If you’re looking for a secure hitch with a quick-release attribute, Slipped Buntline hitch is your best bet.
It is tied similar to Buntline Hitch but with the bight passing through on the final step instead of the end.
This little adjustment makes it easy to untie—most of the time.
Let’s check out this hitch in detail.
Slipped Buntline Hitch Details
Type: Hitch
Other Names: None
ABoK Reference: #397, #1712, #1807
How to Tie Slipped Buntline Hitch
- Pass the working end around the object.
- Go over and under the standing end.
- Bring the working end back to the front of the knot.
- Make a bight and feed the bight through the loop.
- Tighten the knot.
To untie, just pull the bight back through the knot by tugging firmly on the free end.
Need more Security?
If you are looking for something more secure, try the Highpost Hitch (ABoK #398).
It is similar to the Buntline Hitch, but with a small variation to make it more secure.
The difference is subtle—before feeding the bight through the loop we wrap an extra turn —the rest of the process remains the same.
Applications and Uses
The Slipped Buntline Hitch is used in applications where you need a quick-release hitch.
It can be useful for:
- Securing animals to posts and fences
- Attaching guylines to a tarp or tents.
- Handling large sized objects
It works on nearly any object, its performance is not affected by the cross-sectional shape of the hitching object.
If the object to be tied is large, a slipped buntline hitch is still beneficial.
Pros and Cons
The slipped Buntline hitch is an easy to tie knot. It’s tied like a slipped Buntline hitch with the bight completing the knot rather than the tag end.
It’s also a secure and reliable quick release knot.
It works great with objects that have a large cross sectional area.
It’s difficult to dress and tighten the knot properly which can weaken the kno0t security if not done properly.
But it’s difficult to untie if used with larger and high friction ropes.
Other Similar Knots
Mooring Hitch
The Mooring hitch is less superior than the slipped buntline hitch.
It’s also a quick release hitch that is used to temporarily tie up a kayak to a dock.
It’s not reliable enough to be used to tie a mooring line.
Highwayman’s Hitch
The Highwayman’s hitch is similar in strength with the slipped buntline hitch.
It’s a bit difficult to tie and dress the knot.
Tumble Hitch
The Tumble hitch is probably the most secure hitch knot.
It’s one of the quick release hitch that’s stable and does not jam under heavy loads.
It’s used for temporary and best for non critical supervised uses.
Farrimond Friction Hitch
The Farrimond Friction hitch creates an adjustable loop at the end of the rope.
The best thing about this hitch is its easy to tie nature—a simple pull on the working end spills the knot apart.
It is used in camping and outdoor activities for tensioning the rope.
Warning: Like other slip knots, I don’t recommend the Slipped Buntline hitch for critical applications where human life is at stake.
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It would be helpful to have an intermediate photo between Photo2 and Photo3, for us slow-learner types. Overall, I came across this website and am enjoying it much. Thank you for your efforts.
Hi RAA,
Thank you for the feedback!
I totally get it—sometimes an extra visual step can make all the difference. I went through the slide and felt that I should have included a few more steps to make it more clear. I’ve made the necessary changes to the images. If you run into any issues, please feel free to let me know.
So glad to hear you’re enjoying the website, and I really appreciate it!