Previously I’ve written a post explaining how to tie the Evenk knot, which gives a fixed point at one end of your line. This post shows you how to tie off the other end using a taut line hitch, ensuring that you have a good tight line to hang your tarp from. Also take a look at this post showing the midshipman’s hitch.
Step 1
Take your cord around your second tree from left to right, keeping it as tight as you can.
Step 2
Bring the working end underneath.
Step 3
And then over the top.
Step 4
Now take the working end around the tree again. I typically cross the cord over itself on the back of the tree.
Step 5
Pop in a half hitch.
Step 6
And pull it in tight to the tree.
Step 7
Do another half hitch but this time pull through a loop so that the knot is quick release.
And again push the half hitch in tight to the tree.
I now have a line from which I can attach my tarp. I attach the ridge line on the outside of the tarp using the fixing points running down the centre. This means that I can slide the tarp along the line to where I want it to go, particularly useful when using in combination with a hammock.
Putting up tarps and hammocks is something we do on both our 2 Day Bushcraft Course and 5 Day Bushcraft Course. It really is a fantastic way to camp out in the woods, really helps with ‘leave no trace’, is quick to put up and comfortable to boot. You can see photos from those courses, as well as all of our others, on our Facebook page.
