two days from hike: PANIC!

Hi all! I'm back into the hammocking world again with the glorious southern hemisphere summer.

This weekend I've got a simple overnight hike, and I'm bringing a hammock. My friends all think I'm nuts, which is why I want this to work so badly!

I'm happy with my tarp - an OES spinn deluxe.

The problem is my hammock! I've found out that I've been underestimating the girth of trees for YEARS. :mellow: Webbing straps alone doesn't seem to be adequate. I've got some whoopie slings and an adjustable ridgeline from Arrowhead on their way, but they won't make it in time for this hike.


I've also just started playing with a structural ridgeline, and with it, the hammock seems a bit tight. I think I might need to lengthen it, but need some tips.

I need reassurance, HF! :)

titanium_hiker

Welcome back. I remember you being very active here in HF's early days.
As far as "the girth of trees", can you get more/longer webbing to take care of that until you're whoppie slings get there?

you'll be fine man... 2nd slowhike's idea of just getting some supplimental webbing????

A quick and relatively inexpensive solution is a pair of cheap (light and less rugged) ratchet straps from your local discount store, ala Harbor Frieght. Tie any appropriate knot you are comfortable with at both fixed and adjustable ends. For a one nighter, even if you have to sacrafice a strap it will merely advance the ultimate outcome with the whoopies on their way.

Good Luck and happy trails...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by titanium_hiker

I've also just started playing with a structural ridgeline, and with it, the hammock seems a bit tight. I think I might need to lengthen it, but need some tips.

I need reassurance, HF! :)

titanium_hiker

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It'll work out fine and your friends will see the greatness of hammocks at some point. As far as the ridgeline, I have heard that the rule of thumb is 83% of the length of the hammock (very specific, I know). If I were you, I would go to the park/ backyard/ wherever and try out different lengths to figure out what you like. There's also no ridgeline police, so if you decide you just like it better without it then scrap the ridgeline, at least for this trip.

Have fun!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cold Butt Stephen

It'll work out fine and your friends will see the greatness of hammocks at some point. As far as the ridgeline, I have heard that the rule of thumb is 83% of the length of the hammock (very specific, I know). If I were you, I would go to the park/ backyard/ wherever and try out different lengths to figure out what you like. There's also no ridgeline police, so if you decide you just like it better without it then scrap the ridgeline, at least for this trip.

Have fun!

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I recently made a set of whoopies and straps suspension in addition to an adjustable ridgeline that included a fixed end and a whoopie end. It works great!

So, at Wilson's prom there is a lack of suitable trees. The camp site with the good trees was snagged by another group. :( I managed to hang my hammock, but in a way where I couldn't hang my tarp (mac-cat deluxe)

beautiful hike though. (even though it rained.) (and I had to sleep on the ground.)

TH

DARN! next time out you'll get it. glad to hear you made it back safely!!@!!!!