Double bowline

From ScoutWiki, For Everyone, Everywhere involved with Scouting and Guiding...
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.
Double bowline
Doublebowline.jpg
Names Double bowline, Double-Knotted Bowline, Round Turn Bowline
Category loop
Efficiency 70-75%
Related Bowline, Bowline on a bight
Typical use climbing
ABoK #1013


A double bowline is a type of knot. It is more secure loop than a regular bowline.

Tying: First, learn to tie the bowline by laying the working end on the standing part and twisting to form a loop (the "hole" that the rabbit comes out of). Wrap the loop once more around the working end. Then pass the working end behind the standing part and back down through the double loop.

The double bowline is one of two typical tie-in knots used in climbing, along with the Figure-of-eight knot. The advantage of the double bowline over the figure 8 is it is easier to untie after being weighted in a fall.

External link


The double bowline is commonly used by sport climbers who take multiple lead falls and then have trouble untying their figure eights. The disadvantage of the double bowline is that it is more likely to come untied than a figure eight knot. This is especially true for newer ropes. For this reason, climbers should not tie in with a double bowline without also backing it up with a stopper knot.