Customer Reviews

The Outdoor Knots Book (Mountaineers Outdoor Basics)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

I enjoy this book because of the simple layout and pictures of each knot. Also with all the names included for each knot you will not be left scratching your head on what knots are called by either craggers, sailors, or just plain mountain men.

Great for climbers wanting to freshen up on some knots or beginners looking to get into tying things up.

Here's a solid book. I was looking to learn some good knots for outdoor and general use, and I picked up a copy of this. I was and really still am impressed with it - it's got instructional sections on specific groups of knots - knots for hiking and camping, knots for climbing, and knots for canoeing and kayaking, with pictures and discussion on each knot. And it's not an encyclopedia. It has maybe ten to twenty of the most useful knots for each area, rather than 28,000 knots that really are only relevant to fishermen, like many other knot books. It's also got a good few chapters on rope materials, construction, care, and management, which were very informative. Good, manageable, concise resource on rope and knots.

The Outdoor Knots Book by Clyde Soles (Mountaineer Books) is a thorough, concise, easy to read, useful book describing all or most of the extremely useful outdoor knots (like the title says).

Reading the description and following the instructions, you can actually create the knot and use it.

The knots are useful in a variety of situations: backpacking, hammocking, camping, mountaineering, and even around the house. A selection of marine knots is included as well for a completely useful book. Well worth the time and money if you want to gain a skill.

Most important knots are covered. Well presented with good images.

Short...small, I personally keep mine in the 4x4.

Worth the cash.

The author gives a great explanation of the rope and cordage materials available, how to choose them for a particular application, and how to care for them. Most importantly, he tells you clearly when different sorts of rope should no longer be used for critical applications. This is wonderful, necessary information. He chooses the knots he presents very well indeed. He gives the practical knots everyone will want to use, and he tells succinctly what the proper use of each one is---as well as the limitations of its use. All this is great. I find that his instructions for tying the knots is sometimes too terse. The pictures are good enough, but just good enough. To get the full five stars, he would have to improve the tying instructions and give greater elaboration on how to test each particular knot before putting it in service. It's a great book. There's no reason it couldn't have been even better.

Being involved in tree cutting, trimming, stump grinding industry this book is way over the top regarding any knot you will ever need to know.

I bought this book as a reference guide to teach my daughter who is learning to climb and who spends a lot of time in the woods with me how to tie important knots.

I found this guide to be one of the most complete and best illustrated I've seen. The descriptions of the knot, how to tie it and the best use for the knot is superb.

I also like that they discuss which knots are best for what type of rope.

My daughter is 7 so reading the book isn't perfect for her but the book is illustrated well enough that once she understood how to read the illustrations she could tie most of the knots without my help which she loved.

I loved the book because I learned a few more knots that will come in handy and some nice twists to old standbys I've known and used forever.

This book covers not only the most common and useful outdoor knots, but also rope construction, materials, and care; which is easily as important as understanding the knots themselves. Soles writing is easy to understand and very readable. This book has served me well.