The bowline (pronounced bow·luhn) is used to make a secure loop at one end of a line. The loop may pass through or around an object. The bowline knot is a good way to secure a line to something. For example, tying one end of a line to a tree or post. When you remove stress in the line you can then easily undue the knot. This is one of the most useful knots used in the outdoors.
Making a secure loop
This mnemonic makes tying a bowline easy: imagine the end of the line as a rabbit and the first loop as the rabbit’s hole. When the rabbit comes up out of the hole it goes around the tree (i.e. the long end of the line), right to left, and back down the hole.

A good use for the bowline is to secure a valuable item to your pack. For example to secure a phone case, GPS, or solar charger to your pack. This way you can use the device while hiking. As a result it greatly reduces the chances of accidentally leaving the device behind.
