The Highwayman’s Hitch is a quick release knot used to tie something temporarily but want to release in a snap.
It can be tied in the middle of the rope so you don’t need to pass the working end around the anchor or the rail.
But the best part— it’s easy to tie and super easy to untie.
Let’s get into it.
Highwayman’s Hitch Details
Type: Hitch
Other Names: Bank Robber’s Knot, Fireman’s Hitch, Highwayman’s Cutaway, Getaway Hitch
ABoK Reference: NA
Fun Fact
Legend has it, this hitch was used by the highwaymen (the old-school bank robbers) for a fast getaway on horseback.
They would tie up their horses alongside the stagecoach using this hitch so they could bolt quickly.
However, there is no solid proof for this fact.
How to Tie Highwayman’s Hitch
- Make a first bight of rope and place it behind the support.
- Make a second bight on the standing end and pass it through the first one.
- Make a third bight on the working end and pass it through the second loop.
- Pull the standing part to tighten the knot.
To untie this hitch, just pull the working end of the rope and it will come undone.
Quick TIP: Wherever you want to load this hitch, tighten and dress it properly.
The Hitch’s Achilles’ Heel
Now, here’s where it can go tricky!
The Highwayman’s Hitch is a secure hitch, but it’s not perfect.
If the pole or object is larger than the diameter of the rope, this knot could capsize.
The failure occurs when there is a load on the standing end—the second bight might slip through the first one.
It will undo the hitch if the third bight isn’t big enough. So, remember to keep the third loop a bit big.
A More Secure Alternative: Tumble Hitch
If you are looking for something more secure, the Tumble Hitch is more stable than the Highwayman’s Hitch.
It was designed to avoid the problem of the Highwayman’s Hitch where a locking bight can collapse under tension.
With the Tumble Hitch, even if you pull on the standing end, the knot stays intact and there is less chance of the knot spilling through.
Other Similar Knots
Siberian Hitch
The Siberian Hitch is a quick release hitch that can be tied with gloves or mittens.
The Buntline Hitch is more stable than the Siberian Hitch when dynamic load is applied.
It is used to secure the tarp guylines and is seldom used at sea.
Mooring Hitch
The Mooring Hitch is also a quick release hitch that serves the same purpose as the Highwayman’s Hitch.
Unlike its name, it is not suitable for mooring. It can be used to temporarily tie off a kayak or tether animals.
Plus, it jams.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to tie and remember
- Can be undone under tension
- Can be tied in the middle of the rope
Cons
- Can be undone by accident
- May capsize when tied around a large object
Applications and Uses
The Highwayman’s Hitch is used by kayakers to tie their boat to a dock and release it quickly.
It is used as a temporary mooring knot for the boats—it’s easy to cast off without having to untie the knot by hand.
It is also used to tether animals, especially horses to the hitching post.
But, this is not a permanent knot. If conditions are rough and there is lots of pulling and slack, it is more likely to come undone.
Warning: Don’t use this hitch for any task related to human loads like climbing.
