This article covers one of the best tarp tensioning knots for personal tarps. It is the second of two articles on the knots you need to tie a tarp shelter between two trees with speed and efficiency.
When setting up a tarp, a taut ridgeline is essential. This process involves an initial anchoring knot at one end and a second knot at the opposite end.
Moreover, if that second tarp knot can also tension the line, all the better — it helps create a straighter, tighter tarp setup from the start.
Even with a lightweight tarp that lacks a continuous ridgeline (such as many silicone nylon tarps), the same principles apply. These tarps typically have two guy lines at the ridge apex. When strung between two trees, they form a ridgeline of sorts. You still need to tie off one end to the first tree and then secure the other to the second.
Regardless of whether the tarp has a continuous ridgeline or two apex guylines, the knots covered in this series do the job well — and help keep your tarp tight. In another article, we looked at the first of these tarp ridgeline knots: the Evenk hitch (if you haven’t seen it, you can learn about it here).
The second tarp knot, covered in the current article, does more than secure the line’s end. It also works as a tarp tensioning knot. This means you can first tighten the tarp ridgeline, then lock it off to hold the ridgeline under tension. The first knot in the system – the Evenk hitch – cannot fulfil this role. Hence we need a second knot.
So, in this article I’ll teach you how to tie the taut tarp hitch. Unlike the Evenk hitch, which was borrowed from another use, the taut tarp hitch – as its name suggests – is a dedicated tarp hitch knot.
As such, it’s one of the best tarp knots because it is purpose-built to tie a tarp to a tree and to tighten the ridgeline of the tarp. Further, if you finish the knot with a bight, it becomes quick release (see photos below).
What Is the Taut Tarp Hitch?
The taut tarp hitch is a quick-release tarp hitch used to apply and maintain tension in a ridgeline. After you anchor the far end of your tarp line (with an Evenk Hitch, for example), tie the taut tarp hitch at the near end. This lets you pull the line tight and secure it under tension.
This knot utilises friction on itself, wraps around a tree for further significant friction, and a locking bight to create a reliable, yet releasable, knot that stays tight until you’re ready to take it down.
Why Use the Taut Tarp Hitch?
Many potential ridgeline knots are secure but hard to adjust or remove, and many cannot be used to tension the ridgeline directly.
In contrast, the Taut Tarp Hitch:
- Allows you to pull the ridgeline tight, even single-handedly.
- Holds tension reliably, so your tarp stays in place.
- Is quick to release, making it easy to pack up the camp.
- Requires no hardware—just cordage and know-how.
Some people resort to tensioning gadgets, which I find to be more of an encumbrance on a small, personal tarp. I want my setup to be as straightforward as possible, with little clutter, to keep the weight of my kit down and maintain simplicity. Learn the appropriate knots and let your knowledge do the work of unnecessary gadgets.
Attention to detail and good application of knowledge make the difference between a sagging tarp and a crisp, weatherproof shelter. Being able to properly apply the taut tarp hitch-and other knots for tarp shelters-makes a huge difference to the quality of your personal camp set up.
When To Use the Taut Tarp Hitch
Use this knot whenever you need to:
- Tension a ridgeline between two trees.
- Set up a tarp without built-in line locks or guyline adjusters.
- Secure the end of a tarp line where adjustability and tension are key.
- Avoid slippage in wet or cold conditions.
It pairs perfectly with a fixed anchor knot like the Evenk Hitch at the other end of your tarp line.
How To Tie the Taut Tarp Hitch
Below is a step-by-step photo sequence that shows how to tie this tarp knot. Take your time practising this — the key is to maintain tension in the line as you go.
Tarp Tension Knot: Step-by-step Photos
Tarp Tension Knot: Video Demonstration
Watch: How To Tie A Taut Tarp Hitch
Tips for Maintaining Tension When Tying the Taut Tarp Hitch
- Pre-load the ridgeline by leaning back with your body weight. After passing the cord around the far tree, lean back to apply as much initial tension as possible. This sets the baseline tension for the tarp ridgeline.
- Add even more tension. As you begin tying, keep the tarp ridgeline tight and bring the live end over the standing part, then pull back to add more tension. This helps you lock in every bit of tautness before completing the hitch.
- Use the tree as a friction anchor. As you go around the tree, take advantage of the friction between the cord and the tree. This will help prevent the tension from slipping out of the system. The second wrap adds even more friction. By the time you complete it, you should be able to hold the tensioned line in place with minimal effort.
- Pinch or hold the cord with your fingers between steps. Using tree friction, pinch or brace with your non-dominant hand. Then, shift the working end into place for the bight and locking steps.
- Keep the working end above the standing line when creating the triangle. This positioning helps to prevent you from fumbling as you begin forming the locking part of the knot. Pull the first bight through the triangle in a way that removes slack. As you create the first half-hitch while pulling a bight through your triangle shape, it’s easy to overlook the need to remove the slack introduced. If so, when you switch hand positions to pull through the second bight, the slack goes back into the system, and you lose ridgeline tension. It’s at this stage that I see many students let the tension slip out of the system when first learning this knot.
- Lock off with a second bight for a secure quick release. This final step secures the knot and preserves the tension you have worked to build throughout the process.
Taut Tarp Hitch – Conclusion
The taut tarp hitch is both a tarp tension knot and a knot for tying your tarp to a tree. Once you’ve anchored the far end of your line, this knot allows you to dial in the perfect tarp ridgeline tension with control. The ability to maintain – and even increase – tension as you tie it off sets it apart from simpler hitches. The quick-release feature of this tarp hitch makes takedown effortless.
Mastering this knot brings a noticeable upgrade to your tarp rigging. It’s particularly valuable in poor weather when you need to pitch your camp quickly and efficiently.
The taut tarp hitch is a knot worth learning—and one you’ll likely rely on again and again.
Related Tarp Knot Material
- How To Tie An Evenk Hitch – Tarp Ridgeline Knot
- 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
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