Knot-tying is one of those skills that’s far easier to learn by watching than by reading, and YouTube has no shortage of solid demonstrations. This list rounds up the ten most-watched videos on essential survival knots, ranked by actual view count.
Across the group you’ll find a mix of formats: quick single-knot tutorials you can watch in two minutes, broader rundowns covering five to ten knots in one sitting, and a couple of applied demonstrations showing knots used in real shelter-building scenarios. Whether you want a fast answer or a longer session with a knowledgeable instructor, there’s something here that fits.
1. 7 Essential Knots You Need To Know
InnerBark Outdoors · 19M views · 7:46 · 2016
With over 19 million views, this is by far the most-watched knot video on YouTube. InnerBark Outdoors packs seven commonly used knots into under eight minutes, listing each one in the description so you know exactly what's covered. A good first stop if you want a fast, broad overview from a well-established outdoor channel.
2. Top Five Useful Knots for camping, survival, hiking, and more
Nature Reliance · 5.6M views · 10:47 · 2014
Craig from Nature Reliance walks through five knots aimed at camping, hiking, and emergency use in this roughly 11-minute video. It's a step-by-step demonstration from an instructor who also teaches premium outdoor courses, so the pacing suits viewers who want clear, deliberate instruction rather than a rapid-fire rundown.
3. 8 KNOTS You Need to Know – How to tie knots that you will actually use.
Outdoor Boys · 5.2M views · 15:14 · 2017
Outdoor Boys covers eight knots geared toward camping, climbing, and everyday use in about 15 minutes. The description lists every knot by name, and the video covers both how each is tied and when you'd reach for it. Best for viewers willing to sit through a longer session for more range.
4. strong, safe and essential knot that is very useful in life
Knot Training · 4.6M views · 2:08 · 2024
At just over two minutes, this is the shortest video on the list, from a channel dedicated entirely to knot tutorials. It focuses on a single knot the creator bills as strong and reliable for everyday life. The thin description doesn't say which knot it is, so treat it as a quick watch for the curious rather than a structured lesson.
5. The Trucker's Hitch…But Better. [Auto-Locking]
The Bear Essentials · 4.3M views · 2:41 · 2023
The Bear Essentials takes on the trucker's hitch, including an auto-locking variation, in under three minutes. The description pitches it at anyone securing loads, canoes, or gear, from beginners to seasoned outdoors people. A tight, single-subject tutorial for viewers who already know what knot they want.
6. How to Tie Truckers Hitch Survival Knots — Tarp Shelter
The Prepared · 3.7M views · 6:29 · 2017
This six-and-a-half-minute video from The Prepared features survival expert Jessie Krebs demonstrating knots in a real application: rigging a tarp shelter between two trees. It's part of a broader tutorial on three core survival knots, so it suits viewers who want to see knots used in context rather than in isolation.
7. The 10 BEST Knots in Life [For VISUAL Learners]
The Bear Essentials · 3.6M views · 16:24 · 2022
The second Bear Essentials entry is the channel's longest here at over 16 minutes, covering ten knots with examples of practical uses after each one. It's explicitly framed for visual learners and pitched at both beginners and advanced viewers, making it a solid pick for someone wanting one comprehensive video.
8. This Knot is a GAMECHANGER! – The Alpine Butterfly Knot.
The Bear Essentials · 2.8M views · 2:26 · 2022
Another quick single-knot tutorial from The Bear Essentials, this one covering the alpine butterfly in about two and a half minutes. The channel describes it as the best option for midline applications, in the same quick, beginner-friendly format as their other videos. Ideal for a fast answer on one specific knot.
9. How To Tie A Trucker's Hitch
Brandon Nelson · 2.7M views · 2:09 · 2016
Brandon Nelson's two-minute trucker's hitch tutorial has racked up over 2.7 million views, helped along by his strong opinions on webbing and cordage in the description. It's a no-frills, single-knot demonstration for viewers who just want to see it done without extra material.
10. 5 Knots Every Paracordist MUST MASTER | Beginner Knots You Need To Know!
The Weavers of Eternity Paracord · 2.7M views · 7:46 · 2020
From The Weavers of Eternity Paracord, this seven-and-a-half-minute video covers five knots aimed at people working with paracord. The channel is a paracord specialist with its own kits and supplies, so this one best suits viewers whose knot interest leans toward cordage craft and paracord projects rather than general bushcraft.
Ranked by YouTube view count as of September 22, 2026. View counts move around, so the order here reflects the day this list was compiled. All videos belong to their respective creators – watching them here plays them directly from YouTube, so views and any ad revenue still go to the channel.
