spreader bar on gathered end hammock?

**JRiker** · 12-31-2009, 12:52

I remember seeing a pic of this on a forum (maybe here, or over on WB or PB). The guy used his treking pole as a spreader bar. Can't remember the forum though. Wondering if this is a good idea, getting ready to make my own hammock. I know about the bridge (tee dee yours and Grizz's DIY tutorials are awesome) but i'd like to try doing this first before i make a bridge. if anyone knows... please provide link.

**Cannibal** · 12-31-2009, 12:56

Slowhike rocks a spreader bar on his hammock.
You can see it pretty clearly here:

**hangnout** · 12-31-2009, 13:23

Spreader bar on a gathered end hammock makes it feel roomier similar to putting tieouts on the hammock. It does not turn the gathered end hammock into a version of the bridge hammock

**JRiker** · 12-31-2009, 15:06

Thanks Cannibal, that's the guy.

Hangnout, I think i just misspoke. I don't expect it to act like a bridge, just looking to fix shoulder squeeze and flappy sides while making it roomier. I want to try this out before i decide to make a bridge.

**slowhike** · 12-31-2009, 16:33

Originally Posted by JRiker

Thanks Cannibal, that's the guy.

Hangnout, I think i just misspoke. I don't expect it to act like a bridge, just looking to fix shoulder squeeze and flappy sides while making it roomier. I want to try this out before i decide to make a bridge.

Yep, that's what it does, exactly

Let us know how you like it. I sure do like mine. Been using it that way for probably better than a couple years now.
There are more close ups of the construction in my gallery (around page 11 I think).

**JRiker** · 12-31-2009, 16:48

slowhike, once i found your name and gallery again, i spent about 1/2 hour looking at all 277 pics...

I'm planning on making and trying my new DIY hammock when i get home from deployment (only 3 weeks to go!) and was wondering if 1.1 ripstop is strong enough, I weigh 200 pounds.

**slowhike** · 12-31-2009, 17:02

Glad you liked the pictures!
There has been quite a bit of discussion about 1.1oz fabric. It can work, but I think you'd be pushing the envelope. I used one for a while, but it finally ripped. I'm just glad it was at home instead of out in the woods

I think I'd rather carry the extra few ozs of weight of a heavier fabric for the extra security.

**JRiker** · 12-31-2009, 17:04

thanks. think i might have my buddy go to seattle fabrics for me and pic up something a bit heavier...

**MacEntyre** · 12-31-2009, 17:57

At MAHHA, Pan was talking about how an UnderQuilt works best when the hammocker lies straight down the middle. Slowhike is able to do that by using his spreader bar, and a DAM inside the hammock. When you look at him snoozing in his hammock, it looks like he's at home in his bed... which he is, because he sleeps in his hammock every night!

- MacEntyre

**JRiker** · 12-31-2009, 20:08

Originally Posted by MacEntyre

At MAHHA, Pan was talking about how an UnderQuilt works best when the hammocker lies straight down the middle. Slowhike is able to do that by using his spreader bar, and a DAM inside the hammock. When you look at him snoozing in his hammock, it looks like he's at home in his bed... which he is, because he sleeps in his hammock every night!

- MacEntyre

Dam? What is that?