I am sure this has been talked about...whoopie slings

**Namtrag** · 05-17-2016, 08:39

Just began hammock camping, and we use straps and cinch buckle suspensions.

Just for fun, I have gone back and watched a few videos about whoopie slings, including Shug's and Papa Smurf's. I would have thought the reason people switched to using them is because it is easier, but it looks like a lot more work than just cinch buckles. I don't see how the weight could be less since you still have to have straps. Are you saving a few ounces having shorter straps and not having the weight of the cinch buckles, or is there more to it than that?

**Shug** · 05-17-2016, 08:41

It may save you a wee bit of bulk and a few grams. I for one like tying the marlinspike. I just do.
Just an option really.
As we are fiddlers...we like options.
Shug

**pgibson** · 05-17-2016, 08:49

About 4 ounces versus 7 and around double the bulk....not counting carabiners for the whoopie versus cinch buckle kits we offer. Lighter for sure. Less bulk for sure. Cooler name for sure. Once you have how they work down I see now difference in set up or take down time. Few seconds for either.

**johnspenn** · 05-17-2016, 08:51

The only suspensions I have used thus far are Atlas Straps and straps/whoopies/MSH. I switched to save weight and bulk, and so that I could start learning how to make my own stuff, no special hardware needed, and to minimize cost. Made 2 complete suspension sets for $20ish, using inexpensive straps from Harbor Freight. For my MSH I just use a locally found stick as a toggle, so zero weight/bulk penalty and I'm prone to lose small items.

There is a learning curve/fiddle factor but after you get used to it, easy peasy!

**GoatHanger** · 05-17-2016, 09:07

Originally Posted by johnspenn

...make my own stuff, no special hardware needed..

These are two of the main reasons I use them. I also use other suspensions, but it's easy to whip a set of whoopies up for a friend.

**Namtrag** · 05-17-2016, 10:11

So really, it's mainly because we all like fiddling with stuff and having excuses to buy/make lots of new gear!

On the weight saving thing, we ordered some shorter straps from Paul a couple of weeks back, and took them on our first hammock backpacking trip. I believe we orginally had 12' straps and bought 8' ones from Paul to cut a little bulk and weight. On our second night, one of the only trees I could use at our campsite was big enough around that my buckle on that end had about 2" of strapping left in it!! lol

**SilvrSurfr** · 05-17-2016, 11:49

When I first started hammock camping I used whoopie slings. Six years later, I'm still using them (though for the last four years, I've used the Dutch Whoopie Hook suspension). Never saw a reason to change.

**Zilla** · 05-17-2016, 14:12

I have slowly converted all my hammocks over to cinch buckles, much easier, less to worry about, just throw a half hitch behind it after i get dialed in and done.
I have never had an issue with slipping and i am a heay guy.

**pgibson** · 05-17-2016, 14:22

Originally Posted by Zilla

I have slowly converted all my hammocks over to cinch buckles, much easier, less to worry about, just throw a half hitch behind it after i get dialed in and done.
I have never had an issue with slipping and i am a heay guy.

With some Cinch Buckles like ours you can even skip the slipped half.

**Boston** · 05-17-2016, 14:27

One thing not mentioned:

Straps will stretch significantly more than a whoopie sling made form amsteel. Generally, You'll need to set your straps a bit tighter initially, where as you can set the whoopie exactly where you want it.

There are ways to use whoopies without having to tie a MSH also. The most convenient I've used uses Adutchable clips to adjust sling length to the tree, and the adjustable loop of the whoopie is permanently (unless you undo the splice) fed through the sewn loop of the strap.