"The Switchback" by Tree to Tree Trail Gear

**Darby** · 10-22-2009, 16:59

I love dual use items

**Darrel** · 10-22-2009, 16:59

We could leave the ends sewn tightly shut, create an opening in the sleeve at the mid way point large enough to insert the collapsed spar back in and then re-connect as they get almost fully inserted.
If the chase is left long, the opening generous and the spar shortened it may just work...

Cheers,
Darrel

**Darrel** · 10-22-2009, 17:20

Or...
Shorten the spar one inch but do not cut it in half as you would to make a collapsible.
Make a small exit hole one inch up from the very bottom on the MMP sleeve.
To remove you would work it up and then push it out the exit .
To reinstall you would reverse this procedure and make sure that it is fully seated down into the bottom past this one inch exit opening. That shoud keep it securely in the sleeve.
Cauterizing this exit hole would help make sure it didn't fray up too badly over time....

Cheers,
Darrel

**MacEntyre** · 10-22-2009, 18:14

I like the last idea!

- MacEntyre

**Darby** · 10-22-2009, 18:35

I agree, The main reason to have collapsible spreader bars is for ease of packing. The joint is the weakest part of the assembly, still strong enough for its intended use though. Utilizing your stays as spreader bars, I would keep them in one piece if possible. Before cutting the stays, try them at original length, then only cut IF necessary and only WHAT is necessary.

Cheers, Dale

**MacEntyre** · 10-22-2009, 19:09

Thought about it... if you open the top of the binding, you should be ok. You could fasten it back with a safety pin.

- MacEntyre

**Darrel** · 10-22-2009, 21:02

Hey Guys,
This is just too good an idea not to try it out.
The best pack gets even better.

I will leave them one piece and work out a good way to easily get them in out and back in the pack sleeves.
Having spreader bars with me at all times will be handy for those times when I want to really open up the internal volume of the SB.
I like the visibility this hammock appears to have.

Cheers,
Darrel

**MacEntyre** · 10-23-2009, 03:01

Darby,

I'll come up with a way to remove the stays from a Molly Mac Pack, including a simple closure so they won't work their way out while your are hiking. I'll put a stop near the bottom, so that when they are only 22", it won't affect the way the pack works.

I will also make a built-in hammock sack, similar to a Bishop Bag, at the top of the pack, just the right size for a Switchback, with a tarp in a separate sack. After you hang your hammock, the pack would be like an end-cap on the suspension, with everything accessible.

We could offer a Switchback Hammock and a Molly Mac Pack in one package from North Carolina!

Ya'll can noodle on this while I'm gone hangin'. See you in November!

- MacEntyre

EDIT: Darrel, just open the top of the vertical binding. Then, if you shorten the carbon fiber stay, you'll be able to make a tack about 1.5" from the bottom of the binding, to keep the stay up toward the top end, where it is needed. Be sure to keep the horizontal stay captured.

**slowhike** · 10-23-2009, 05:47

Just for an idea, check out the way the stays are held in & taken out of the Thermarest chairs. The one I have, has an over lap of webbing.

**Rat** · 10-23-2009, 10:49

Originally Posted by Darrel

Hey Guys,
This is just too good an idea not to try it out.
The best pack gets even better.

I will leave them one piece and work out a good way to easily get them in out and back in the pack sleeves.
Having spreader bars with me at all times will be handy for those times when I want to really open up the internal volume of the SB.
I like the visibility this hammock appears to have.

Cheers,
Darrel

Are the spreader bars in this image the stock length of the MMP?