Whether you're setting up a hammock in your backyard or you're camping at your favorite camping sites and you need a hammock to sleep in at night, knowing how to tie a hammock knot perfectly is important.
Setting up a hammock for camping requires basic knowledge of several different knots. So, if tying a hammock knot for camping makes you nervous, don’t worry! This article will teach you all you need to know about securely tying different kinds of hammock knots.
How to Tie a Hammock Knot Perfectly
The key thing to consider when hanging your hammock is friction. Fastening your hammock in such a way that puts less pressure on your knot by allowing friction to do most of the work is the safest way to hang your hammock.
Tying your hammock rope around a tree, pole, or anchor repeatedly should prevent it from slipping. Also, tying your rope just above a branch or a fork on a tree provides extra security. This acts as a stopper in case the rope slips.
You should also be meticulous about the kind of rope you use. Your hammock will most likely come with a rope, but you should inspect the material before you buy.
An option you could consider is cotton rope. Cotton rope is UV ray resistant, unaffected when wet, and strong enough to hold your hammock in place. Also, remember to seal the tips of your cotton rope so they don't split.
Getting the right rope and tightening it around your anchor several times should keep your hammock in place even when using the simplest of knots. However, there's no harm in knowing how to tie some of the best hammock knots to give that extra boost of assurance in your safety.
Different Types of Hammock Knots
The Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is common amongst hammock campers. It’s often used by sailors to attach their sails, which is proof of its tied and tested strength. It doesn't jam, is versatile, and can adjust to any size.
This knot is effective in that it can’t be compromised by tension, which means that it’s a safe bet when it comes to keeping you and your hammock safe.
Steps:
- Place the rope on your left hand, with the free end dropping down on your palm
- Create a small loop at the center of the rope in your hand, pass the longer end up and around your tent rope, and through the small loop
- Going left, pass the end under the rope above the loop
- Pass the end beneath the rope furthest from you, and pull it down through the loop
- While gripping the standing line, fasten the knot by pulling on the free end to form a bowline hitch
To get a more practical demonstration on how to tie a bowline knot, feel free to watch this video.
The Becket Hitch
The becket hitch seemingly appears antiquated because it's got a history of being used since the pre-Columbian era. But, it's still as relevant today as you would see being used almost exclusively for hammocks in South America.
Depending on how your hammock is configured, you can tie the becket hitch anchor side or hammock side, with either rope or webbing. Using a long webbing strap will serve as a suspension line and also protect the tree.
The becket hitch doesn't do well with thin ropes like Amsteel, Dyneema, or Spectra as it has a higher potential of slipping.
Steps:
- Pass the suspension rope or webbing through the loop at the tip of your hammock
- Pass the rope back beneath the hammock loop keeping a loop is to the right
- Make a loop out of the tip of the rope, and pass the folded piece of rope through the loop you initially left on the right
- Simultaneously pull the suspension or webbing and the folded rope on the right to fasten the rope
- To undo the knot, push down the hammock rope away from the loop of the knot
Please refer to this video if you need a more visual explanation!
The Taut Line Hitch
This is a multipurpose camping knot that will come in handy if you're sitting up your hammock for camping. It holds fast under pressure and can be easily adjusted to loosen or tighten a line.
Steps:
- Tie the working end around an anchor
- Tie the working end around the standing end two times, tying the rope facing up towards the anchor
- Pass the working end below the two wraps you created in the step above in such a way that the tail is directed away from the anchor
- Tie the tail once again around the standing end
- Pass the rope through the gap you made in the step above
- Now you can slide the rope back and forth to tighten your ridgeline or guyline
We recommend that you watch this video if you have any questions!
The Clove Hitch Knot
The clove hitch knot is a simple and versatile option for almost every situation that needs a knot. It typically comprises two half hitches and can be used to create a ridgeline or to secure guylines on your hammock tarp.
Additionally, a clove hitch can be utilized in attaching ropes to a hammock carabiner. This will come in handy if you have to regulate the tautness or length of your rope.
Steps:
- With the leading end of your rope in hand, tie the rope around a carabiner or anchor to make just one turn of the rope
- Create a second turn by passing the tail end around your anchor again
- String the tail under itself to achieve the hitch
- To tighten the hitch, pull on both ends of the rope
Feel free to check out this video if you’re interested in a visual demonstration.
The Overhand on a Bight Knot
The overhand on a bight knot, also known as the overhand loop, is a great option to consider if you have to create an anchor point for J-hooks and carabiners.
Steps:
- Make a bight out that is about 12 - 14 inches from the standing point of the rope
- Hold the bight in one hand, then make a loop by tying the bight around the standing end of the rope
- String the bight through the loop you just made
- Pull on each strand while holding the bight in one hand to fasten the knot
Please refer to this video for further information!
Conclusion
Tying a hammock knot doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming! As we discussed earlier, it’s important to choose the right rope. Next, choose a knot style that works for you and fits the situation.
Lastly, make sure to wrap your rope around the pole or tree repeatedly. All there’s left to do after that is to relax in your hammock!