Excerpted from Knots for Backpackers - A Nut's 'n Bolts Guide by Frank Logue

Aside from serving as a line to dry your bathing suit after a dip in the lake or airing out that soggy sleeping bag, rope is essential to any backpacking or hiking adventure. Sure one or two simple knots are all you need to get by, but using the right knot in the right circumstance can mean the difference between you or your pesky forest neighbors downing your food supply. Actually it is wise to keep all smelly items tied in bags . . . you never know the exotics your smellables may attract.

Rain and other unexpected surprises can also make your adventure a real adventure when crossing an otherwise slow-moving stream. A rope may come in handing when you and your buddy need to get safely to the other side.

Move on to Figure Eight

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