The Outdoor Knots Book (Mountaineers Outdoor Basics) (Paperback)

by Clyde Soles (Author) "Ropes seem mundane at first..." (more)
Key Phrases: offset overhand bend, sheath slippage, butterfly coil, Technique Make, United States, Bowline Loop (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"This is a great little book... Read this book before you buy your next rope or new slings. You will save the modest book price ten times over!" -- TraditionalMountaineering.com

A thorough guide. -- Sacramento Bee

[I]t's critical to know how to tie a knot...The Outdoor Knots Book is a great starting point. -- Idaho Falls Post Register

[T]his book has some tried-and-true traditional and relatively new knots. -- Salem Statesman Journal

Product Description
A guide to the ropes and knots used in the outdoors by hikers, campers, paddlers, and climbers.

*Guidelines for selecting the best rope and the best knot for the activity at hand
*Knot-tying directions clearly illustrated with photos
*New entry in the Mountaineers Outdoor Basics series

It's fair to say that climber Clyde Soles is obsessed with ropes and knots and their absolute performance--since he regularly entrusts his life to ropes on sheer rock faces. His unique book explains how to select and use ropes, cordage, and webbing for the outdoors. Invaluable information is provided on rope handling techniques (how to avoid dreaded tangles) and the best methods for rope care and maintenance. Step-by-step directions for tying over 40 knots are clearly illustrated with photographs. Other useful features include a glossary and a knot comparison chart activity.

This is the definitive text on ropes and knots for anyone who plays in the outdoors!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898869625
• ISBN-13: 978-0898869620
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #42,338 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Books > Sports > Mountaineering > Instructional
  #17 in	Home Improvement > Fire Safety & Home Security > Emergency Preparedness
  #53 in	Books > Sports > Mountaineering > Mountain Climbing

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb info on knots and ropes!, August 28, 2004

By	OutdoorEnthusiast (Washington DC) - See all my reviews

This is the best book on knots for climbers available! It's also great for hikers and boaters. There is a lot of information on rope materials and construction (not just climbing ropes but all that are used outdoors). It also has a useful chapter on rope handling, from coiling to tossing, to help prevent tangles. And the selection of knots is large but not overwhelming, with helpful tips on why (or why not) to use a particular knot. Good photos and detailed written instructions make it easy to learn the knots (some knot books are rather confusing). This should be required reading!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for climbers and boaters, February 1, 2008

By	Mtnwmn - See all my reviews

I was looking for a good book to learn the knots needed for climbing and rafting. Of the several that I examined, this had the best descriptions telling you both how to tie them and also why (or why not) to use a particular knot. It also isn't overwhelming like some of the other books that show hundreds of knots I'll never need.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good to Buy, February 11, 2005

By	Dan Lehman (Falls Church, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

I concur in the following review, and so should you:

Written by Clyde Soles (rockclimbin.com member csoles). This is the best book I have ever encountered on the subject. Many misinformed posts on ropes and knots could have been avoided if this book had been read beforehand. Well done, Clyde.