How to tie a taut-line hitch

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To create an adjustable loop that stays in place, use the taut-line hitch. This is the knot to use for staking out the guy lines of your tent or dining fly.

• Pass the running end of the rope around the tent stake.
• Bring the end over and around the standing part, then back through the loop that has formed.
• Go around the standing part inside the loop again (this time closer to the tent stake).
• Going in the same direction, take the end around the standing part outside the loop to tie another half-hitch.
• Work any slack out the knot.
• Slide the hitch to tighten or loosen the line.