I would go with

Figure 8
Double Fisherman
Constrictor
Taut Line Hitch

Figure 8 as a stopper, middle loop, end loop, uses are nearly endless and it is easy to learn and an overall good knot.

Double Fisherman to join lines. You may have several bits and pieces of line that you need to lengthen. This is easy and secure for lines of similar size.

Constrictor to lash stuff. Small amount of cord required for exceptional binding force. Nearly cannot remove.
As no one mentioned it already here is a visual from Alan Folsom
Knots



Taut Line for tensioning supports, pulling tarps etc.

When teaching knot tying, please make sure that the students dress the knots (no not with little clothes <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />), but so one line does not cross over another. This is especially true with a Figure 8 on a bight. Significant strength in the knot can be lost. If you decide on the Bowline, please teach it as a Long Tail Bowline or with the appropriate overhand safety added. Pete

The knots I use most regularly for shelter purposes:

1. Square
2. Figure 8
3. Bowline
4. Taut line

Not in any order. And, come to think of it, the square or reef knot isn't so much for shelter as for first aid -- a flat knot for bandages.

Bear

1. Bowline
2. Square
3. Two Half Hitches
4. Taut Line Hitch

Frank

I wanted to come up with my list before looking at the others, so here it is:

1. Round-turn with 2 half-hitches
2. Clove hitch
3. Bowline
4. Square lashing or Cross-lashing

Max - I hope I'm not offending you here, but while this technique may be easy to learn, I don't see how you can use it to tie a bowline around a fixed object, which is the main function of a bowline. It may work great for teaching kids how to make a loop in the end of a rope, but if I followed your directions correctly, I think it will make it more difficult for them subsequently to learn how to tie a bowline properly (e.g. around a tree or a fence rail).

Just my $.02 worth.

As a part time idiot I would suggest the figure 8 for general tying and a square knot or sheet bend for joing two ropes.

My $.02

Chris

Climbers over the years have moved from the bowline to the figure 8 as the preferred knot because of documented cases of unsecured bowlines untying. For survival applications, I think it is more efficient and effective to teach one knot and then show how its variations can join two knots together, can form a loop at either the end or the middle of the rope, etc.

One important variable is the type of rope involved. In non-synthetic ropes, the bowline is apparently more effective, but who uses hemp or manila anymore? A very common rope is yellow poly(propylene?/ethylene). Whatever type of plastic comprises this rope, it is pure garbage, and it holds most conventional knots rather poorly. Also, are we using knots to lash up a shelter or to cobble up some sort of emergency rappel? Knots good for one application are death traps for another. This information is just as important as the knots themselves.

Thanks to all who replied and offered suggestions. Please don't feel insulted if I don't answer each of you individually. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I will respond to a couple posts where appropriate.

Pete,

When you have only limited space to impart information, you have to ensure it works without any added explanation. It's easy when you have room, one reason I love the web, a real PITA when space if very limited.