Sure, you know your knots and can tie down a tent or tie off a kayak in the blink of an eye. But why would you want to fumble around in the rain or the dark when a Figure 9 rope tightener will do it for you in a fraction of the time?

Figure 9, by Nite Ize (www.niteize.com), provides a secure, knot-free way to make camp, boat or cartop rack shipshape. Just follow the instructions engraved on the device: wrap a rope around the Figure 9 aluminum arms, pull tight and you're done.

Backpacker magazine gave the Figure 9 its 2007 Editors' Choice Award in recognition of its cutting edge design and performance.

Figure 9 comes in two sizes - small and large - that are sold individually and in packages with braided rope attached. Prices range from $2 to $9.