Strap stretch?

[TFC Rick]

I use tree straps from Dutch and the seem to hold me fine. I'm 315 pounds. On two separate nights, one dry and one very wet, I have noticed a mid nighttime droop where my body is almost touching the ground. Do these types of straps have a little stretch in them? Is is a combo of strap and hammock body stretch?

Wondering if I should go to the Kevlar straps.

[Monkeyboy42]

Yes. All rope and straps have stretch. Some more that others. Amsteel has almost no stretch (still has a little), while nylon can be like a rubber band. Polyester straps are fairly minimal stretch, but probably more than amsteel.

That said they should not be stretching so much that you'd end up on the ground. I'd guess maybe a 1/2" to 1" of stretch. That's a big maybe.

Polyester is also hydrophobic, so it does not stretch more when wet.

What kind of attachment are you using between hammock and straps. I've had cinch buckles slip before, but when that has happened I've ended up on the ground before the slipping stopped...

Are you following the 30degree hang angle. If you go tighter the amount of force being generated on the suspension and trees goes up very quickly.

[TFC Rick]

Sorry I guess more info would be helpful! I hang fairly low as it is already. So it's not like I'm dropping feet or anything. I use straps to elephant trunks, or now Dutch buckles, to whoopies to hammock. Angle is as close to 30* as I'm able to get. When I get into the hammock it sags way low so maybe I'm just not realizing how much, then if I do get stretch it seems like more than it really is?

[SilvrSurfr]

I always set up at the maximum distance from the ground, but where my feet can touch the ground when I sit. That's about 24 inches for me. I've never noticed any sag, but I have plenty of room anyway to drop an inch or two.

[Monkeyboy42]

I'm 230lbs and my stuff definitely drops a little bit when I get in (Dutch straps and 1.6 hyperD hammock). The nylon from the hammock and the fibers in the amsteel loops and straps going tight give me the little bit of drop.

I normally hit around 18"-24" off the ground for ease of entry and exit. I have dropped from that height and had nothing but a red face from it. Jest be careful if you hang over a rock garden.

[dudeman_atl]

I experienced a similar stretch in straps to the original post using cinch buckles.

I finally switched to whoopie hooks on amsteel & haven't had problems.

[Scotty Von Porkchop]

Don't forget that some sag can happen as knots tighten and the bark and moss get compressed, mix this with a slight stretch in the strap itself and it adds up.