View Full Version : Hammock Hanging Hints
jabowman7
04-16-2012, 11:39
I finally took the plunge and purchased an ENO hammock to try out the hanging life. However, I was wondering what the best/quickest way to hang a hammock was. I was thinking about getting the ENO SlapTrap, but read that it tends to stretch out over time. What are some of the hanging systems you guys use for optimal hammock stability?
Welcome to hammock hanging. I use the Warbonnet adjustable suspension for my backpacking hammock a Blackbird. I use the Eno Double Nest for day hiking and the slap strap system is way to heavy. Check out Hammock Forums http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=86 for suspension systems. Whoopie slings are the most common to replace the slapstrap system that I have seen.
quilteresq
04-16-2012, 12:43
Have you looked at whoopie slings? http://shop.whoopieslings.com/Whoopie-Slings-AWS.htm
chip2012
04-16-2012, 13:05
How exactly do the whoopie slings work? What kind of strap do you use to hang from the sling? I have the eno single nest and would like to shed some of the weight without having to buy a new hammock. The straps are really heavy and over kill in my opinion. Looking for suggestions. :D
kayak karl
04-16-2012, 13:35
i still use the ring buckle system (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearRingBuckleSupports.html). i made and put whoopies on all my hammocks, but went back to straps. they work in all situations and are easier to adjust with mittens on. i replaced the caribiner with a dutch clip (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/Dutchware.htm).
UnfamousK
04-16-2012, 15:28
i use webbing straps and cinch buckles....not the lightest but def quick and easy..... found cinch buckles @ onrope1.com
I have the WB BB 1.1 dbl with the adjustable webbing suspension and I use Nite Ize figure 9 carabiners rope tighteners to suspend my tarp. Set up takes less than 5 minutes.
I use poly webbing with cinch buckles and camp nano biners. As seen here http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingSuspension.html
specifically 3.2 and 3.3
Sherpa Master
04-16-2012, 19:12
Stay away from the slap straps if you are near 200#. They stretch and you will find yourself on the ground. If you don't have the book "the Ultimate Hang: an Illustrated Guide" by Derek Hansen. I suggest checking it out and his website. The whoopie slings are what I suggest with a Dutch ware whoopie hook. Check out www.outdoortrailgear.com for all the whoopie supplies.
I put whoopie slings on the stock suspensions of my Hennesay Hammocks. Much easier to set up and hey who doesn't like to say whoopie!
Here's a good replacement for Slap Straps if you use them in conjunction with a 'biner and tree hugger straps. http://gearx.com/black-diamond-spectra-12mm-daisy-chain-140cm.html
It's not what I use (I use 3/4" climbing webbing (about 12 ft. each end) with an overhand loop on one end of each. I wrap the webbing around the tree (or whatever), feed the tag end through the loop, and use a modified Windsor Knot to tie the webbing to a 'biner clipped to the cordage loops on each end of my hammock. It's a tad heavy but very quick to deploy and take down.
jabowman7
04-16-2012, 20:09
Whoa, thanks for all the useful info, guys! Looks like I have some experimenting to do. How long did it take you to find the ideal hanging method for you?
Whoa, thanks for all the useful info, guys! Looks like I have some experimenting to do. How long did it take you to find the ideal hanging method for you?
Eight years and still Tinker-ing. :)
JaxHiker
04-17-2012, 09:12
Eight years and still Tinker-ing. :)
Ain't that the truth! I use whoopies now but I'm also comfortable with a ring/buckle solution.
Sent from my A100 using Tapatalk
Whoa, thanks for all the useful info, guys! Looks like I have some experimenting to do. How long did it take you to find the ideal hanging method for you?
It takes some time and experimentation to determine which set up works best for you. After using a ccf pad with my WB BB for several weekend trips I have decided an underquilt will be my next step toward finding the ultimate hang. Just stick with it, ask questions and try different things. I would also recommend the book "The Ultimate Hang" by Derek Hansen. It is a quick read that is full of good information as well as illustrations. Good luck!
I finally took the plunge and purchased an ENO hammock to try out the hanging life. However, I was wondering what the best/quickest way to hang a hammock was. I was thinking about getting the ENO SlapTrap, but read that it tends to stretch out over time. What are some of the hanging systems you guys use for optimal hammock stability?
