Learn how to tie the Alpine Butterfly Loop — a strong, dependable knot for creating a fixed loop in the middle of a rope.

The square knot was historically known as the Hercules knot. While the name suggests strength, I think it’s fair to say associating it with Hercules is a bit misleading. The square knot is useful for ...

There’s not much on the internet regarding the history of the Palomar knot beyond it being created by Chet Palomar, a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America. No matter the full story, every angler ...

Master the Alpine Butterfly Bend and enhance your rope-handling skills! This tutorial demonstrates the proper technique, explains why this knot is so reliable, and provides tips to avoid common ...

This article was taken from the April 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by ...