Rescue and survival knots are crucial for emergency situations. Whether you’re in the wilderness, climbing, or performing a rescue operation, these knots are the most reliable. They provide strength, security, and adaptability when you need them most. Mastering these essential knots can make a life-saving difference in high-stress situations.
1. Prusik Knot
The Prusik Knot is a great option for climbing and rescue work. It allows a rope to grip another rope under tension while sliding freely when not weighted. Most often, this knot is used to ascend a rope or as a backup safety mechanism.
To tie a Prusik Knot, wrap a smaller rope around a larger rope three times, making sure the loops lay neatly side by side. Then, thread the working end back through the loops and pull tight to secure the knot. When weighted, it grips the main rope, but it can slide when released.
2. Clove Hitch
The Clove Hitch is a quick and adjustable knot used for securing a rope to a post or tree. It’s useful in survival situations for setting up shelters or securing gear, though it should be backed up with another knot for added security.
To tie a Clove Hitch Knot, wrap the rope around a pole or tree. Cross the rope over itself, and then wrap it around again. Tuck the end under the second loop before pulling tight to secure it.
3. Munter Hitch
The Munter Hitch is used for controlled belaying and lowering in rescue scenarios. It allows for effective rope management without needing specialized belay devices, making it a crucial knot for emergency rappelling and lowering loads.
To tie a Munter Hitch Knot, make two loops in the middle of a rope in opposite directions. Then place a carabiner through both of them. Pull both ends to create a reliable and adjustable hitch that can be used for securing and lowering.
4. Water Knot
The Water Knot is commonly used to secure webbing or flat straps, making it ideal for creating harnesses or anchor points in rescue operations. It’s simple, strong, and reliable for securing weight-bearing loops.
To tie a Water Knot, start by tying a simple Overhand Knot by making a loop with the first rope, and passing the end through the loop. Then, with the other rope, retrace the steps but in the other direction by passing it through the knot of the first rope, with both ends exiting in opposite directions.
5. Double Fisherman’s Knot
The Double Fisherman’s Knot is an extremely strong knot used to join two ropes together. It’s ideal for creating a longer rope in emergency situations or reinforcing climbing and rescue setups.
To tie a Double Fisherman’s Knot, place two rope ends parallel. Next, wrap one end around the other rope twice. Then tuck the end through the loops. Repeat with the other rope end in the opposite direction. Pull both standing ends to tighten the knots against each other.
6. Bowline Knot
The Bowline Knot creates a strong, secure loop at the end of a rope that won’t slip or tighten under load. It’s widely used in rescue scenarios to create a stable loop for pulling or hoisting a person to safety.
To tie the Bowline Knot, form a small loop near the end of the rope. Pass the working end through this loop, then go around the standing end, and finally back through the loop, only the other way. Tighten the knot by pulling the working end opposite to the fixed loop.
7. Figure-Eight Follow Through Knot
The Figure-Eight Follow Through Knot is a strong and reliable knot used in climbing and rescue operations. It prevents slippage, remains easy to inspect, and can be untied even after bearing a heavy load.
To tie a Figure-Eight Follow Through Knot, start by loosely forming a regular Figure-Eight Knot near the rope’s end. Then wrap the working end around the object and pass it through the loops of the figure eight. Next, bring the working end behind the big loop and pass it next to the upper line. Take it out parallel to the standing part and pull the ends to tighten.
8. Alpine Butterfly Knot
The Alpine Butterfly Knot creates a secure loop in the middle of a rope, making it useful for adding an anchor point, isolating a damaged section, or distributing weight evenly during a rescue.
To tie an Alpine Butterfly Knot, twist a loop in the rope twice to form a figure-eight shape. Pull the top of the loop down through the lower opening of the eight. Tighten by pulling both ends of the rope while holding the loop.
9. Timber Hitch
The Timber Hitch is useful for dragging or hoisting logs and heavy objects in survival situations. It tightens securely under tension but can be easily untied when no longer needed.
To tie a Timber Hitch, wrap the rope around a log or branch, then loop the working end around the standing part and twist it at least three times. Pull tight to secure the knot, ensuring the twists grip the wood. The knot tightens under tension but is easy to untie when slack.
10. Blake’s Hitch
Blake’s Hitch is a friction knot that allows for controlled movement along a rope. It’s commonly used in climbing and rescue work to ascend or descend safely without mechanical devices.
To tie a Blake’s Hitch, wrap the rope four times around the standing line a little loosely. Then bring the working end back down and around itself. Next, tuck the working end under the last two wraps so that it comes out of the middle of the four wraps. Tighten the knot by pulling both ends to secure it in place.