The Midshipman’s Hitch is your go-to knot when you need an adjustable loop at the end of a rope.
You can slide the knot up and down the standing end to adjust it however you want.
It’s often compared with the Tautline Hitch, but it’s the more secure option.
It creates an intermediate knot called the Awning Hitch which holds the knot tight under tension.
Let’s check out this hitch in detail.
How to Tie the Midshipman’s Hitch
- Loop the rope around the object
- Pass the working end around the standing end
- Pass it around again but besides the first turn away from the object
- Pull it tight. It forms an Awning hitch that takes all the load
- Tie a half hitch around the standing end
- Tighten the knot
To check that you have tied it correctly, verify that the tag end is facing toward the standing end and not the other way around. The Taut line hitch is included at the end of the slide for comparison.
To untie, first loosen the Half hitch knot and then untie the Awning knot followed by the overhand knot.
Quick TIP
If you use modern ropes like Spectra, Dyneema or Polypropylene, the Midshipman’s Hitch might slip over time.
To avoid this, you can either add an extra turn on the first part or an extra half hitch knot at the end.
Why Use the Midshipman’s Hitch?
One of the best things about the Midshipman’s Hitch is that you can tie the knot while there is tension on the line.
It’s an advantage over the Bowline knot, which can not be tied under load.
The Awning Knot holds the tension, so it’s easy to tie the half hitch knot.
Here’s a quick comparison of Midshipman’s hitch over other hitches:
- Awning Hitch: It’s a building block for Midshipman’s Hitch, but not secure
- Midshipman’s Hitch: Strongest but hard to adjust
- Taut Line Hitch: Easy to adjust but not as strong
- Adjustable Hitch: Slides easily and stays straight under tension
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to tie and untie under load
- Secure than Taut Line Hitch
Cons
- Does not work well on stiff and slippery ropes
Application and Uses
The Midshipman’s Hitch is a general purpose hitch that you can use for different applications.
It’s used in camping for securing tarps and tents or hanging a hammock.
In the Ashley Book of Knots, Ashley recommended this knot if you fall overboard and have a trailing rope to grab. Simply attach yourself to the line using this knot.
And that’s not all!
It is also used to moore boats, secure loads on vehicles or even tie down the aircraft like the gliders.
Arborists also use this knot while climbing trees.
Midshipman’s Hitch vs Taut Line Hitch
The Midshipman’s Hitch and the Tautline Hitch are two different knots. But, I have seen people teach the Tautline Hitch as a Midshipman’s Hitch.
In fact, the Boy Scouts handbook (after the 5th edition) included the Tautline Hitch as a Midshipman’s Hitch.
The Midshipman’s Hitch is more secure and stronger—and should always be preferred over the Tautline Hitch.
Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Feature | Midshipman’s Hitch | Taut Line Hitch |
| Knot Structure | The first wrap is made in the direction of the object and the second wrap is made in the opposite direction | Both wraps are made in the direction of the object |
| Slippage | Does not slip under load | Can slip under heavy load |
| Ease of Adjustment | Difficult to adjust | Easier to adjust |
| Security | More secure | Less secure |
| Applications | Suitable for heavier loads where security is more important | Setting up tents or tarps where quick adjustments are needed |
Related Knots
Awning Hitch
The Awning Hitch (ABoK# 1854) is the foundation of the Midshipman’s Hitch.
It is a temporary hitch that is useful for adjusting guylines which will be secured with the final half hitch knot.
Rolling Hitch
In Ashely Book of Knots, you’ll find two Rolling Hitches—Rolling Hitch 1 (ABoK #1734) and Rolling Hitch 2 (ABoK #1735).
The Midshipman’s hitch is based on Rolling hitch 2 and the Tautline Hitch is based on Rolling hitch 1.
It is used to attach the smaller rope to the larger one for a lengthwise pull.
Taut Line Hitch
The Taut Line Hitch (ABoK #1856) looks similar to the Midshipman’s Hitch but isn’t as secure.
It is based on the Rolling Hitch version 1 (ABoK #1734).
It does not include the Awning Knot, so it cannot take the strain before tying the Half Hitch knot.
Adjustable Hitch
If you tie the final Half Hitch in a reverse direction, it will give the Adjustable Hitch (ABoK #1800)
It will help avoid the twist on the hitch.
Farrimond Friction Hitch
The Farrimond Friction Hitch also creates an adjustable loop at the end of the rope
It’s easy to tie and untie, and hold tight under moderate pressure.
It’s highly effective with paracord ropes and natural materials but might slip with the modern slippery ropes.
Which one do you prefer? Midshipman’s hitch or the Tautline hitch. Please let us know in the comments below.
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