How To Tie the Taut Line Hitch

Usage

The Taut Line Hitch is my all-time favourite all-round knot (hitch). It serves so many purposes - from a secure anchor to an adjustable friction hitch. This knot is popular among campers and outdoor enthusiasts because it offers a reliable hold that can be adjusted without untying and retying. Whether you're securing a tarp, setting up a tent, or creating adjustable clotheslines, it provides on-demand flexibility.

Why Learn the Knot

This knot is a true workhorse in camping, bushcraft, and scouting. Its simple “two in, one out” wrap style makes it easy to remember, even with gloves or mitts on. With the Taut Line Hitch, you can adjust tension anytime by sliding the knot up or down the rope. It’s a time-saver that remains one of the most practical knots you can learn.

Common Uses

• Camping and Bushcraft
• Tarp Setup: Provides quick adjustability for securing tarp corners.
• Rainfly Tension: Keeps tent rainfly taut, even when the stakes may shift or loosen.
• Hanging Gear: Acts as an adjustable hanger to hold items like pots or bags at different heights over a fire or off the ground.
• Securing the ends of a rope- no matter what it’s attached to!
• Scouts
• Tent Guy Lines: Frequently used by scouts to secure and adjust tent guylines.
• General Outdoor Use: Tying down loads, creating adjustable lines for various camp structures.
• Other Uses
• Arborist Climbing: Arborists use this knot to secure climbing ropes on trees.
• Aircraft Tie Downs: For adjusting moorings in areas with tidal or weather fluctuations.
• Vehicle Load Security: Allows for secure, adjustable lines on vehicle cargo.

ABOK Number  (Ashley Book of Knots)  #1855, p.310   Other Names Rigger’s Hitch Tentline Hitch Tent Guyline Knot

Type Friction Hitch Hitches End Loop/Anchor Knots

Notable Features

• Adjustable: The knot can slide up and down the standing part, allowing quick tension adjustments.
• Easy to Tie and Untie: Especially convenient with gloves, making it suitable for cold weather use.
• Quick Release Option: A variation can be tied with a quick-release bight to make untying even faster.

Similar Knots

Midshipman’s Hitch vs The Taut Line Hitch

• Pros: Offers greater security and stability than the Taut Line Hitch, making it ideal for more demanding applications.
• Cons: Slightly more complex to tie and less intuitive for beginners.

Magnus Hitch vs The Taut Line Hitch

• Pros: Very similar in function, providing an adjustable loop that holds well under tension.
• Cons: Can be less secure if tied incorrectly, as it may slip under heavy load.

Rolling Hitch vs The Taut Line Hitch

• Pros: Provides excellent hold on slippery surfaces and remains secure under tension, making it ideal for more challenging conditions.
• Cons: More complex than the Taut Line Hitch, requiring practice to tie correctly.

Farrimond Friction Hitch vs The Taut Line Hitch

• Pros: Very secure, with easy tensioning and release, making it ideal for guylines and tarp setups.
• Cons: Less widely known, and it can be trickier to tie than the Taut Line Hitch for beginners.

Klemheist Hitch vs The Taut Line Hitch

• Pros: Excellent hold on synthetic and slippery ropes; it grips well under load and is easy to slide when unloaded.
• Cons: Requires the use of a loop or sling rather than a free rope end, limiting its applications compared to the Taut Line Hitch.

Adjustable Grip Hitch vs The Taut Line Hitch

• Pros: Extremely versatile with a strong grip under load, adjustable for various applications and holds well on synthetic ropes.
• Cons: Less common than the Taut Line Hitch and can be more challenging to learn, requiring more wraps to secure correctly.

History

The Taut Line Hitch has deep roots in scouting and camping, with variations appearing across different manuals over the years. Originally, it was related closely to the Midshipman’s Hitch and the Rolling Hitch, all providing similar functionality. However, due to its simplicity, the Taut Line Hitch quickly became the go-to knot for quick adjustments and ease of use in outdoor activities. Its importance has only grown, making it a foundational skill for campers, scouts, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Security Level

The Taut Line Hitch is secure enough for most outdoor applications but should not be used for critical loads where slippage would be dangerous. The Midshipman’s Hitch is more secure for high-stakes applications.

Downsides

While versatile, the Taut Line Hitch can lose its grip under extreme tension or if not tied carefully, particularly on slippery ropes. It may also loosen over time, so frequent checking is recommended in windy or high-activity situations.

Structure

1. Step 1: Wrap the rope around an anchor (such as a tree or pole) and cross the working end over the standing line.
2. Step 2: Make a second wrap around the standing line in the same direction as the first, creating an “inside” wrap.
3. Step 3: Add a third wrap, but this time on the outside of the loop.
4. Step 4: Pull both ends tight, adjusting as needed for a secure hold.
5. Step 5 (optional): For a quick-release version, create a bight in the final wrap and pull it through the loop instead of the end.

FAQ

What are the main uses of the Taut Line Hitch?

It’s primarily used for adjustable tension in lines, especially for tent guylines, tarp tie-outs, and securing loads where you may need to adjust the line tension.

Can I use the Taut Line Hitch for climbing?

No, this hitch is not secure enough for life-support applications like climbing. For climbing, knots like the Midshipman’s Hitch or a Prusik Knot are more appropriate.

How is the Taut Line Hitch different from the Midshipman’s Hitch?

The Midshipman’s Hitch is slightly more secure, especially under heavy load, but is a bit more complex to tie. The Taut Line Hitch is easier to learn and is widely used for camping and scouting.

Can the Taut Line Hitch be tied in slippery or synthetic ropes?

Yes, but it may require additional wraps or a quick-release variation for extra security, especially on very slippery cords.

What is the best way to tie a quick-release Taut Line Hitch?

To create a quick-release version, form a bight in the final wrap and pull it through the loop. This lets you release the hitch with a simple pull on the tag end.

Important Notes on Safety

The Taut Line Hitch is best used for temporary applications and light-duty tasks. Always double-check that the hitch is holding securely, especially on smooth or synthetic ropes, as it may loosen over time. Avoid using this hitch for critical applications where slippage could lead to injury.