The Scott’s Locked Bowline is the secure variation of the regular Bowline.
It’s tied in the similar way, but with the tag end locked inside the loop.
This small tweak makes it inherently more secure than the classic Bowline which tends to slip when there’s no tension in the line.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Scott’s Locked Bowline Details
Type: Loop Knot
Other Names: None
ABoK Reference: Not Available
How to Tie a Scott’s Locked Bowline
- Make a loop in the rope, leaving enough length for the desired loop size.
- Pass the working end through the loop.
- Pass it behind the standing part and down through the loop again.
- Feed it through the loop to lock the tag end.
- Tighten the knot.
Scott’s Locked Bowline Step by Step

Pros & Cons
- Inherently more secure than regular Bowline
- Resistant to cross loading and capsizing
- Does not jam under heavy loading
- Not widely known
- More complex to tie than the regular Bowline
Application and Uses
The Scott’s Locked Bowline can be used as an alternative to the classic Bowline. It’s used in the following applications:
- Climbing, caving, and rescue: Secure alternative to a standard bowline, resistant to cross-loading and capsizing.
- Mooring and securing loads: Provides a secure fixed loop that stays stable under variable tensions.
- Camping and outdoor tasks: It’s useful for securing gear or creating stable loops under load.
Fact: Scott’s Locked Bowline was devised by Scott Safier from the IGKT forum website who calls it the “secured Bowline.” It’s a recent discovery and is not mentioned in the Ashley book of Knots.
Scott’s Locked Bowline Based on Left-handed Bowline
It’s an improved version of the Left handed Bowline (ABoK #1034 ½) in terms of security.

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Scott’s Locked Bowline
Based on Left-handed (CowBoy) Bowline
is my preference; please
give it more prominence,
step-by-step,
as better than Yosemite BowLine
and as a secure version of the
CowBoy BowLine.
Appreciate the suggestion. I’ll bump it up and add proper step-by-step instructions.