(1) Pick a live tree that’s at least a foot thick. Wrap a strip of one-inch nylon webbing around it three times.

(2) Tie the ends together with a water knot (tie a loose overhand on one end, then feed the other end of the webbing through the knot, as shown). Leave three inches of tail on both sides.

(3) Draw the other two loops away from the tree so the knot is pointing in the same direction as your intended direction of pull. Clip a locking carabiner to both strands, run your rope through it, and have faith: The system can hold about 5,600 pounds.