Hi, Everyone.

Does anyone know where I can download a simple knot tying cheat sheet to carry with me while backpacking. REI has a set of six cards that weigh "less than an ounce" but I'd prefer just an (ultralight) piece of paper with clear illustrations.

Thanks,

rhz

I've never found a 1 page cheat sheet. However I really like these cards and they have an app as well.
http://www.proknot.com/html/knot_cards.html
You could buy these and copy them onto your own paper.

Here's one: http://www.scribd.com/mobile/documents/4748524

Edited by rutilate on 08/16/2011 03:39:15 MDT.

There is also a bandana you can buy that shows knots.

This guy has a website and an app. If you absolutely want it on paper,I would scan or xerox the cards that have the knots you want onto a single sheet.

I have always struggled with knots and thought many times that that I would feel better about my tent / bear bag / load on top of my car if I know the right knot. Usually I would use one of the two knots I knew and hope for the best. This year, I started using a knot app and carrying around a 2' piece of rope. I would practice knots during bus rides, walks, etc. I now have a stable of knots that are darn useful and a lite less frustrating than trying to read those cards in the backcountry.

I would suggest focusing on a good loop knot (double dragon and alpine butterfly are my favorites, bowlin is also common), a good bend (tying together two pieces of rope together), and a good sliding grip knot like the adjustable grip hitch.

The grog site is good as is http://www.layhands.com/Knots/Knots_Hitches.htm

Here you go...

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/2960/31163d1271128060boyscou.jpg

Edited by LMiller on 08/16/2011 09:49:23 MDT.

Since there are hundreds (thousands?) of knots, it'd be cool if someone made a PDF of a two sided card that showed maybe 3-5 knots per side but also explained what they are for. Like some knots are made to be taken apart. Some are made to be stuck forever. Some are made to be strong. Some are made to give slack, etc. I wish I knew more knots but I also want to know which one to use in each situation. I also think that nobody needs 500 knots. I think 3-5 could probably account for 99% of anyone's needs.

That BSA link above is helpful.

When I really wanted to start learning knots I got a Pro-Knot card (in this case, a few plastic cards secured together with a rivet) and kept it with me, along with a short length of cordage. When time allowed I simply practiced tying knots; it's small, very packable, and weatherproof, so I took it with me on my outings until I memorized the knots that I like to use.

http://www.proknot.com/html/detail.html

Antigravitygear.com

You shouldn't need a cheat sheet.

Many years ago and many miles away, I was a knot-tying instructor in an Army mountaineering class for one entire summer. We didn't have any cheat sheets or books. All we had were about eight big half-inch laid nylon ropes, so everybody had to practice with that thick stuff.

Now, if you take a beginner backpacking class, either they will show you how to tie a couple of basic knots, or else they will tell you some places to find knot instructions.

--B.G.--

That's nice Bob but the O.P. wasn't asking about if he / she should need a cheat sheet.


Back to the O.P.'s question; I've used the plastic knot cheat cards that you can get in any outdoor store. Each set of cards contains about a dozen knots and it's nice to have for those times when you're just not sure.

I believe the set of six plastic cards weighs in a .25 ounces.

No kidding.. that didn't sound like a helpful advice.

OP - check out this page... despite the somewhat 1990's design of the site, they have a few items about knots. I especially like the "pro knots" cards

http://bepreparedtosurvive.com/Misc.ItemsProducts.htm

Rafi- the "ultralight" way would be to correctly learn to tie a few basic knots used in backpacking...no "cheat sheet" necessary in the field.

"You shouldn't need a cheat sheet.

Many years ago and many miles away, I was a knot-tying instructor in an Army mountaineering class for one entire summer. We didn't have any cheat sheets or books. All we had were about eight big half-inch laid nylon ropes, so everybody had to practice with that thick stuff.

Now, if you take a beginner backpacking class, either they will show you how to tie a couple of basic knots, or else they will tell you some places to find knot instructions."

--B.G.--

I'm with you Bob, learn to tie knots

"I'm with you Bob, learn to tie knots"

I don't know. It sounds like they really want to buy a cheat sheet.

Nevermind that they are all over the web.

There's probably an app for that.

--B.G.--

"There's probably an app for that."

LOL

Take a Sharpie and draw the knots on the inside your tarp.
You can practice at night tying knots.

Edited by asdzxc57 on 08/24/2011 08:48:09 MDT.

Would you be willing to sell that dog?

Now there is a multi-use item.

I know this is not what the OP is asking, but I am with those who say learn to tie the knots so you don't need a sheet. The problem isn't the weight of the learning aid. It is simply that situations will occur where you need to tie the knot right NOW, and you may not have the luxury of fiddling around with the cheat sheet. Start with either the bowline or a figure eight, and practice until you can tie it properly in the dar, behind your back, in a cold shower, while you are asleep. About three or four knots will handle nearly all situations you will encounter (bowling/figure eight, double fisherman's knot, prussick, truckers hitch).

the Boy Scout sheet when printed at 5x7 and duplex yields four double sided cards - just cut them out toss them one your bag. ultra light weight!

but i find there are only five knots i need to know and they are pretty simple.

trucker's knot - tightening the tarp/tent lines - a 2 in 1 knot (slip knot and two half hitches, talk about multi-use!
bowline - when i need a stable loop at the end of a rope
clove hitch - hanging the bear bag
sheet bend - joining different sized rope together
granny knot - tying my boots :)

use them enough and you don't need a cheat sheet - sounds like you need to get out more, i know i do :)

-Steve