Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock

**Kerflop** · 09-03-2009, 11:08

Howdy Hammock folks... I have been lurking around this forum for a few weeks. I love to camp with my kids and we are just getting into backpacking. One of the things I hate the most about sleeping outdoors is the mattress. It is hard, full of rocks and roots, and has a tendency to get wet when it rains... So I went to search for a better way of sleeping out in the backcountry. That led me here and man I couldn't be happier.

Now, this place is most definitely pro-hammock... I did look for the other side of the story. I did find people out there that are not fans of hanging and that got me thinking if I would feel the same. So, I went the less expensive route to begin with and bought a Grand Trunk Ultralight Hammock. I figure if I use this a few times at home and on the trail I should get a feel if this is for me...

My question to the group is --- How do you hang a hammock? This hammock doesn't come with ropes or much of anything. What do I buy, (on the cheap) to tie it to trees? How do I tie it up (which knots)? I read something about angle that the hammock sh ould be at for the perfect hang. What angle is that and is it with me in the hammock or out?

Anything else you can provide me to help me understand this exciting new endeavor, including articles, videos or post would be appreciated...

Thanks
Bob

**pedro** · 09-03-2009, 11:45

You can use the search function to great effect. There is info archived here to answer almost any question you have. Check out Grizz's videos on hammock suspension, they are very well done.

Welcome to the Forum!

**Kerflop** · 09-03-2009, 11:48

Thanks Pedro... I did a search but there was soooo much info that it was hard to find what I needed. Don't know if you guys and gals know this, but there is alot of stuff on this forum

I will check out Grizz's videos... Thanks

**KerMegan** · 09-03-2009, 12:23

Is there an outfitter or sporting good shop near you? I have had excellent results with 10 foot lengths of climbers webbing-about 35 cents/foot or 7$ per hammock- not the lightest thing going but sufficent weight/support rating to set your mind at ease during the testing period.
hope this helps, KM

**Ramblinrev** · 09-03-2009, 12:35

Climbers webbing is usually not what most here go for in terms of suspension webbing. It is nylon and tends to stretch in ways many find unacceptable. Another fairly easy alternative is ratchet straps from a big box store or hardware outlet. Just make sure the working load figures are well up there. Cut the ratchet mechanism off the strap and there is plenty of discussion on the forum about how to proceed from there.

**sbmcghee** · 09-03-2009, 17:27

As an owner of a Grand Trunk SB Pro and UL, I'm surprised that they didn't come with the suspension rope. I'd contact Grand Trunk and inquire about it.

As for hanging it, Grand Trunk usually provides 2 4mm ropes. The ropes have been folded in half and then figure 8 knots tied in it about 8" a part. An instructional video oh how to hang it was produced by Travel Hammock (now Grand Trunk) can be found on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3mubUBP5To

**Kerflop** · 09-04-2009, 09:04

Well, I was away on business when the hammocks arrived. My wife explained of the contents of the package and I asked if there were ropes she said no there was not. I got home last night and checked... Guess what, there were two in each hammock pouch.

However, after watching Grizz's videos (thanks for those by the ways) I am going out this morning and picking up some webbing, a carabiner (spelling) and some rings.

Also, we are heading out tomorrow morning for our very first trip. Wish up luck...