Tumble Hitch

The Tumble Hitch is a quick-release knot used to secure something fast so that it can be released just as quickly.

It holds tension without slipping but lets go with a single pull.

You can tie it on the bight, so you don’t need access to the rope’s ends. This makes it perfect for situations where you can’t get to either side of the object, like a post, ladder or dock.

Let’s check out this hitch in detail.

How to Tie the Tumble Hitch

1. Make a bight in your rope and place it over the object.
2. Make a second bight in the working end and pass it behind the object and through the loop.
3. Pass the working end behind and in front of the standing line.
4. Make a third bight on the working end and feed it behind the object and through the second loop.
5. Pull both the standing end and the top loop to tighten the knot.

To untie, just pull the working end, and the knot explodes like magic.

Pros & Cons

Applications and Uses

The Tumble Hitch works well for non-critical situations.

A tug on the working end will release it completely, which could be disastrous in high risk situations. 

So DON’T use this knot if the load is critical, like climbing or heavy lifting.

That said, here are some great situations for this hitch:

• Set up and take down a ridgeline for camping or shelter building.
• Hang food from a tree to keep it safe from critters and retrieve your stash in the morning easily.
• Great for temporarily mooring a kayak or small boat.
• Useful when you’ve hitched something high up and want to retrieve the rope from below without having to climb back up.

Is It Better Than Highwayman’s Hitch?

The Highwayman’s Hitch is a classic quick release knot, but it can capsize or come undone when you least expect it.

It can even fail depending on how the load shifts or if there’s motion involved.

Dan Lehman figured this out and came up with the Tumble Hitch in 2004.

His goal was simple: make a hitch that holds better under tension and does not come apart like the Highwayman’s.

And it worked.

The Tumble Hitch solves one of the Highwayman’s biggest issues: collapsing under load, especially with soft ropes.

That said, this knot isn’t without its flaws.

It can slip when there’s no tension, and you have to keep an eye on it if your setup is not constantly loaded.

Other Quick Release Hitch

Slipped Buntline Hitch

The Slipped Buntline Hitch stays tight even when there’s slack in the rope. More reliable when there’s no consistent tension.

But it can jam tight and can be hard to untie after heavy strain. 

Not exactly a quick release if you need to untie under load.

Highwayman’s Hitch

The Highwayman’s Hitch is an original quick-release hitch. It’s simple and fast to tie, but unreliable under load.

If the locking loop gets pulled through, the knot fails entirely, especially under load.

Still, if you need a quick and easy way to release a rope and don’t need to handle heavy loads, it can be an option. 

Siberian Hitch

The Siberian Hitch is perfect for cold weather, as you can tie it without taking the gloves off.

It’s a lifesaver when securing a tent’s ridgeline in freezing weather.

But it’s only moderately secure and not meant for critical loads or dynamic situations where the rope will be moving a lot.

Mooring Hitch

Despite the name, the Mooring Hitch isn’t for actual mooring.

It works like the Highwayman’s Hitch as a temporary quick release knot and can be used to secure a kayak or small boat to a dock.

But it likes to jam after being loaded and is not recommended for heavy loads.

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