Inexpensive Yet Light Suspension

I just picked up an ENO DN for myself, and already got got a Grand Trunk Ultralight, and a Byer Traveller Lite for my kids. None of them have a suspension at the moment, so I am looking to hang three hammocks for a reasonable price. And I will probably be building a fourth hammock too. They will get used for backpacking, so I want it to be fairly light. I plan on ditching the heavy biners from the eno dn.

I was looking at straps with cinch buckles like this. http://warbonnetoutdoors.com/images/one.inch.buckle.jpg
But was looking for a cheaper source for just the metal hardware. I was wondering about fashioning some myself out of some thick aluminum plate. I have seen others using descender rings, but they have had complaints about slippage. I would think the harder edge of stamped or cut metal would hold better than the round rings. I don't have a problem working with aluminum, as I have already used it on a home-built folding kayak, and my homemade snowshoes. http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto..._5744056_n.jpg

I plan on setting up ridge lines with some AmSteel from my local West Marine.

I like this style of cinch buckle more than the type you posted. They hold better and are easier to use.

It seems like a lot of work to fabricate your own fittings for the small amount of savings.

Since you will be working with Amsteel Blue, why not go with whoopie slings and tree straps for a low cost light weight alternative?

Be sure to ask West Marine to price match Redden Marine.

You can also get a 300' roll of 1" polyester webbing rated at 1500# for about $0.12/LF shipped from Shippers Supplies, have 200' left over and probably save $$ over other suppliers.

I need to research a little more on the Whoopie Slings. I may end up going that route. How hard are they to make? Is there an issue if your trees are too close together?

As far as cinch buckles, I could probably source that style locally.

Oh, and the work involved, I don't mind, it gives me some satisfaction.

I need to shop around on the webbing, I have some of the Harbor Freight stuff already, that is what I used on the snowshoes.

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Originally Posted by kayakbuilder

I need to research a little more on the Whoopie Slings. I may end up going that route. How hard are they to make? Is there an issue if your trees are too close together?

As far as cinch buckles, I could probably source that style locally.

Oh, and the work involved, I don't mind, it gives me some satisfaction.

I need to shop around on the webbing, I have some of the Harbor Freight stuff already, that is what I used on the snowshoes.

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Before you make or buy whoopie slings, maybe give this a try. No problem when trees are too close for whoopies.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=62266

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kayakbuilder

I need to research a little more on the Whoopie Slings. I may end up going that route. How hard are they to make? Is there an issue if your trees are too close together?...

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Whoopies are easy to make once you firgure the little details out. When you get ready to try, post up and you'll get plenty of tips to ease the way.

They can require a bit longer minimum space, but there are are simple fixes for that too.

With 3 hammocks, you can try 3 suspension styles all at once and learn quickly.:thumbup1:

Looks like I will probably be trying whoopie slings for my ENO DN, and cinch buckles (rings) and straps for my son's GT UL. Not sure yet what I will do with my daughters Byer TL. For the kids, I want to keep it as simple as possible.

Dude you are hardcore way to go. Dutch sells some pretty awesome whoopie hooks and other awesome stuff that make cheap college students who are gram weenies. He sells if you can afford it titanium awesomeness. So Dutch is the bomb check it. You are the bomb to.
http://www.outdoortrailgear.com/cott...-all-products/

Went to buy 7/64 AmSteel from West Marine, but didn't have any in that size with the rest of their rope. I waited for 10 minutes to ask if they had any coming in of if they could get it for me, but could not get the only employee's attention. Looks like I will buy it online. Normally, I try to buy locally, but only if I can get service. End rant.

My current plan is to make Whoopie Slings for all 3 hammocks. I just need to wait for the AmSteel, which is coming from Redden.

They should be able to get it from their warehouse. I've done that before and it only took a couple of days. They also matched Redden's price (minus the HF discount).