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12hrsN2AT
10-04-2005, 10:12
I have always owned a backyard hammock. I have taken the net hammocks camping with me and I even have a portable stand. I never considered using one as my shelter until recently.

I received a Thailand made nylon "Parachute silk" hammock. It weighed in at 26 Oz. I removed the metal clip from the stuff sack and the nylon ropes and steel hooks and the hammock now weighs in at less than a pound. I whipped both ends the same and left a small loop on my whipped ends. I made a set of 1" by 36" tree huggers and went to try it out. I have a couple of questions.

Setup was pretty easy. I had the continued problem of my rear end hanging lower than any other part of my body, I readjusted the hammock a few times but this hammock seems to stretch under my butt or maybe I need to shed a few pounds from the rear.

I pitched my tarp to the same lines I hung the hammock. (9x9 catenary). The tarps tension would change when I moved around. I ended up tying it off to a tree. I had less problems with the hammock than the tarp for sure, in short of buying a new JRB, what can I do to use my tarp more effectively?

Is it feesible to think that I can take this on a 5 day or should I stop playing with a cheap hammock trying to make it work?

Can this nylon type hammock material also be used for a tarp?

It was raining on and off and about 85 degrees, so I didn't use a pad or bag just slept in nylon running pants and a long sleeve T. I haven't tried it with a bag or a pad yet. My tarp was plenty big and I did stay dry but I only slept about 6 hours, not the best night sleep but acceptable.

PS I can tell myself to go and spend money on an HH but I am sorry that is not my style. I am not cheap, My joy comes from making and scrounging items, while for others it comes from buying new gear, and I am sure there are many in the middle. I am trying to work with what I have.
titanium_hiker
10-04-2005, 11:05
cheapness is cool. making your own gear or finding cheaper/better altenatives is fun and helps your selfesteem (and your wallet!)

when you sag your hammock\ by getting in, your tarp will also sag if it is attached to the hammock. or even if you are using slender trees. poles might help? it is recommended to tie to trees.

for better storm protection, tie the tarp underneath the hammock supports

warmth- take a bag. and pad.
comfort- are you sleeping on a diagonal?


titanium
12hrsN2AT
10-04-2005, 11:12
I was not able to tie the sides out because of the rain, it seemed better to be hugged by the hammock around my sides with only a small opening at the top. I slept straight but think if I could tie the sides out I would be able to get a better sleeping attitude.

So I need to tie the tarp below the tree huggers on the tree? I actuall had mine about 4" above the hugger.
Just Jeff
10-04-2005, 11:27
Tying the tarp below the hammock is good for a storm setup.

What size and shape is your tarp? You should have plenty of room to sleep diagonally. If not, get a bigger tarp! Doesn't have to be an expensive one.

I take my cheap homemade hammock hiking all the time. I've never used your exact model, though. You might be able to control your "butt sag" by the way you whip it, too.

Don't give up yet!
titanium_hiker
10-04-2005, 11:41
you will spread the hammock by sleeping on a diagonal- I bet this, and a bag will help you increase sleeping time. no tie outs needed!

depending on the weather, tie your tarp higher or lower- lower for less wet, higher for more air.

buttsag? have you tried the foot end higher?

you mean the tarp wasn't letting you sleep on a diagonal? get a new tarp!

titanium
12hrsN2AT
10-04-2005, 11:53
What size and shape is your tarp? Cheap Guide Gear 9'x9' with catenary cuts.


You might be able to control your butt sag by the way you whip it I am assuming you mean by tightening up some the middle material at the end.
jlb2012
10-04-2005, 12:07
you could also use a tensioner on your tarp lines to keep it tight - for example see http://www.geocities.com/jwj32542/HomemadeGearTarpTensioner2.html
peter_pan
10-04-2005, 13:31
Tarps sag is a problem introduced by tying the tarp to the hammock support lines....

If you want to eliminate the problem tie to the trees.... good advice by others, tie below the hammock line point for better storm coverage or above for fair weather ventilation...

If you like the problem and just want to fix it, use tensioners and or weights (water bottle, stuff sack with rocks etc ) on the side corners to take up the slack as you weight the hammock causing sag.

Pan
Just Jeff
10-04-2005, 13:53
Hrm...Pan, at the April SEHHA campout I only recall two tight tarps in the morning, and both of them had tensioners. Were the others tight enough to keep everyone dry? Sure. But were they taut? Nope.

Point taken, though...tying to the trees helps.
Just Jeff
10-04-2005, 14:00
Cheap Guide Gear 9'x9' with catenary cuts.

I am assuming you mean by tightening up some the middle material at the end.
Hang the 9x9 diagonally and you'll have plenty of room.

To whip, try folding the fabric into 'W' shape, then gather and whip. That way the centerline is higher, and it forms a pocket for your head and feet between the centerline and edges. At least it seems to when I do it. That's close to how the HH is whipped, I think. If that's confusing, I'll post some pics on my page...just let me know.
12hrsN2AT
10-04-2005, 14:16
I will redo tonight, I understand what you are saying, I'll redo the head end and see if that helps. I do hang the tarp on a diagonal. When making the tensioner, and tying the second whipping, I need to stretch the tube out while I m tying it. I need to try this at home but sounds like I need a 3rd hand.
Just Jeff
10-04-2005, 15:20
No need for a third hand. Once you pull the tube over the knot and release the tension, it'll stay there. Just don't add tension until after the whipping is tied and it'll work fine.
peter_pan
10-04-2005, 17:47
Hrm...Pan, at the April SEHHA campout I only recall two tight tarps in the morning, and both of them had tensioners. Were the others tight enough to keep everyone dry? Sure. But were they taut? Nope.

Point taken, though...tying to the trees helps.

JJ,

Point taken on the tautest morning tarps having tensioners....They get an A++...

Those tied to the trees without tensioners that remained tight, except for material stretch with dew, rain and snow were more than functional... I give them an A... and extra credit for saving some fraction of an ounce.

The point is that sag from being tied to the suspension line is eliminated by tying to the trees...any minor looseness caused by material stretch is agreeably best dealt with by tensioners.

Pan