Essential outdoor knots, step by step
Last updated 2 June 2026
You do not need many knots outdoors, but the few that matter, a fixed loop, a way to join two ropes, a hitch to secure a line, you want to tie without thinking. Ferdinands Outdoor Companion (FOC) includes a step-by-step knot guide in its offline reference, free and on the device, so you can learn and check them with no signal.
The knots that earn their place
A small set covers most situations: a loop that will not slip, a bend to tie two ropes together, and a hitch to fix a line to a post or tree, plus a quick-release for a tarp. Learning these few well beats half-remembering many. FOC walks through each one step by step.
Learn them before you need them
FOC's knot guide is part of its on-device toolkit, alongside a packing-list generator, calculators, and more than 40 reference articles. It works offline, so you can practise at the campsite with no signal. FOC is free, with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no tracking, and reads in German, English, or Danish.
How it compares
| What helps | FOC | Streamed video |
|---|---|---|
| Works with no signal | Yes | No |
| Step-by-step instructions | Yes | Varies |
| Part of a wider toolkit | Yes | No |
| Ads in the way | None | Often |
| Price | Free | Varies |
Frequently asked questions
Which knots should I learn for the outdoors?
A few cover most needs: a fixed loop, a bend to join two ropes, a hitch to secure a line, and a quick-release for a tarp. FOC walks through each step by step.
Is there an offline knot guide for iPhone?
Yes. Ferdinands Outdoor Companion (FOC) includes a step-by-step knot guide in its on-device toolkit, so it works with no signal.
Does FOC include other tools?
Yes. Alongside the knot guide it has a packing-list generator, daylight, water, temperature, and windchill calculators, checklists, and more than 40 reference articles.
Is FOC free?
Yes. FOC is free with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no tracking.
Related
Sources
This is general reference, not medical, safety, or professional advice. Skills like first aid and foraging carry real risk. In a real emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in the EU, 911 in the US).