Learn how and when to tie these five knots for backpacking that should be in every hiker and camper's repertoire.

The bowline knot makes a secure loop at the end of a piece of rope. It works best when it's holding a load, which helps to keep the knot tight and secure. And it has many uses, for example ...

A bend involves joining two ends of rope. This is particularly ... appropriate and helpful to use a bowline. While they are incredibly secure, untying the knot after use is quick and easy.

The Mule Knot (a.k.a releasable knot) is ideal to lock off the rope on the belay plate. There are many occasions in climbing when, belaying from the harness using a device which does not self-arrest ...