Knotty Mods or Tie-outs on DIY Hammock

[Wkerber]

What do you prefer on your DIY hammock to tension the sides, knotty mods or head/foot side tie-outs. I've always used the knotty mods, but considering the tie-outs. I'm not sure I'll like dealing with the cord on the tie-outs...something else for me to trip over, just have to remember to go the the hammock on from the head side. Also, if you use tie-outs, do you use shock cord? Thanks for any info and experiences.

[Mouseskowitz]

I've just used knotty mods as well. I'm kind of interested to see what other people's experiences with this are. I have the same tripping/extra stuff concern. But if the comfort is much better it might be worth it.

[SilvrSurfr]

I'm more of a minimalist, so I avoid anything that adds extra weight/setup time. The Knotty mod looks infinitely more useful than tie-outs. I had an HH Exped Asym Zip with tie-outs and just couldn't get the UQ situated properly so I stopped using them - problem solved. As you mentioned, it's just another thing to trip over, not to mention that the shock cord can turn the stake into a projectile. I realize a lot of hammocks use tie-outs (HH, Warbonnet, Dream Hammock) but I find that I don't need them to "spread the hammock out." You can accomplish the same by getting a proper diagonal lay.

[Firesong]

I have a short mod to only one of my hammocks. It's a bit wider at 5.5 '. The others I left and they seem fine. Not so floppy.

[hutzelbein]

I don't see a reason to use tie-outs on a no-net hammock. I find them useful with an integrated hammock because they keep the net out of my face. But otherwise I would never use them.

I have a couple of hammocks with Knotty mods, but the mod in the head area was always annoying and unnecessary on top. The mod at the foot end is helpful for keeping my insulation and feet in the hammock, but I like a footbox better.

I wouldn't use any kind of mod to deal with the "floppy sides" - mainly because I only get floppy sides when the hammock is too wide. And even if it is too wide, the fabric doesn't really bother me. It falls away on the sides, and that's that. No need to do anything about it.

Maybe try a cat-cut hammock like the SLD Streamliner? No tie-outs and Knotty mods necessary, and you'll save fabric weight as well...

[Wkerber]

The mod at the foot end is helpful for keeping my insulation and feet in the hammock...

I'm in agreement with that. The real value is just at the foot end to keep my feet in the hammock. I think that's the only mod I'll do on this one.