I use the 1" poly strap, carabiner and buckle system offered by Warbonnet. It gives me the most flexibility and very easy setup, which when I'm tired, or it is dark, is very nice. Poly straps do not stretch much at all and should last many years.
Thanks for the support guys! A great lightweight solution from DutchWare is the Whoopie Hook (http://theultimatehang.com/2012/04/the-whoopie-hook/).
For my hammocks, I prefer a simple continuous loop of Amsteel (http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/1151827) threaded through my gathered-end hammock channel (or whipped around the end). I use straps around the tree to create an anchor and usually the strap is long enough to reach my hammock, so I use a simple toggle to attach. If I need more length from anchor/tree to hammock, I have 4'-long Whoopie Slings to make up the distance.
There are WAY too many ways to suspend a hammock, believe me. A reviewer complained that my book spends too much time on suspension menthols when I was just trying to be thorough. Whatever works for you, go for it. There are some that are easier/faster, some that are lighter, etc., so it just depends on what you are looking for in the end.
~derek
chip2012
04-20-2012, 19:56
Thanks for the advice guys. :)
I ordered some whoopie slings which I might add is fun to say also I ditched the ring buckle system for a 10' piece of nylon construction webbing.
Does anyone ever have any problems with the toggle slipping through the whoopie?
Ready to go play with my new toys :cool:
BigHodag
04-20-2012, 21:41
Slap Straps are quick and easy and they have worked just fine on two 2-week section hikes on the AT. I use Slap Strap Micros which are thinner and lighter, but no longer made.
Yes, there is some stretch, but all materials stretch -- from static kernmantle rope to steel cables. I rig the straps, clip my hammock on, and then sit on it a bit to stretch everything put. After a few minutes, I move one end up one or two loops, so the hammock is level at about chest height.
Tips for Slap Straps:
- ideal distance between trees is about 7 paces
- wrap the straps more than once around close or thin trees
- keep hammock off ground by setting first strap, clip hammock and pull towards 2nd tree. Clip hammock onto belt/belt loop while setting 2nd strap. Then attach 2nd hammock clip. Everything stays off the ground and no extra trips.
lilricky
04-21-2012, 23:31
I'm using and highly recommend the "All-In-One" suspension system sold by Whoopieslings.com. They have tree straps, whoopie, and an amsteel chain link all connected together. You simply larkshead each chain link to each side of your hammock and viola! No straps to forget on a tree, and you still have maximum adjustability via the whoopies. I would recommend using Dutch hooks for the tree straps. All together, alot lighter than the strap and buckle system.
Wise Old Owl
04-22-2012, 10:21
Jabowman7 - One of the best threads about cool hanging is 101 by Shug on www.hammockforums.net - his videos are fun to watch and offer subtle suggestions on improvement. I like his ideas and I have a PM into him to find the URL for you.
kayak karl
04-22-2012, 10:34
shug's channel. click videos for the ones you want.
http://www.youtube.com/user/shugemery/videos
Wise Old Owl
04-22-2012, 11:04
Yea he got back really quick here is his answer
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15516
Monkeywrench
04-22-2012, 13:32
i still use the ring buckle system (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearRingBuckleSupports.html). i made and put whoopies on all my hammocks, but went back to straps. they work in all situations and are easier to adjust with mittens on. i replaced the caribiner with a dutch clip (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/Dutchware.htm).
I use the ring buckle system as well, but not in the same way as that described in the link. I have the two descender rings attached to the carabiner by a short piece of cord. After running the tree-hugger strap around the tre, I clip the 'biner to the strap. The original suspension line on my Hennessy hammock is tied to the rings ib a garda hitch, which is super easy to adjust.
When I take my hammock down I always adjust the garda hitch to extend the suspension line to a long length. After taking the tree-hugger off the tree I clip the 'biner onto the strap so the straps can't get left behind.
Keeping the entire suspension clipped together as a single unit means never having to worry about inadvertently leaving a tree strap on the ground when you leave camp. And on the rare occasion when I have to hang from a tree that is too big for the straps to encircle completely, I can easily untie the garda hitch, remove the carabiner and rings, and tie the traditional Hennessy lashing.
I find this system more versatile and more adjustable than whoopie slings, though it is heavier as you have the weight of the rings and carabiners.