Artillery Loop

The Artillery Loop is used to form a fixed loop in the middle of a rope without access to either end. Tied in the bight, multiple loops can be placed along a single length of rope to create a series of handholds or attachment points. The knot is quick to tie and relatively easy to untie even after loading. It is well suited for non-critical applications such as camping and ranch work. The loop must remain under load to maintain its shape; if tension is released, the knot may slip or contract. For critical or life-safety applications, the Alpine Butterfly is the preferred alternative.

The Artillery Loop derives its name from its historical use in military contexts, where soldiers used the loops as hand- or shoulder-holds to haul field artillery into position. The alternate name 'Harness Loop' refers to its use when assisting horses on difficult terrain or when mired in mud. It is cited by naval authority Rear Admiral Stephen B. Luce in his textbook Seamanship (1863) where he referred to it as the 'Harness Hitch'. The knot is also documented in Clifford W. Ashley's 1944 work The Ashley Book of Knots as entry #153, #1050, where Ashley describes both its military and equestrian applications.

The Artillery Loop is an asymmetrical knot formed by creating an initial loop, passing the standing part beneath it, and then drawing one side of the bight through to form the final loop. The knot's structure is less stable than the Alpine Butterfly, as the working portions do not lock symmetrically.

The Artillery Loop is considered less secure and less strong than the Alpine Butterfly. It can slip and collapse if the loop is not kept under tension. When properly loaded and dressed, it holds adequately for temporary, non-critical tasks. It is easier to untie than many midline loops after being loaded.