Hiking Knots

Photos: Top Ten U.S. Rivers for Rafting

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Aside from serving as a line to dry your bathing suit after a dip in thelake or airing out that soggy sleeping bag, rope is essential to anybackpacking or hiking adventure. Sure one or two simple knots are all youneed to get by, but using the right knot in the right circumstance can meanthe difference between you or your pesky forest neighbors downing your foodsupply. Actually it is wise to keep all smelly items tied in bags . . . younever know the exotics your smellables may attract.

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