong but can be difficult to untie, and if tied incorrectly, it may lose strength.

Fisherman’s knot – a simple and reliable knot for joining two thin cords or fishing lines. Best suited for materials of the same diameter.

?? Sheet Bend

The sheet bend is a versatile knot for joining two ropes or cords, even when they differ in diameter or material. It is commonly used in sailing (for example, to secure a sheet to a sail—hence the name), as well as in shelter building, scouting, and general outdoor activities.

This knot tightens securely under load, maintains good strength, and can be relatively easy to untie, even after being stressed.

?? Timber Hitch

The timber hitch is a simple and quick knot for securing a rope to a load that needs to be dragged or carried—typically logs, beams, or other cylindrical objects. It works by tightening the loop around the object when one end of the rope is pulled.

This knot is suitable for short-term use but is not intended for lifting or lowering loads—as it may loosen under uneven tension. For greater security, a clove hitch with a backup knot can be used as an alternative.

Timber hitch – a quick knot for fastening loads to a log, pole, or beam. Holds under steady pull but is not suitable for lifting or lowering.

?? Cow Hitch

The cow hitch is a simple knot for fastening a rope to a fixed object – typically one with a cylindrical shape. It is often used for hanging, securing, or temporary fastening, for example with a hammock, backpack, or shelter.

In its basic form, it serves as a binding knot. When tied with additional turns, it can also function as an emergency hitch with partial friction. For safe use, the rope’s two ends must be evenly loaded.

Cow hitch – a simple, quick knot for hanging an object from a pole or ring. Suitable for light anchoring, securing a hammock, and even decorative purposes.

Utility and Everyday Knots

This group of knots is designed for everyday tasks—tying parcels, building shelters, making small repairs, or working in the garden. They stand out for their simplicity, quick tying, and sufficient functionality in less demanding conditions.

?? Square Knot (Reef Knot)

The square knot is used to join two ropes or cords of the same diameter, primarily in simple, utility situations. It’s suitable for tying bandages, securing parcels, or bundling items together.

It is not intended for load-bearing or critical connections, as it has a tendency to slip—especially on synthetic materials. When pulled tight, it can damage the rope, so it’s better suited for soft materials or temporary bindings.

Square knot – a basic joining knot ideal for tying bandages, scarves, or bundles. Easy to tie, but not intended for high-load applications.

?? Cross Lash

The cross lash is a simple knot used to attach one rope to another, typically at a right angle. It is suitable for light structures, supports, or fastening a rope to intersecting elements.

It is not designed for load-bearing purposes—under significant tension, it can easily slip, especially when joining ropes of different diameters or materials. In practice, it is mainly used in camping or temporary constructions, such as securing a rope to a post or railing.

Cross lash – a basic knot for securing two ropes at a right angle. Suitable for light structures and situations where high strength is not required.

?? Shortening Knot

The shortening knot allows you to temporarily shorten an overly long rope without cutting it. It is useful, for example, when building shelters or securing a tarp, where rope length needs to be adapted to different conditions.

This knot is suitable only for soft, flexible ropes. It is not designed for load-bearing and should be used solely as a temporary solution. Both ends must be secured to prevent it from loosening.

Shortening knot – a practical solution for adjusting rope length without permanent alteration. Ideal for temporary field use. Ends must be secured!

?? Josephine Knot

The Josephine knot, also known as the friendship knot or Carrick bend, is used to join two ropes of equal diameter in non-demanding situations. It is commonly applied for tying bandages, scarves, or bundles, particularly in first aid or camping scenarios.

Despite its decorative appearance, it is not suitable for load-bearing — it can loosen easily if both ends are not evenly tensioned. When tied with slippery or unevenly sized materials, it may slip.

Historically, the knot has been known since Viking times and even appears in heraldry, such as in the emblem of the RAF’s No. 2 Squadron.

Josephine Knot – an aesthetically pleasing, symmetrical, and simple knot for joining ropes of equal diameter. Suitable for decorative purposes, first aid, or scouting activities – but not recommended for heavy loads.

?? Fixed Loop (Eye Loop)

A fixed eye loop is a simple knot for quickly creating a loop at the end of a rope. It is commonly used for anchoring tent lines, tying down equipment, or securing loads in light-duty situations. It is not suitable for personal safety or heavy loads, as it may come undone under tension.

For increased safety, always secure the free end of the rope with an additional stopper knot.

Fixed Loop (Eye Loop) – a straightforward knot for quickly forming a loop in a rope. Suitable for anchoring, shelter building, or securing gear. For added safety, the free end should always be secured.

?? Special Techniques and Paracord

Knots and ties in this category are not intended for securing loads or rescue operations. Instead, they are used in survival skills, crafting improvised equipment, and creating practical or decorative accessories from paracord. This includes both functional knots and ornamental ties. Here, we’ll keep things brief – the goal is to give a quick overview of the possibilities.

?? Monkey’s Fist

The Monkey’s Fist is a decorative knot that forms a weighted, spherical end—often with a ball or other weight inserted inside. In maritime use, it serves to add weight to a rope’s end, making it easier to throw over long distances. In survival contexts, it can function as an improvised weight and, in some cases, as a defensive tool (sometimes referred to as a “paracord mace”).

?? Survival Paracord Bracelet

A survival paracord bracelet serves as a backup cord for emergency use in the field. Inside, it contains several meters of paracord that can be quickly unraveled and deployed in a crisis. The bracelet also functions as a practical accessory and an integral part of tactical gear.

?? Paracord Keychains and Lanyards

Paracord keychains and lanyards are used to secure gear—such as knives, flashlights, or pendants—to a backpack, belt loop, or belt. In addition to their practical use, they also provide a length of spare cord that can be deployed in an emergency. There are numerous knotting and weaving techniques that allow you to craft these accessories at home.

Knots Overview: When to Use Them, What They Can Do, and When to Avoid Them

The table below provides a quick reference to all the knots mentioned in this article—including their primary uses, strengths, and weaknesses. It will help you choose the right knot for a given situation while also highlighting the potential pitfalls to watch out for.

In Conclusion: Knots Worth Knowing by Heart

Knowing a handful of basic knots can come in handy far more often than you might expect—not only when building a shelter or replacing a strap on your backpack, but also in critical situations where time and reliability matter. The more knots you master, the more options you have—whether you’re traveling, working in the field, or enjoying outdoor adventures. Practice makes perfect—and a well-tied knot never gets in the way.