The bowline knot is another very valuable knot in the climber's arsenal. This is a must know how to tie knot for every climber and mountaineer. It is one of the most secure knots if tied correctly, and is used often for tying directly to the climber's safety harness. You will find many uses for this knot also. An old saying for tying this knot went something like this. "Through the hole around the pole and back down the hole" Below is a six part series on the "Bowline Knot"
Start off with a simple overhand knot configuration. This is the "Through the hole" portion of the knot.
Next, wind the loose end of the rope around the long end of the rope. In other words, "Around the pole."
Now, feed the loose end of the rope through the hole as identified as "X" in figure two. Thus "Back down the hole."
Finally, pull the entire figuration tight, and dress up the knot.
I usually include an additional overhand knot to backup the bowline knot. This is not absolutely necessary, but I find that it adds just a bit more security. It also lets me know that something is amiss if I look down and see my backup knot has come undone.
Shown here is a bowline knot being used to secure the rope to the climber's safety harness.