CHEAP Suspension options?

**Pheonix6579** · 05-20-2015, 09:58

So I ordered about 15 GT ULs for my youth group as a new setting to do devos, chill, etc. on our summer mission trip. We have a limited/no budget so all of this would be coming out of pocket. I am looking at what would be the cheapest option for a suspension system. Found the Walmart ratchet straps for re-purpose tree straps, but from the tree to the hammock the options are many. FYI I don't care about weight and I don't mind knots.

Thanks in advance fellow hangers

**novasquid** · 05-20-2015, 10:14

homemade whoopie slings may be the cheapest? 7/64th amsteel is $0.20 per foot. DIY whoopies are a lot easier than you think. 25 feet at $0.20/feet is $5 each.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...Whoopie-Slings

**Rain Man** · 05-20-2015, 10:15

Cheapest for youth would probably be strong line and connect with a Hennessey lashing (his web site shows a video of how to wrap it through the webbing loops). Holds well, easy to "tie," and line isn't that expensive.

Just be sure to use a minimum safety margin. Some rely on 5-to-1, others 10-to-1. So, if the kid and in-hammock gear weigh 100 lbs, you want a working rating of at least 500 lbs for the line.

**Pheonix6579** · 05-20-2015, 10:45

my initial thought was to grab some mule tape and connect it to the tree straps and use a slippery sheet bend knot through the hammock loop. But having some issue finding a small bit of mule tape.

thoughts?

**ksbcrocks** · 05-20-2015, 10:56

Go to Harbor Freight and get the 2 packs of yellow straps. Cut off the buckles, wrap it around the tree, run it through the loop, and attach it to the hammock with a slippery sheet bend. 4 dollars per hammock and it's really easy to use.

**ninjaridaz** · 05-20-2015, 10:57

Construction sites…know any electricians?

**oldfatguy** · 05-20-2015, 11:20

I picked up a couple of 15 foot tow straps, 2" wide, that I use for under $10. I have whoopie slings, but a lot of times I will just start with a loop, then wrap the strap around each tree until I get the height/length I want and hook the carabiner on my hammock to the loop on the free end.

**Pheonix6579** · 05-21-2015, 16:27

Originally Posted by ksbcrocks

Go to Harbor Freight and get the 2 packs of yellow straps. Cut off the buckles, wrap it around the tree, run it through the loop, and attach it to the hammock with a slippery sheet bend. 4 dollars per hammock and it's really easy to use.

Well I kinda took your advice. Went in to HF and picked up the 4 pack 15ft straps, along with a 20% off coupon, and cut them in half. So it ended up being about $2 per hammock for about 6.5ft Tree straps that Ill sheet bend to the hammock loop. Tied a bowline knot at the end of one strap to make a loop so no need to sew. Any issues with this setup that anyone can see?

**ksbcrocks** · 05-21-2015, 16:32

6.5 feet is a little short for a strap with no other suspension. You may have trouble with bigger trees. Also, a bowline is more likely to come untied without a load than a figure 8 on a bight. Those are the only potential issues I see.

**geneaut** · 05-22-2015, 13:59

Country Brook Designs has 1" heavy duty polypro webbing for $18 for 50 yards. I bought some polyester webbing from them a year ago and have been using it for all my hammocks. I'm getting some of the polypro in to test out.