what are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
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what are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
Many of us use a combination of the two. Speer hammocks use webbing alone.
Webbing needs to be in the picture at some point to protect the tree.
Webbing is bulkier and a bit heavier, but easier to set up b/c there are no knots. If you use webbing alone, there are also no separate pieces to keep track of. (As FF says, webbing should be used to protect the tree...so if you're using cord, you wrap a separate piece of webbing, about 30" long, around the tree and tie the cord to it.) You can also use buckles with webbing so it's uber-convenient. Webbing should be polyester or polypropylene, never nylon, and have a working load at least 600-700 lbs.
You can buy cord that's much lighter and less bulky than webbing, but it's generally more expensive. That's the biggest advantage, IMO. Downside is you have to know the lashings to use it (pretty simple, actually) and it's harder to make cord systems that are as easily adjustable as the webbing-based buckle systems (think I found a way, though - more on that when I get a working prototype and some pics!).
Hope this helps...
I use a combination of both webbing and cord.
Webbing to wrap around the tree to protect it ending in a carabiner at each length of webbing. Then cord from the hammock out to the biner.
Gunn
I use a bith of both also like parker. I love my webbing because how fast things go when I set up.
I use webbing for tree huggers, then cord, 2.8 mm Spyderline. I use a carabiner in a sort of Truckers Hitch I read about on Sgt Rock's site.
Just as easy an any of the webbing buckles to adjust, a lot less buckle and a lot less weight.
I've actually never used rope or tree huggers. Started with straight webbing and haven't changed much beyond adding rings, then buckles. Very easy to use and hasn't left a mark on a tree yet.
My latest is webbing for tree huggers, about six feet each, with an SMC ring on one end and a homemade buckle cleat on the other. 2.8mm Spyderline ties off to the cleat very quick and secure.
I use the ring buckles and followed the directions from Just Jeff's site. I have 7ft straps right now and I'm going to make 15-20ft straps next to have just in case. Have not seen any damage to the trees with this setup.
I do have a travel hammock that uses rope and I have seen marks on the trees after a night in it.