The Bowline on a bight forms two fixed loops in the middle of the rope.
If you have tied a Figure 8 on a bight and think it’s tied the same way, you are in for a surprise.
Unlike other knots tied in a bight, this one has its own quirks.
I will break it down step by step.
Bowline on a Bight Details
Type: Loop knot
Other Names: Bowline on a bite
ABoK Reference:#1080
How to Tie Bowline on a Bight
- Make a loop in the rope by passing the rope over the standing part.
- Pass it through the loop.
- Open up the bight and wrap it around the whole knot.
- Continue until it encircles both standing ends.
- Tighten the knot.
Bowline on a Bight Step by Step
Bowline on a Bight (Video Guide)
Common Mistakes
This knot can be tricky for beginners. If you tie it wrong, it won’t even look like a Bowline let alone a Bowline on a bight.
If your knot results in a Noose knot, don’t worry! It’s one of the common mistakes people make with this knot.
It would usually result in a Noose knot if you grab the wrong loop while locking the knot at the final step.
In the picture, if you tighten loop 1 instead of 2, you would tie a Noose knot that slides all the way through.
Always remember to tighten the knot by pulling the right loop.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to tie
- Can be tight in the middle of the rope
- Easy to untie after heavy loading
- Can be tied incorrectly
- Might slip if only one loop is clipped
Application and Uses
- As an emergency Bosun’s chair.
- Make a toe hold in the middle of a rope
- Spread loads between two anchor points (Y-hang setup)
- As a harness tie in knot—an alternative to Figure 8 follow through knot.
- Multi-person hoisting if two secure loops are needed.
- Create upper block for hauling.
Warning
In 2011, a comprehensive test was carried out by the DPMC on the Bowline on a bight.
The results were shocking!
When tied on one loop, the knot slipped under a just 100kg load. This was not even due to a bad technique but a mix of several other factors.
The Takeaway?
- Always tie a stopper knot at the free end of a double bowline knot.
- NEVER tie yourself to just one loop.
If you need a more safe alternative, go with the Rethreaded figure 8 knot.
Double Bowline on a Bight
The Double Bowline on a bight is created by doubling the turns which makes four loops in the middle of the rope.
You can even adjust the size of the loop to make one smaller and the other bigger.
But here’s the thing: Adding more turns reduces the strength of the knot.
Other Similar Knots
Figure 8 Follow Through
The Figure 8 follow through knot is the standard tie in knot used in climbing.
It’s strong, safe and secure.
But, it can be difficult to untie after heavy loading.
The untying process can be made easier with additional precautions during the tying process.
Double Figure 8 Knot
The Double Figure 8 Knot is used to equalize two anchors in top roping setups.
It’s one of the strongest knots out there and makes a super redundant anchor system.
It solves one of the problems in the Bowline on a bight: slipping when a single loop is loaded.
If one loop is pulled and the other loop is empty, the loop stays intact and does not even tighten up.
Should the anchor fail, it does not receive a large shock load either.
Double Alpine Butterfly Knot
The Double Alpine Butterfly knot also forms two loops in the middle of the loop.
You can apply loads from either direction (from loops and ends).
It’s not popular in climbing but is used in camping or outdoor activities when two clip in points are required mid-rope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to tie a Bowline on a bight around a tree?
No, you can not tie a Bowline on a bight around a tree with the method shown above.
But you can do it with a technique called the Rethreaded Bowline on a bight.
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