adding a structural ridgeline

**ihavea4** · 11-28-2014, 16:09

I'm getting ready to try making another one or two DIY hammocks from the tablecloths, but I was wondering if there's an easy way to add in a structural ridgeline and keep it kind of locked into place. The last one I made, the ridgeline is just kinda looped onto the whoopie slings, so when I take it down I have to be careful the ridgeline doesn't fall off. Would it work to lay the ridgeline onto the gathered ends when I whip them, or would that affect something? I want the whole thing to be one solid package and not have to worry about a friend losing the ridgeline (or even just having it fall off and then not knowing what to do with it), since I'm planning on making one for a gift. Thoughts?

**pgibson** · 11-28-2014, 16:13

Check out the Adjustable RL Set Up Video here: http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/how-to-videos.html

I show you how it should be attached to the suspension with a couple different types of set ups.

**ihavea4** · 11-28-2014, 16:24

Awesome videos! I can't believe I haven't found those yet... Any suggestions if I'm whipping the ends myself and using whoopies though? The whoopies just loop over the whipping and tighten down, so I was just thinking about looping the ridgeline over the end before I whipped it. That way the whipping keeps the line secured to the hammock.

**pgibson** · 11-28-2014, 16:28

Whipping is there to hold the shape of the hammock the way you want it. Generally it is not structural in nature. You would do it exactly the same as I show in the video on the whoopie sling. Attach it to the sling then tighten the loop of the sling down on the whipping as planned.

**ihavea4** · 11-28-2014, 16:59

Oh, I see now. I wasn't picturing it right before, but that should work perfectly. Thanks for your help!

**trailhunterwnc** · 11-28-2014, 18:47

What is the smallest you can go to in cordage for a structural reidgeline?

**pgibson** · 11-28-2014, 19:02

Originally Posted by trailhunterwnc

What is the smallest you can go to in cordage for a structural reidgeline?

Lenght: That would depend on the length of the hammock. We commonly look at 83% of the hammocks lenght.
Cord diameter: that would depend on the cords strength. It needs to not stretch and be 500 pound test or more.