How to Tie the Double Bowline

How to Tie the Double Bowline

Usage

The Double Bowline is a versatile loop knot favored for its security and ease of untying, even after heavy loading. It is commonly used in climbing, arborist work, and creating anchors around trees or boulders.

Why Learn the Double Bowline?

The Double Bowline offers added security over the standard Bowline, making it a reliable choice for demanding applications like sport climbing and rescue scenarios. Its ability to remain easy to untie under load makes it invaluable for repeated use. The trade-off is that a finished Double Bowline is harder to check at a glance than a figure eight, so it pays to know exactly what a correct one looks like — the Knot IQ app lets you rotate the Double Bowline in 3D and step through the round turn one wrap at a time until the right shape is obvious.

Common Uses

• Climbing and Mountaineering:
  • Tying into a harness for sport or lead climbing.
  • Securing ropes to boulders or trees for anchors.
• Arborist Work: Rigging and securing equipment to branches.
• Rescue Operations: Creating secure loops for hoisting gear or individuals.

Notable Features

• Added Security: Incorporates an extra turn to prevent capsizing and provide additional grip.
• Non-Jamming: Easy to untie after being heavily loaded.
• Strength Retention: Maintains up to 70-75% of the rope’s strength, the figure commonly quoted for the Double bowline.

Variations

• Bowline vs. Double Bowline:
  • Bowline: Simpler and faster to tie but less secure.
  • Double Bowline: More robust with added stability, making it ideal for demanding applications.
• Figure Eight Loop vs. Double Bowline:
  • Figure Eight Loop: Highly secure and easier to inspect but harder to untie after heavy loading.
  • Double Bowline: Easier to untie and adjust, preferred for frequent loading and unloading.

Similar Knots

Bowline vs. Double Bowline

• Pros: The Bowline is simple and versatile; easy to tie and untie.
• Cons: Less stable under dynamic loads; prone to slipping if not properly dressed.

Water Bowline vs. Double Bowline

• Pros: The Water Bowline is designed for wet conditions with added security; resists slipping in slippery or wet environments.
• Cons: Takes slightly longer to tie and requires more steps to ensure proper dressing.

Bowline on a Bight vs. Double Bowline

• Pros: The Bowline on a Bight creates two secure loops for additional versatility; reliable for rescue and climbing tasks.
• Cons: Bulkier than the Double Bowline; harder to inspect for proper tying.

Figure Eight Loop vs. Double Bowline

• Pros: The Figure Eight Loop is highly secure and easy to inspect; widely regarded as one of the safest knots for climbing.
• Cons: Harder to untie after being heavily loaded; requires more time and precision to tie correctly.

History

The Double Bowline, also known as the Round Turn Bowline, has roots in traditional climbing and nautical applications. Clifford Ashley recorded it as ABOK #1013, noting that the round turn forms a more secure loop than a standard bowline — a reliable choice for heavy-duty tasks.

Security Level

The Double Bowline is moderately secure. While more robust than the standard Bowline, it requires careful tying and dressing to prevent failure.

Downsides

• Longer Tying Time: Takes longer to tie than a standard Bowline.
• Backup Required: Less secure than the Figure Eight Loop if not properly backed up.

Structure

1. Lay the rope across your hand, forming a small loop.
2. Create a second loop below the first.
3. Pass the working end through both loops from underneath.
4. Wrap the working end around the standing part and back through the loops.
5. Tighten the knot by pulling the free end while holding the standing line.

Build the muscle memory on the ground long before it counts — a Knot Tying Kit gives you practice cord and reference cards to drill the sequence at home. Practice cord is for learning the shape only; anything load-bearing belongs on rope rated for the job.

FAQ

What is the Double Bowline used for?

It’s used for creating secure loops in climbing, rescue, and arborist work.

How does it compare to a regular Bowline?

The Double Bowline is more secure and robust, especially under heavy loads.

Can it be untied easily after being loaded?

Yes, it remains non-jamming even after heavy use.

Is it suitable for climbing?

Yes, it’s commonly used for tying into harnesses or creating anchors.

Important Notes on Safety

Always ensure the Double Bowline is properly tied and backed up with a stopper knot in high-stakes applications. Bowline-family loops can work loose when they are repeatedly unweighted and reloaded — the cycling that happens across a multi-pitch climb — so finishing the tail with a backup (a Yosemite tuck or a stopper on the working end) is standard practice for any life-support use. Regularly inspect the knot before use, especially in climbing or rescue scenarios.