Got my copy of the "Tree Climber's Companion" and have just skimmed it and already I see a few "iffy" things I want to inquire about. I never thought of a basic bowline as being a very secure knot, yet the book talks about it as if it was. Do climbers trust their lives to simple bowlines? I myself, being paranoid, would use a water bowline with a stopper or at least a stopper as shown here.

http://www.animatedknots.com/bowlineclimbing/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

Generally, you're right. A bowline is not a commonly used life safety knot - but some people DO use it. Without a stoper it CAN come undone when tension is relaxed.

Even though I had been involved in rope rescue for over 10 years, when I started tree climbing I learned that there was a whole new (and often better) way to do things. Ideas from caving, rope rescue, rock climbing, and other activities have been absorbed into tree climbing. There is no ONE way to do something. 10 different people may do the very same thing 10 different ways.

IMHO, If you learn to tie an inline figure 8, 8 on a bight, and a Blake's Hitch or modified Blake's (B-53 or similar) you'll be on your way up, safely. You can learn other knots and their uses as you move ahead in your new hobby.

Yes, I suppose you are right. Maybe the bowline is only being recommended in very special situations. I'm ahead of the curve on my knots. I've been learning them for the past month or more. The only ones I don't know are the less common ones like the Distel or the Valdo-whatever...

I just want to add the safety knot to Bakers list.

Safe climbing!

Ah yes, the slip knot. Very important while climbing DdRT. Thanks for that.

So when you tie the end of the rope to your harness -- to me the most ideal knot seems to be the gallows knot -- and I make it a triple just to be paranoid. What else do people use with complete confidence for that connection?