Bowline

When to use this

Use when you need a loop that won’t slip or shrink under load.

• Tying a rope around a tree or post
• Making a non-slip loop at the end of a line
• Securing a tarp ridgeline

What you need

• One length of rope or paracord

Step by step

1. 1.Lay the rope out and decide which end is the working end (short) and which is the standing line (long).
2. 2.About a foot from the working end, twist a small loop in the standing line. The working end should pass up through the loop.
3. 3.Bring the working end up through the loop from below — "the rabbit comes out of the hole."
4. 4.Pass the working end behind the standing line — "around the tree."
5. 5.Send the working end back down through the loop — "and back into the hole."
6. 6.Pull the standing line and the working end in opposite directions to seat the knot. The loop is fixed.

Pro tips

• The "rabbit and tree" mnemonic works for kids: rabbit comes out of the hole, runs around the tree, goes back in the hole.
• Leave a 4–6 inch tail. A short tail can work loose.

Common mistakes

• Wrapping the working end the wrong direction around the standing line — produces a knot that slips.
• Tying it too loose. Seat it firmly before trusting it.