Memorizing This Cute 3-Line Mnemonic Will Teach You An Invaluable Skill For Camping And Kayaking

Mnemonic devices have taught us many valuable lessons through the years. As kids, we learned "Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit" for musical notes and "Roy G. Biv" for the colors of the rainbow, but some mnemonics could even save your life if you get lost when hiking. While these once helped us remember educational lessons, the memory tool can also be surprisingly practical in real-world scenarios, like camping or kayaking. 

One especially useful mnemonic for outdoor enthusiasts is so simple, yet so effective: "The rabbit comes UP through the hole, AROUND the tree, and DOWN through the hole." If you haven't guessed already, this mnemonic teaches the all-important bowline knot. By following the movements of a rabbit as directional cues, this three-line mnemonic helps campers and kayakers remember how to tie the bowline when pitching a tent, slinging a hammock, and docking a kayak or boat.

Its simplicity makes it so useful — the story-like structure and cute rabbit imagery stick in your mind. Just like in childhood, this playful mnemonic brings that same memory magic into the great outdoors.

The rabbit mnemonic is more than a cute rhyme; it's really a handy tool to have up your sleeve for outdoor navigation and knot-tying. Each phrase directly explains the specific action, too. You take one end of your rope through the hole for the first loop or entry point, wrap it around the tree (the free-hanging cord), and thread it back down through the hole to complete the sequence and your knot. Nice and easy.

When tying a camping knot, following the rabbit's path ensures the rope is secured correctly every time, reducing the risk of slips or accidents. Because who wants to wake up to a collapsing tent in the middle of the night? That's even worse than forgetting to pack the five camping items for an easy trip. In kayaking, the same mnemonic can be applied when tying your boat to a dock, tree, or post to help you remember the sequence without needing to constantly check instructions or diagrams. It also keeps you and your kayak safe from floating away, especially if you're visiting somewhere like the kayaking spot Rick Steves calls "Adrenaline Valley."

Mnemonic devices aren't just for children, and this handy phrase is definitely one to commit to memory. Once it's stuck in your mind, tying knots becomes almost second nature, saving time and stress in any outdoor situation. Whether you're camping, on the water, or just need a really good knot, you'll be glad you have this in your wheelhouse.