Insulating for Hammocking & Suspension Cords

[dawnthan]

Hi everyone!

I saw that there were older threads on here covering part of the questions I have. I didn't want to bring them back since they're so old though. First off, I have a Eno Double Nest Hammock. I used to use thick plasticy cord to hang it up, but it's rather heavy. I just bought white para cord, 1/8" and I was wondering if that would be sufficient enough to keep me aloft while thru hiking the entire AT? The salesman at the outdoor store said it would... but I don't really believe it. Should I use thicker straps for the trees and just use the para cord to connect to it? What do you all use? I'm trying to keep down weight too.

I also was curious how you all stay warm. I easily get cold, like winter jacket all day long at my desk job. I have a 20 degree synthetic sleeping bag (I'm vegan, so no down feathers). I normally put my bed pad in between me and my hammock (thermarest pro plus), but I still can wake up pretty cold. I love backpacking in the colder weather, but I'm normally reduced to sleep in the shelters to stay warmer. Are there specific light weight space blankets that would help a lot? Maybe if I just put my hammock closer to the ground it'd help out a lot...

If anyone could help with this, I'd very much appreciate it!

Thanks,
Dawn:rolleyes:

[ocourse]

I will just put some thoughts out there while we wait for others to chime in. Paracord is usually 32 strands and the breaking strength is usually 550 lbs. But there are lots of cords for sale using that same name that aren't equal to that breaking point. The cord will hold you, but there are other factors. Abrasion is a big factor and will severely weaken the sheath and/or the strands. You might be OK but I use straps around trees. Also, straps won't harm tree bark much and some Ridgerunners and other officials will scrutinize how you hang.

For insulation, I made an "underquilt" of 1/8" open cell foam. The I made the same with a silnylon layer added. Sometimes I use both of them and barely stay warm. If you hammock in colder temps - even 50 degrees or so, you can get cold. The best thing I did for my hammock was to make a storm shelter. It's Silnylon and it it encloses the hammock from about 70% to 95%, deponding on the adjustments I make. It made me 10-15 degrees warmer! I just suffer a little and try to carefully pick my site and drop my tarp low if the wind is blowing. To sum up, I would suggest using straps, and

[ocourse]

oops..... and.. making or buying an enclosing layer of some sort.

[apd07c]

While I've never used para cord as a hammock suspension, I'm sure with the right thickness and knots it can be done. Ask here: https://www.hammockforums.net/ or just go in your backyard and try it out.

As for warmth, I've found that foam pads work better for me in my hammock. Some things you could consider trying:
1. Add a torso length foam pad to your gear to use in conjunction with your air pad. This will give you lots of options and a sit pad if you store the foam pad on the outside of your pack.
2. Use your tarp even though it isn't raining. If its windy, set it up like normal. This will deter the cold wind from rushing at/under you. Or if its not windy, you can double or triple it over on itself and use it for more insulation under you.

[gunner76]

First go to Hammockforums.net for more info on hammocks and hammock camping.

The salesman was just trying to get your money. 550 Para cord is not strong enough. It will either break and or stretch. Either way you will end up on the ground. ENO Atlas straps are a better choice.

Personally I use polyester 1" straps rated at 1,500 lbs with Dutch Clips and Cinch Buckles. Not heavy and very strong.


Down Feathers
Down and feathers are two different things. Not all down comes from ducks raised for meat.

Recommend you get a down Underquilt to stay warm. Or you could get a synthetic UQ from Arrowhead, Space blankets will help but can also lead to problems with condensation. Problem with using a Pad in a single layer hammock is that the pads tend to slip in single layer hammocks, work better in a double layer hammock. Hanging closer to the ground will not help

Lastly, find a group hammock hang in your area and attend it. You will be able to check out many hammock set ups and talk to the users as to what works and does not.

[Damn Yankee]

use a short piece of 1" webbing with a loop on one side and a toggle on the other to wrap around the tree on both ends. You can then invest in whoopee slings for suspension which would cut down your weight considerably. As far as keeping warm, get yourself some reflectix and make yourself a pad to go between yourself and your sleeping pad. Also use some type of tarp that you can connect to a ridge line and higher or lower the sides as needed. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/index.php also http://theultimatehang.com/hammock-camping-101/

[Tuckahoe]

As already pointed out hit hammockforums.net.

You might also find Shugemery's beginner videos useful. There are 9 total in this series --

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

And again as pointed out, its difficult to use a pad and sleeping bag in a single layer hammock. The pad wont stay put all to often and you're compressing the bottom of the sleeping bag and losing warmth. That sleeping bag can be difficult getting into and out of as well.

