Knowing a few knots is super useful – not just in backpacking scenarios, but in life in general. These knots are as useful for fixing things to car rooftops as they are for backpacking. A length of cord can serve many purposes, it is only the knots that transform a piece of core into something of use. In the context of backpacking they have been categorized in terms of usefulness. See here for knot terminology.

Essential Knots

• Square / Reef knot
• Overhand knot & double overhand & double fisherman’s hitch
• Cow hitch
• Clove hitch

Really useful knots

• Figure eight & Figure eight on a bight
• Farrimond hitch
• Sheet bend
• Prusik hitch & Klemheist hitch & Blakes hitch
• Evenk / Siberian hitch
• Rope coil
• Cord carabiner

Accessories & Cheating

• Carabiners
• Whoopies
• Pair of rings
• Tensioners, clips, buckles, clasps and shackles