Continuous Loop Question?

I am knot a not guy.

It seems most people with a channel hammock slip some sort of CL thru the channel and then stick the tag end thru the loop pulling it tight? This creates a very tight gathered end at the channels of the hammock.

Is there a benefit/negative to having a "loose" CL connection? If I was able to create one permanent CL running thru the channel and which would keep the gathered end "loose"?

Not sure if I explained that very well, hopefully you can decipher it and give me some feedback.

Wes

I do not think you will see a significant difference between the two approaches. Take your continuous loop in your hands and pull it tight, it becomes very small. It actually becomes the width of your finger, it would do the same if you put your hammock in there instead of your finger. The one possible advantage of sticking the whole loop thru the channel is that now there is twice the area of rope on the fabric, helping to spread the load out and possibly reduce the wear on the channel. But I think there would be effectively no difference in comfort level. Just a SWAG.

I may stand corrected on this. I've been playing with the loop thru the channel vs. larks headed on to the hammock and Swankfly is right it doesn't bunch it up quite as much. The only problem is that I'm not 100% sure it feels much different, but I do believe it does. And I believe it feels better.

I've tried both ways and didn't really feel much difference if any. The only reason I stick with the larkshead is the end channels can move when getting in and out and that friction makes me paranoid. With the tight larkshead, the hammock material is bunched up and there seems to be no friction between the amsteel and the hammock material. It's probably not a big deal but since I felt no difference it doesn't hurt to eliminate a variable like that. As I said, I could just be paranoid but it makes me feel better.

It seems that loose would be better for at least the following reason. The enemy of fabrics is dirt and grim. A loose end would allow soap and water to get in there while washing.

Mike