You may want to look into getting yourself set up with a top and bottom quilt. Check out Arrowhead Equipment's synthetic Kick-ass Quilts at http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/kick-ass-quilts.html. Enlightened Equipment also offers a synthetic top quilt, the Prodigy and a synthetic underquilt, the Prospect -- http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/.

You'll find more vendors and advice though at Hammock Forums https://www.hammockforums.net/?

[2 Trail Hikers]

As already pointed out hit hammockforums.net.

You might also find Shugemery's beginner videos useful. There are 9 total in this series --

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

And again as pointed out, its difficult to use a pad and sleeping bag in a single layer hammock. The pad wont stay put all to often and you're compressing the bottom of the sleeping bag and losing warmth. That sleeping bag can be difficult getting into and out of as well.

You may want to look into getting yourself set up with a top and bottom quilt. Check out Arrowhead Equipment's synthetic Kick-ass Quilts at http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/kick-ass-quilts.html. Enlightened Equipment also offers a synthetic top quilt, the Prodigy and a synthetic underquilt, the Prospect -- http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/.

You'll find more vendors and advice though at Hammock Forums https://www.hammockforums.net/?

Shug sums it up hes crazy but knows how to hammock in any weather.

Here is 2 reputable vendors to get hammock supplies from

http://dutchwaregear.com/

http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/

[perdidochas]

Hi everyone!

I saw that there were older threads on here covering part of the questions I have. I didn't want to bring them back since they're so old though. First off, I have a Eno Double Nest Hammock. I used to use thick plasticy cord to hang it up, but it's rather heavy. I just bought white para cord, 1/8" and I was wondering if that would be sufficient enough to keep me aloft while thru hiking the entire AT? The salesman at the outdoor store said it would... but I don't really believe it. Should I use thicker straps for the trees and just use the para cord to connect to it? What do you all use? I'm trying to keep down weight too.

I also was curious how you all stay warm. I easily get cold, like winter jacket all day long at my desk job. I have a 20 degree synthetic sleeping bag (I'm vegan, so no down feathers). I normally put my bed pad in between me and my hammock (thermarest pro plus), but I still can wake up pretty cold. I love backpacking in the colder weather, but I'm normally reduced to sleep in the shelters to stay warmer. Are there specific light weight space blankets that would help a lot? Maybe if I just put my hammock closer to the ground it'd help out a lot...

If anyone could help with this, I'd very much appreciate it!

Thanks,
Dawn:rolleyes:

You will be unhappy with paracord--it's made of nylon and stretches, and stretches even more when wet. You need some sort of setup with polyester straps. Best bet is hammockforums.net, or google "just jeff hammock." They have good tips on what you should do. You need top and bottom insulation--top is the sleeping bag. Bottom is a pad or underquilt.


Gunner76 has good advice. dutchwaregear.com is a good vendor. They have a great reputation.

[R1ma]

ALWAYS use tree huggers.
I've got some 8' long, 1" wide polypro straps with a bight on one end. Big enough for trees in the Sierra.
Then I've got some rings tied to a length of Spectra which is tied to the end of my hammock. Spectra is 1000 lb cord, it doesn't stretch like paracord.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearRingBuckleSupports.html

I made myself a top and under quilt. Pretty much simple rectangles. Built like down versions but filled with loose PrimaLoft.
http://scorpio516.blogspot.com/2012/03/hammock-underquilt-part-1.html
http://scorpio516.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-sew-thru-top-quilt.html

[lilricky]

Any if you want to simply buy a suspension, might I suggest Whoopieslings.com and their All-In-One system (http://shop.whoopieslings.com/All-In-One-system-AI1.htm).

[Drybones]

I'm new to hammocking, recently made two hammocks and a tarp so I'm no authority, but what I used for suspension is 7/64 amsteel, suposedly stronger than steel but will float, used the restrictor method rather than whoopies, the red rop slides along the orange rope for adjustment, there's a small stick tied to the end of the red rope just to be sure it doesn't slip.

26178

[DocMahns]

You can use the Hennessy SuperShelter, that's what I'm doing. Should be vegan friendly and is better than a sleeping pad. Not quite as warm as an UQ but it should suffice for the AT. I also went to arrowhead equipment and ordered their all inclusive suspension system. Not only is it easier to use, it shaved a whole pound off my pack weight.