The Double Bowline forms a single loop in the middle of the rope.
It’s like the standard Bowline, but has an extra turn around the bight which makes it strong and secure.
It’s often confused with the Water Bowline. They might look similar in the final appearance, but they’re not the same thing.
But that’s not all—some think the Double Bowline forms two loops like the French Bowline or the Spanish Bowline.
It doesn’t. It’s just a single loop.
Let’s check it in detail.
Double Bowline Knot Details
Type: Loop Knot
Other Names: Round Turn Bowline, Double Loop Bowline, Double knotted Bowline
ABoK Reference: #1013
How to Tie Double Bowline Knot
- Make two loops in the rope.
- Place one loop over the other.
- Pass the tag end through the loops.
- Pass it behind the standing part.
- Feed it through the loops again.
- Tighten the knot.
PRO TIP: If you intend to use this knot for climbing, NEVER use the Double Bowline as is. Either secure it with a backup stopper knot or apply the Yosemite finish for extra security and strength.
Application and Uses
The Double Bowline Knot is commonly used to tie the end of a rope around a tree or a post.
It’s also used in climbing as a tie in knot to tie the rope into your harness.
The plus point of this knot? It’s easy to untie even after multiple falls. That’s why climbers like it.
But here’s the thing: if the rope is stiff and there is lots of movement in the rope, it can loosen itself.
That’s why climbers secure it with the Yosemite finish that locks the rope in place.
Also, it’s less secure than the classic Figure 8 follow through,
One more thing: the Double Bowline is difficult to inspect if tied correctly. It’s easy to mess up with so many Bowlines floating around.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to tie
- Reduces the risk of capsizing
- Does not jam and easy to untie
Cons
- Hard to inspect if tied correctly
- Less secure as a tie in knot
Other Similar Knots
Figure 8 Follow Through Loop
The Figure 8 follow through loop is a standard tie in knots in climbing.
It’s one of the safest and strongest knots out there.
But, unlike the Double Bowline Knot, it is difficult to untie after a heavy fall.
Want to simplify the untying process? Check out: How to Tie the Perfect Figure 8 Knot
Bowline on a Bight
The Bowline on a Bight is another tie in knot used in climbing.
But it’s more complex to tie this knot for beginners because it is not tied in the bight like other similar knots.
You’ll need to rethread it which takes time and effort.
That said, it’s more secure than the Double Bowline Knot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a double bowline better than a bowline?
Absolutely! The Double Bowline is more secure than the Bowline.
It has an extra wrap around the bight that provides the extra grip and secures the knot in place.
As Ashley puts it, “It holds the Bowline together in such a way as to lessen the danger of it capsizing, which is liable to occur when a single Bowline is carelessly drawn up.”
But Water Bowline is even better.
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