Whether you're constructing a bear hang to keep your food safe from bears and other animals or attaching loose gear to your backpack, knowing a wide variety of knots can come in handy in the backcountry. Each knot has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose one appropriate for the task at hand. Learning to tie several knots will equip you for every possibility in the outdoors.
Square Knot and Sheet Bend
Square knots are useful for binding items together, such as clamping pads onto wounds. You can also tie two ropes together with a square knot; this might become necessary when you need a long length of rope but have limited resources. Another use for the square knot is attaching an object to the length of rope that you throw over a branch to make a bear hang -- the extra weight will make the rope easier to throw.
If you need to tie two ropes together that aren't the same size, use the sheet bend. Use this knot to tie sheets or blankets together, or to attach a rope to the corner of a tarp.
Taut-Line Hitch and Timber Hitch
For tying guy lines, use a taut-line hitch for an adjustable line. Tie knot very tight, but you can only tie it onto a taut length of line. Pull the knot up or down along the line to tighten or loosen the line.
Another specialty knot is the timber hitch, ideal for dragging heavy objects. This knot won't loosen if you are pulling constantly.
Two Half Hitches and Hitching Tie
Two half hitches is a versatile knot. Wind it around a post a couple times for a knot with an extremely strong grip. This is a good choice for securing ropes to branches, posts or trees in the backcountry.
For a really fast knot, try the hitching tie. Use this knot to attach ropes quickly to anything; you can untie it just as quickly.
Bowline and Clove Hitch
The so-called "king of knots" is the bowline, which won't slip regardless of the amount of tension you place on it. Sometimes used for rescue work, this knot forms a secure loop and is useful for tying a rope to a fixed point or securing tent guy lines.
Another knot used to tie a length of rope to a fixed point is the clove hitch. When tying the clove hitch, never bend the rope sharply; this makes the clove hitch an appropriate knot for tying a thick, stiff length of rope to a post or tree, making it an ideal knot for constructing a bear hang.
Surgeon's Knot and Reef Knot
You might have a personal preference for the way you tie your shoes, but if you're looking to maximize efficiency, try the surgeon's knot or reef knot. Runner's World magazine recommends the reef knot, which won't come untied by itself. The reef knot lies horizontal on your shoe instead of lopsided, so it looks better, plus it tightens when your foot moves instead of loosening like other knots.
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