A quick refresher on some essential outdoors knots is wise, and we're not talking about the granny. One knot worth practicing is the taut-line, which is useful for attaching guy lines to rainflys and the like. A good backup is the fisherman's knot, which comes in handy if, say, your guy line snaps and you need to tie together two lengths of rope. Lastly, the bowline is great for tarpaulins, and is another must-know knot. It allows you to pass a rope around a tree or through a ring and tie it off securely. It doesn't slip, and it's quick to untie. For some deep knowledge and practice with smartly told and useful diagrams, check your public library for "The Book of Camping Knots" by Peter Owen. You never know when you might need a rope ladder.
Bob Timmons
