Knot Tying Guide: Highwayman's Hitch (Quick Release Knot)

The Highwayman's Hitch, also known as the Bank Robber’s Knot, is a versatile and easy-to-use quick-release knot. This knot is ideal for tying loads that need to be quickly and easily undone, making it a popular choice for various applications.

Tying the Highwayman’s Hitch

To create the Highwayman's Hitch, follow these steps:

Fold the rope approximately 2 feet from one end to form a loop, and place it behind the support (e.g., post or rail).
Form another bight out of the rope on the right side of the first loop, and pass it through the first bight you made.
Create a third bight with the quick-release end, and pass it through the second bight you made.
Pull the standing end to tighten the hitch, and untie the knot by tugging on the quick-release end.

Tips for Using the Highwayman’s Hitch

The knot does not require access to the rope’s end and can be tied mid-rope.
It is easy to untie even under tension because of its quick-release design.
Practice the knot a few times to become comfortable with the bight passes and tightening.

Cautions and Limitations

The Highwayman’s Hitch may come loose accidentally if the load shifts or the knot is jostled.
It can capsize if tied around large or awkwardly shaped objects, reducing its reliability.
Because it is a quick-release knot, it should not be used with critical, heavy, or life-safety loads where accidental release could be dangerous.

The Highwayman’s Hitch is commonly used in situations like securing temporary loads or tying something down needing rapid release. However, caution should be exercised to ensure it is suitable for the load type.

If you're looking for a visual guide, there are videos available showing step-by-step tying of the Highwayman's Hitch to reinforce these instructions.

Jordan Frazier, a Machinery Technician with the U.S. Coast Guard, is the owner and operator of Paracord and What Knot, an online small business that is a "one stop knot shop." He has curated an online community of over 13K followers on Instagram with his knot tying content and how-to's.

Remember to tie a horse at the level of their withers to sturdy posts and fences, and never leave a horse tied up unattended. Visualizing the desired outcome of the knot can aid in tying it, and be mindful of potential hazards like uneven ground or holes when tying a horse.

For additional safety when using the Highwayman's Hitch, you can make a safety ring from baling twine, tuck the end of the rope into the loop to prevent it from becoming undone, or add an extra bight to strengthen the knot. However, this article does not provide information on how to make a safety ring from baling twine or how to tuck the end of the rope into the loop to prevent it from becoming undone.

[1] Frazier, J. (2023). The Highwayman's Hitch: A Quick-Release Knot for Securing Temporary Loads. [Online]. Available: https://www.paracordandwhatknot.com/blog/the-highwaymans-hitch-a-quick-release-knot-for-securing-temporary-loads [2] Frazier, J. (2023). The Highwayman's Hitch: A Quick-Release Knot for Securing Temporary Loads [Video]. [Online]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ [3] Frazier, J. (2023). How to Tie a Clove Hitch. [Online]. Available: https://www.paracordandwhatknot.com/blog/how-to-tie-a-clove-hitch [4] Frazier, J. (2023). How to Tie a Trucker's Hitch. [Online]. Available: https://www.paracordandwhatknot.com/blog/how-to-tie-a-truckers-hitch [5] Frazier, J. (2023). How to Tie a Taut Line Hitch. [Online]. Available: https://www.paracordandwhatknot.com/blog/how-to-tie-a-taut-line-hitch [6] Frazier, J. (2023). How to Tie the Alpine Butterfly Loop. [Online]. Available: https://www.paracordandwhatknot.com/blog/how-to-tie-the-alpine-butterfly-loop [7] Frazier, J. (2023). How to Tie the Rethreaded Figure of 8 Climbing Knot. [Online]. Available: https://www.paracordandwhatknot.com/blog/how-to-tie-the-rethreaded-figure-of-8-climbing-knot [8] Frazier, J. (2023). How to Thread a Needle. [Online]. Available: https://www.paracordandwhatknot.com/blog/how-to-thread-a-needle [9] Frazier, J. (2023). How to Use Pre Wrap as a Headband Without Tying a Knot. [Online]. Available: https://www.paracordandwhatknot.com/blog/how-to-use-pre-wrap-as-a-headband-without-tying-a-knot

If you're interested in expanding your knot-tying repertoire, consider checking out Jordan Frazier's online small business, Paracord and What Knot, for various tutorials on knots such as the Clove Hitch, Trucker's Hitch, Taut Line Hitch, Alpine Butterfly Loop, Figure of 8 Climbing Knot, and more.
In addition to the Highwayman's Hitch, fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts might find the tutorial on how to thread a needle or use pre-wrap as a headband without tying a knot useful for their career and lifestyle endeavors.
For those planning a trip and who enjoy travel, they might find the tips on tying a horse properly and safely for sturdy posts and fences beneficial when visiting farms or other equine-related locations.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts may appreciate learning about making a safety ring from baling twine for the Highwayman’s Hitch or how to tuck the end of the rope into the loop to prevent it from becoming undone, enhancing the knot's reliability and longevity.
Car enthusiasts can potentially leverage the Highwayman’s Hitch while transporting accessories or temporary loads related to their automobiles, ensuring they have the right knot for the task without risking accidental release.
Those who love pets might discover pet-related knot tutorials within Jordan's content library, helping them secure leashes, carriers, or other pet-related items with ease and confidence.
Shopping lovers may find learning the Highwayman’s Hitch beneficial for securing bags, boxes, or other shopping items when transporting them, ensuring they stay secure during travel.

Knot Tying Guide: Highwayman's Hitch (Quick Release Knot)