What knot do you tie a tarp to a tree with? Well, let me introduce you to the Evenk hitch. It is one of the most efficient knots for attaching a tarp ridgeline to a tree.
Used as the first step in many tarp shelter set-ups, this tarp hitch is quick to tie, secure under tension, and—importantly—quick to release. When you get the hang of it, the Evenk hitch is excellent for setting up tarp shelters quickly, even under challenging conditions.
In this article, you will find:
- A clear, step-by-step guide with photos.
- An embedded video demonstration.
- Tips for practising this knot and making it your own.
Why Use the Evenk Hitch as a Tarp Ridgeline Knot?
The Evenk hitch—also known as a Siberian hitch—works well in all conditions. It is especially suited to cold or wet conditions where you may be wearing gloves or need to tie knots swiftly to minimise exposure of bare hands. It comes from the Evenk reindeer herders of Siberia, where they use it for tethering a reindeer to a tree. But in a camping setting, it lends itself very well as a knot for tying your tarp to a tree. Indeed, it’s one of the best tarp knots I know.
Function as a Tarp Knot
As a tarp hitch, the Evenk hitch provides a reliable initial anchor point for your ridgeline. Moreover, when you finish the hitch with a bight (as shown below), you can undo it with a single pull. This makes camp pack-downs as efficient as set-ups. So, the Evenk hitch is a really useful quick-release tarp knot.
This knot has become one of the standard tarp shelter knots for many bushcrafters and outdoor professionals because:
- It grips well under load.
- It’s easy to tie and untie with cold or gloved hands.
- It has a built-in quick-release mechanism.
- It works well with synthetic and natural cordage.
You Might Recognise This Knot
If you examine the structure of the Evenk hitch, you’ll see it is not a unique knot. It is actually a nifty way of tying a slipped figure-of-eight knot with a quick release. While this may sound complicated, tying it the Evenki way makes it an easy tarp knot.
But I point out the shape as it will help you check if you have tied it correctly, especially when you are learning this knot. Examine the figure-eight shape in the centre of the knot to verify that you have tied it properly (see photos below).
When to Use the Evenk Hitch as a Tarp Knot
Use the Evenk hitch whenever you’re setting up a tarp using a ridge line tied between two trees. You can use the Evenk hitch to tie your tarp ridgeline to the first tree, followed by a tensioning knot—such as the Taut Tarp Hitch—at the second tree. These two knots can be paired up as your main tarp ridgeline knots.
You should note, however, that you cannot use the Evenk hitch as a ridgeline tensioning knot. The tensioning knot is the second ridgeline knot for tarps, used to fully tighten your ridgeline after you have anchored it to a tree with the first tarp knot.
Therefore, you must first deploy the Evenk hitch as the initial anchor point to secure your tarp ridgeline. Next, use a different knot as your second ridgeline knot. For personal tarps, I suggest the taut tarp hitch, as this knot will both tension your ridgeline and secure it to a second tree.
How to Use the Evenk Hitch as a Tarp Ridgeline Hitch
Evenk Hitch: Step-by-Step Instructions
Evenk Hitch: Video Demonstration
Watch: How To Tie An Evenk Hitch
This short video walks you through each stage of tying the Evenk hitch in real-time. Watch it alongside your practice for the best results.
Tips for Becoming Slick with the Evenk Hitch
- Practise at home: Before your next trip, tie it plenty of times until you can do it in seconds.
- Use suitable cord: The Evenk hitch works best with supple, non-slippery cordage.
- Visually check: Ensure you are achieving the figure-eight shape at the heart of the knot.
- Test the quick release: When practicing, tug the working end to release it and check that you’ve tied it correctly. Then tie it again!
Tarp Ridgeline Knot – Conclusion
The Evenk hitch is a foundational tarp knot every bushcrafter should know. It’s fast, secure, and elegant. As well as being one of the best knots for tarps, it really is a pleasure to tie. On a practical level, as one of your preferred tarp ridgeline knots, the Evenk hitch sets you up for efficient tarp pitching and takedown. Once this knot becomes part of your repertoire of knots for tarp shelters, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Check out the links below for other knots for tarps.
Related Tarp Knot Material
- Taut Tarp Hitch: Tensioning Your Ridgeline
- Adjustable Guyline Hitch: Corner Tension Made Easy
- Tarp Ridgeline Prusik Knot: Secure, Adjustable Tarp Positioning
- Tarp Guyline Attachment Options – Tips & Tricks
- Hang ‘Em High: Tips for Getting Organised Under Your Tarp
Explore more knots and take your learning further with our full knot course
Master a full range of essential knots for bushcraft, camping, and wilderness adventures: Stop guessing, start tying. Knot Knowledge is our structured video course that removes confusion from knots, giving you skills that work reliably in the real world.
