Knots and Tarps
In this video series, I'll guide you through the knots I rely on every time I head into the wilds. These are practical, expedition-proven knots that have earned their place through years of teaching bushcraft, leading expeditions across the UK and beyond, and countless nights spent living outdoors.
Each lesson focuses on a single knot, explaining not only how to tie it, but more importantly when to use it, why it's a good option, and the common mistakes that can cause it to fail. Understanding the purpose behind a knot is every bit as important as learning the movements.
Throughout the series you'll discover knots for ridge-lines, tarp tensioning, lashing, equipment repair, load carrying, camp organisation, and countless everyday jobs around camp. By mastering just a handful of reliable knots, you'll gain the confidence to adapt to almost any situation you encounter outdoors.
My philosophy has always been that bushcraft isn't about collecting hundreds of techniques, but developing a dependable set of skills that you can call upon instinctively when conditions become challenging. The knots you'll learn here are the same ones I trust on long-distance journeys, woodland camps, canoe expeditions, and international wilderness adventures.
So find yourself a length of cord, take your time, and practise alongside each lesson. Muscle memory is built through repetition, and before long you'll find yourself tying these knots without having to think about them.
I'm Jamie Dakota from Howl Bushcraft, and I look forward to helping you build a skill that will serve you for a lifetime of adventure.
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Anchoring knots
Fix one end of your line to a anchor with these knots, with the bonus of making them quick release too
Fix one end of your line to a anchor with these knots, with the bonus of making them quick release too
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Tensioning knots - Taut Tarp Hitch
Hear we look at the taut tarp hitch with some additions for setting up your bushcraft tarp.
Hear we look at the taut tarp hitch with some additions for setting up your bushcraft tarp.
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Tensioning Knots - Truckers hitch
Here we look at the truckers hitch as another option for tensioning a line
Here we look at the truckers hitch as another option for tensioning a line
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How to get your tarp tight and attached to your ridge-line.
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Highline Setup
Setting up a line to hang a tarp from that is higher than you can reach from the ground.
Setting up a line to hang a tarp from that is higher than you can reach from the ground.
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A quick demo on making improvised tarp pegs in the woods
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Adjustable Guy-line Hitch and more
This video covers tying the adjustable (slippery) guy line hitch, along with a “no-knots” method, and we look again at the truckers hitch.
This video covers tying the adjustable (slippery) guy line hitch, along with a “no-knots” method, and we look again at the truckers hitch.
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Truckers Hitch directly into tarp webbing
A little tip for bringing the guy-line back to the loop for a super fast and easy, adjustable tie off.
A little tip for bringing the guy-line back to the loop for a super fast and easy, adjustable tie off.
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A Basic Tarp Roof
In this section we complete the basic tarp roof, starting where we left off from the initial knot tutorials.
In this section we complete the basic tarp roof, starting where we left off from the initial knot tutorials.
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Here we look at how to set up a very fast shelter with only one tree
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No Knot Tarp Setup
Here I demonstrate the simple means of setting up a tarp in the woods without using what you'd typically consider a knot. Arguably the Timber Hitch is a type of knot, but considering it's simplicity I find students who are a little 'fingers and thumbs' when it comes to rope work can still manage it.
Here I demonstrate the simple means of setting up a tarp in the woods without using what you'd typically consider a knot. Arguably the Timber Hitch is a type of knot, but considering it's simplicity I find students who are a little 'fingers and thumbs' when it comes to rope work can still manage it.
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An Additional rigging tutorial
This older video filmed by Jason Elberts back in 2020.
In it I demonstrate a slightly different way to use your knots and setup a rectangular tarp.
This older video filmed by Jason Elberts back in 2020.
In it I demonstrate a slightly different way to use your knots and setup a rectangular tarp.
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Here’s an older video from us in the woods, packing down a tarp.
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What You'll Learn
Develop Your Rigging Skills
Take your bushcraft rigging beyond the basics and build a reliable working knowledge of knots, hitches and tensioning systems that you can use around camp. You’ll learn how to anchor and tension ridgelines, attach and adjust guy lines, secure tarp corners and create strong, practical setups using a selection of versatile knots. Each technique is demonstrated in a real bushcraft context, so you’ll understand not just how to tie it, but why, when and where to use it.
Develop with Confidence
Good rigging is all about being able to adapt your setup to the landscape, your equipment and the conditions. Through practical tarp configurations, improvised peg systems, highline setups and alternative no-knot techniques, you’ll develop the confidence to build, adjust and troubleshoot your shelter system in the field. With practice, these skills become second nature, giving you a dependable rigging toolkit for woodland camps, wild camping, expeditions and everyday bushcraft.
