Cool thread idea. But one thing I've always found missing from lists like this is when to use a particular knot. And some discussion of when not to would be good too. I think it'd be great if we could just come up with maybe five knots and examples of when to use each.

Categories (maybe):

• Tie rope to post
• Join two pieces of rope
• Shorten a rope
• Tie two posts together
• Tie tent to tent peg (taut line hitch?)
• Loop at end that won't close up (bowline is the standard I think, but the Double figure of eight looks easier / faster to me.)

What are some other likely surivival scenarios requiring knots? Some knots may be compromises for certain situations, but I don't see myself remembering 10 knots and when to use 'em. Anyone have a good knot diagram in a wallet size?

I don't know what you call it, but the knot used to wrap cord around an object (like paracord around a staff or knife handle) is very useful and very simple.