Chances are very good that if you are in a survival situation, you will have to utilize a knot in some manner and it is critical that they be secure.

These two types of knots anyone can learn and their reliability and strength is virtually unparalleled.

Barrel Hitch

A barrel Hitch is used to tie a rope to a barrel or a bucket.

Stand the barrel on the lifting rope. Tie an Overhand Knot across the top. Spread the Overhand Knot until it embraces the top of the barrel. Join the ends with a Bowline and lift.

Square Lashing

Use: The Square Lashing is used to bind two poles together. The lashing is designed to be load bearing and can be used to create scaffolding. Although the two poles usually cross each other at 90 degrees, the Square Lashing may be used when the angle between the two poles is as little as 45 degrees,

Start with a Clove Hitch around one pole. Twist short end around long and wrap the rope around both poles, alternately going over and under each pole about three or four turns. Tighten the lashing by surrounding it with three or four frapping turns. Finish with two or three tight half hitches.

Of the two, the Square Lashing is the knot you will use the most, but there are many more uses for the Barrel Knot than just lugging around barrels; really, this knot can be used for anything you need to lug or hoist.

Knowing how to tie secure knots is a vital survival skill and to learn more about these and other knots, please visit Instructables.