Camping · 22 steps

Use a loop as a purchase to tension a line before securing it.

The trucker’s hitch combines a midline loop, an anchor pass and a securing finish. Feeding the working end through the midline loop gives a purchase for drawing the line tight. This lesson uses an alpine butterfly for that loop and two half hitches for the finish.

Other tying methods use a different loop, so the name describes a useful arrangement rather than one mandatory first knot. Follow the full rope route to see which section is being tensioned and where the final hitches hold the working end.

When to use it

Tension a tarp line or tie down a bundle.

Keep in mind

The loop and finish vary by method; this lesson uses an alpine butterfly and two half hitches.

Check your knot

The working end passes around the anchor before returning to the midline loop.
The loop is correctly formed before tension is applied.
The finish secures the tightened line.

How to tie Trucker’s Hitch

Start with one rope
Keep the upper standing end fixed and the lower working end free.
Lift a side loop
Lift a bight to the right of the standing line.
Twist the loop once
Turn the bight to make the first opening.
Twist again
Turn in the same direction to make a second opening.
Fold the outer loop behind
Carry the outer closed fold behind the inner opening.
Go around the inner loop
Carry the fold around the original inner opening.
Bring the fold beyond the standing line
Keep both sides of the fold together as they pass outside the line.
Return in front of the opening
Bring the same fold toward the front of the central opening.
Pass through the middle
Draw the closed fold through the inner aperture from front to back.
Extend the butterfly eye
Draw the loop out to the right.
Dress the butterfly
Gather the collars around the standing line.
Bring the end above the ring
Position the working end to enter the lower attachment.
Pass through the ring
Take the end down through the metal eye and back upward around its upper bar.
Raise the end to the butterfly
Bring the working end upward behind the existing loop.
Pass through the butterfly eye
Pass from behind through the actual loop and return around its lower rim.
Draw the end downward
Pull the working end down as the butterfly eye turns downward.
Cross in front of both legs
Carry the end diagonally left across both lower rope legs.
Go around behind both legs
Bring the end behind the pair and back to the right.
Tuck the first half hitch
Take the end through beneath the crossing and draw it left.
Wrap in the same direction again
Make a second turn around both lower legs.
Tuck beneath the crossing
Pass under the diagonal to complete the second half hitch.
Leave a short tail
The butterfly, lower ring and two half hitches are parts of one continuous rope.

Explore the 3D steps

References & further reading

Start with one rope

When to use it

Keep in mind

Check your knot

Start with one rope

Lift a side loop

Twist the loop once

Twist again

Fold the outer loop behind

Go around the inner loop

Bring the fold beyond the standing line

Return in front of the opening

Pass through the middle

Extend the butterfly eye

Dress the butterfly

Bring the end above the ring

Pass through the ring

Raise the end to the butterfly

Pass through the butterfly eye

Draw the end downward

Cross in front of both legs

Go around behind both legs

Tuck the first half hitch

Wrap in the same direction again

Tuck beneath the crossing

Leave a short tail

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