Bowline
Also: Bowline knot
Makes a fixed loop that doesn't tighten. Put it around the tree, never around an animal.
Difficulty: Medium
Never put a tightening noose around an animal's neck or body. Tie the lead to a tree, post, peg or the ring of the lead.
Not for climbing, not for securing people and not for loads overhead.
Step 1 of 6Make a small loop in the rope, end side on top. Step 2 of 6Pass the end around the tree and back. Step 3 of 6Push it through the small loop from behind. Step 4 of 6Lead it around behind the standing part. Step 5 of 6Push it back through the loop, next to itself. Step 6 of 6Pull the standing part and the end tight.
Pros
- The loop doesn't tighten and stays the same size.
- Usually easy to untie after a pull.
Cons
- Without load it can loosen and come undone, especially in stiff rope.
- Can't be tied or untied while under load.
Holding and untying
Holds well under steady pull on the standing part. Shaken without load, it can come undone.
Suitable rope
Almost any rope. Smooth or stiff rope loosens more easily.
Common mistake
In the small loop the standing part lies on top. Then the knot can slip apart.
How to check it
The end should lie inside the big loop, next to its rope.
Related knots
The most useful knots for tarp, tent and line, step by step.
Open in the knot guide in the appIn the app the knot guide also works offline.