AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/scout-bowline

You need a loop at the end of a rope that will not slip or tighten. Which knot?

The bowline.

Start playing free

  1. Clove hitch
  2. Bowline ✔
  3. Two half hitches

Why: The bowline forms a fixed loop that won't slip or tighten, yet it is easy to untie. That makes it good for tying around a person in a rescue.

Huh, didn't know that: Mountaineers, climbers and sailors all use the bowline.

The dad joke
Why is the bowline the king of knots? It always rules the loop.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Bowline. The bowline forms a fixed loop that won't slip or tighten, yet it is easy to untie. That makes it good for tying around a person in a rescue.

  1. Scout Life (Scouting America): How to Tie the 7 Basic Scout Knots scoutlife.org/outdoors/176401/how-to-tie-the-7-basic-scout-knots
    The bowline knot forms a loop that will not slip.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingWhat is the square knot best used for?Outdoors & CampingWhich knot is best for tying together two ropes of different thickness?Outdoors & CampingWhat are two half hitches used for?

That's stuff everyone should know.