Free eBook Coming Soon. Sign Up for Early Access!

Bottle Sling Knot

Updated on:

The Bottle Sling Knot is used to create a handle on bottles or similar objects with tapering necks so it’s easy to carry them on the go.

It’s simple, reliable, and honestly feels like a trick everyone should know.

There are so many ways to tie it, but the one below is the most popular and easiest.

Let’s learn it in detail.

Bottle Sling Knot Details

Type: Binding Knot

Other Names: Jug Sling, Jar Sling Knot, Spanish Hackamore, Moonshiner’s Knot, Bridle Knot

ABoK Reference: #1142

How to Tie a Bottle Sling Knot

  1. Overlap two loops so one sits on top of the other.
  2. Pass the lower part of the loop through the eye formed during the overlap.
  3. Flip both loops downward as shown.
  4. The Knot is complete.
  5. Place the center over the neck of the bottle and pull both ends to tighten.
TIP

Didn’t get it right in the first try? The mistake usually happens in step 3. Go back and double-check the way you’ve passed the loop through the eye.

Bottle Sling Knot Step by Step

how-to-tie-a-bottle-sling-knot-step-by-step
Bottle Sling Knot Diagram

Turn the Bottle Sling into a Carry Handle

Ok, the knot is tight around the bottle’s neck. But how do you carry it? You’ve got two options for creating the handle:

Tie a Fisherman’s Knot

This is the easiest.

Grab the working end of one side of the loop that is open and pass it through the opposite loop. Then, tie a Fisherman’s Knot to join the ends of the rope.

Now, you’ve got a closed loop you can use as a handle.

bottle-sling-knot-with-a-carry-handle-using-the-fisherman's-knot

Asher’s Equalizer

Want to adjust the loop length automatically to give two even handles? This is the way.

But before you start, tie the loose ends together with the Fisherman’s Knot to form a loop. Make sure this side has a long end to make the handle.

Then:

  1. Pass the two long ends through the loop until you create a bight.
  2. Pass the loop formed by the knotted ends over the bight just formed.
  3. Grab the bight and pull it through the large loop. You’ll get a pair of matching handles.
asher's-equalizer-how-to-add-a-carry-handle-to-the-bottle-sling-knot
Image: Asher’s Equalizer

Pros & Cons

  • Practical and versatile
  • Works on any bottle that has a neck.
  • Can be loosened and reused around another bottle.
  • Not suitable for cylindrical objects
  • Slight learning curve.

Application and Uses

  • Suspend water bottles, jugs, and other similar items while camping or hiking.
  • Traditionally, it was used in ancient Greece to tighten around fractures and dislocations.
  • Makeshift bridle for horses.

I’ve used this knot more times than I can remember. I have hung water bottles from a tree branch, carried big water jars, and even hung a lantern.

If you hike or camp, this knot is for you.

RELATED: 12 Best Camping Knots Every Camper Should Know

What do you plan to use the Bottle Sling Knot for? Do let me know in the comments below.

🎉 Free Ebook: The Most Essential Knots 🎉

Master the essential knots with clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations! Download our free ebook "The Most Essential Knots"—perfect for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts.

Download Your Free Ebook Now

Leave a Comment

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

scaffold-hitch-diagram-how-to-tie-a-scaffold-hitch-knotspedia

Hitch Knots

Scaffold Hitch

The Scaffold Hitch is used to secure a plank with rope. Easy to tie, used in scouting, swings, and temporary seats—simple but less secure than other hitches.

uni-knot-diagram-how-to-tie-a-uni-knot-knotspedia

Fishing Knots

Uni Knot

Learn how to tie a Uni Knot—a strong, easy-to-tie fishing knot perfect for attaching lines to hooks, swivels, reels, or joining two lines of any type.

bottle-sling-knot-how-to-tie-a-bottle-sling

Binding Knots

Bottle Sling Knot

The Bottle Sling Knot creates a secure carry handle on bottles with necks—perfect for camping, hiking, or hanging gear. Easy to tie and super practical.

becket-hitch-feature-image-of-the-becket-hitch

Bend Knots

Becket Hitch Knot

The Becket Hitch Knot is a simple, secure knot used to tie a rope to an eye or loop. Ideal for hammocks, it's quick to tie, adjustable, and easy to untie.

PIPE-HITCH-DIAGRAM

Hitch Knots

Pipe Hitch

The Pipe Hitch (ABoK #504) is a strong, non-slip knot used to lift pipes or posts, using multiple wraps and a Clove Hitch for secure grip on smooth surfaces.

TRIPLE-BOWLINE-DIAGRAM

Loop Knots

Triple Bowline

The Triple Bowline is a loop knot tied on a bight that creates three loops. It’s useful for rescue or anchors but consumes rope and needs a backup for safety.