Now, I have no way of verifying this as it was info told me at the TCI expo, but this source, seeemingly reliable had told me they had done breaking tests on various slings and knot variations. The results were that the half hitch actually is slightly weaker than a running bowline on its own. They tested a Clove hitch with a back up and found that that was also slightly weaker than the Running bowline for the same reason that the half hitch is weaker. The main reason for placing it is to insure against losing the knot off the end or to rig a piece liable of breaking. Also the tests found that a loopie is stronger than a whoopie which is equivalent to a cow hitch. Anyone else hear data from these tests done a few years ago by ken, rip, and crew?