What is a Snake Skin?

**LyttleBryan** · 10-06-2009, 14:22

(I tried searching, but didn't find anything)

Could someone explain what a snake skin is?

Thanks!

**Hawk-eye** · 10-06-2009, 14:27

Basically a sock or tube that goes on each end of the hammock allowing you to slide it over the hammock meeting in the middle. You then end up with a long "snake" that's easy to handle ...pack up ... or deploy in a compact package

Check out this from the forum ... lots of info on the terminology

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=192

**Ramblinrev** · 10-06-2009, 14:27

Tubes of fabric which gather up and cover a hammock. As they are "patented" as hammock furling devices by Tom Hennessy they are only available commercialy through HH. But interestingly I noticed the dimensions of each size are now posted on the HH website making it easy to do a DIY version. Reptilian Derma Layers is one option.

**HappyCamper** · 10-06-2009, 14:53

I use a set of snakeskins for my large JRB tarp. Takes a little longer to put away, but makes putting it up much easier for me, esp. if it's windy. I have a long snake once I put the snakeskins on the tarp, but I simply half the skins and half again, and tie up with my ridgeline cords and put in outside pocket of backpack for easy access.

**Rain Man** · 10-06-2009, 16:30

Originally Posted by LyttleBryan

Could someone explain what a snake skin is?

You're in luck. I just took some photos of my HH with the snake skins. One picture is worth a thousand words?

In this case, they are pulled back, as the hammock is ready for use. The white arrows point to the two snake skins.

Rain Man

**Mustardman** · 10-06-2009, 16:31

MrsMustardman made us a set of tarp snakeskins out of noseeum, with the idea that they'd be both lighter and faster to dry if we have to pack our tarps up wet.

I really like the idea of a snakeskin for a tarp - keeps it from flapping around, and you can hang the tarp without actually pitching it, if you are unsure whether you'll need it.

For the hammock, I prefer the blackbishop sacks she made for us - she did them warbonnet style, basically just a tube of fabric with draw cords on each end, and made them large enough to hold the hammock, underquilt, and a sleeping bag, so we can basically pack the entire sleep system into two bags and be gone. Very quick setup.