Tarp Knots- Keep it Taut

The third and final knot in the series I use regularly to pitch my tarp when camping. In the last article we looked at anchoring one end of the ridgeline with the Evenk Hitch; this article with cover the knot at the other end- The Taut Tarp Hitch. These two hitches used alongside the slippery guyline hitch are all you need to secure a tight and evenly pitched tarp.

Once you've tied one end of your ridgeline to a tree using the Evenk hitch, take the other end to another tree.

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Take the line around the tree

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Pull tight, and maintain tension

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Go under and over the line, pulling even tighter

Here's the secret

As you pull tight and go back around the tree, cross the lines. This bites the line in place and reduces the amount of 'pull' you will feel from the tension, making it easier to tie the knot.

Bring the line all the way around the tree,

and under itself to create this triangle shape. I pinch it here with my thumb to create a biting point, this hold the tension freeing me to work easily with the knot.

Now pass a loop down through this triangle

Note the direction I now pull this loop

Pull Tight against the tree

Make sure not to pull the end through. Here I would now pull on the end of the line to shrink the loop.

Here the loop is smaller

Form a second loop in the working line

And pass it through the first loop

Gently pull on the new loop to close the first

And the hitch is complete!

I hope you've enjoyed this series of three bushcraft knots. They all have a wider application than use erecting tarps, so they're well worth learning and hold in your knowledge bank should you ever need them.

If you'd like to learn more my Itinerant Bushcraft course features these knots and two others that can be use to solve just about any binding issue when in the backwoods.

I'd love to hear what you think, so feel free to leave a comment below.

All the Best

Jamie Dakota

If you'd like to upgrade the cord on your tarps I've created a product specifically for this in our shop:

Tarp Guylines

These superior cords have been specially selected and trialled for years by JD at Howl. 100% polyester they out perform all other options in the forest.

The guy-lines are available in two set: Standard and Pro. These flexible setups allow for extra range, as well as the option to leave your ridge-line at home and use a lightweight setup if you need.

Standard:

• 1x 10m long 4mm ridgeline

• 5x 4m long 2.5mm guylines

• 2x 200mm long 2mm loops for tensioning prusiks

• weight: 190grams approx.

Pro:

• 1x 10m long 4mm ridgeline

• 1x 10m long 2.5mm line for a lightweight ridgeline option or use as an under-tarp gear line

• 6x 4m long 2.5mm guylines

• 2x 200mm long reflective red loops for tensioning prusiks