Highpost Hitch

The Highpost hitch is used to tie boats around the post or pile.

It’s tied like a Slipped Buntline hitch but with an extra half turn wrapped to make it more secure.

Let’s learn it in detail.

How to Tie a Highpost Hitch

1. Wrap the rope around the object and pass it over and under the standing end.
2. Move the working end over and under the rope moving towards the object.
3. Make a bight on the standing end.
4. Feed it through the loop.
5. Tighten the knot.

To untie it? Just pull the working end of the rope towards the direction of the load. It will spill the whole knot in seconds.

Highpost Hitch in the Bight

The high post Hitch tied in the bight (ABoK #1810) is another variation of this Hitch. 

To tie this hitch knot,

1. Wrap the bight around the object
2. Bring it over the standing part. 
3. Tuck the bight into the loop.

Similar to the High post, it spills when the rope is drawn back.

Highpost Hitch vs Slipped Buntline Hitch

At first glance, the Slipped Buntline hitch looks pretty similar to the Highpost hitch.

In fact both the knot has a quick withdraw loop that gives them the quick release attribute.

But, the difference lies in the tying process. Both are tied in a similar manner until the final turn is made.

Pros and Cons

The best thing about Highpost hitch is its quick release attribute.

In fact there are a few hitch knots (except Tumble hitch, Mooring hitch and Slipped buntline hitch) that can be untied in an instant.

It does not jam under heavy load and is super easy to untie even under load.

It’s a reliable knot, but there are other better knots like Rolling hitch and Midshipman’s hitch which work well under extreme tension.

Applications and Uses

The Highpost Hitch is used at sea especially when you need to tie boats and the tide might leave the knot out of reach.

It is used for camping, outdoors and everyday use where a slipped hitch knot is needed.

Other Alternatives

Rolling Hitch

Rolling hitch is easier to tie than the Highpost hitch.

It not tied in the bight, so the slipped version of the Rolling hitch is not popular.

The best thing about Rolling hitch is that it can be tied and untied under load and it does not bind and slip when pulled in the proper direction (only a lengthwise pull is allowed).

It’s often used to tie fenders to stanchions.

Midshipman’s Hitch

Looking for strongest hitch knots? Midhsipman’s hitch is your knot.

You can tie this knot when there’s tension on the line—thanks to the Awning hitch that holds the tension in the line making it easy to tie the Half hitch knot.

It is used for mooring boats and in applications where frequent adjustments of the line are needed.

Clove Hitch

The Clove hitch is an easy to tie knot that holds well under moderate tension.

But here’s the thing—it tends to come loose when there is no tension in the line.

It can also spill if the standing end is pulled in the wrong direction.

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

Round turn and two half hitches was used for holding the mooring lines in the old days. 

It has the capacity to withstand the forces encountered at sea, but if you are looking for something more secure, try Anchor hitch.

It’s not only strong, it’s strong under wet and slimy conditions.

That’s it for this Article!

Have you ever used the Highpost hitch for your day to day work? Do let us know in the comments.

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