Blackbird ridgeline question

[Shewie]

Okay daft question time ...

I've finally got my mitts on one of Brandons Blackbirds but I have a question regarding tweaking the setup. The model I got is the line and tree strap one but I prefer to use my karabiner and tape method for hanging.

On Brandons setup vid he describes using the slipped buntline hitch to attach the ridgeline to the triangle ring on the end of the tree strap. If I wanted to shorten and make a permanent loop in the end of the ridgline to clip onto a karabiner instead, what would be the best way ?

Can I just double the ridgeline over and make a simple overhand knot ? I only need about 6" of length including the loop and then I can do my adjustment from my tape knots.

This is a pic showing my usual hanging method ...

Hopefully you can see the old hammock cord coming straight out and onto the karabiner.



thanks folks

[plowhorse]

are you talking about the ridgeline, or the suspension line? My bb the suspension and ridgelines are seperate I think.

[Shewie]

are you talking about the ridgeline, or the suspension line? My bb the suspension and ridgelines are seperate I think.

Yeah sorry folks my bad, for some reason I thought the ridgeline was the same cord passed through for suspension. I've just not had a proper look at it yet, although I have slept in it for a night

I actually meant the suspension cord, a closer look shows me it's tied round the gathered ends of the hammock. Same question though, can I just make a loop with an overhand knot and then clip my karabiner onto that ?

I've just taken a few pics in my basement to show what I meant, I've no doubt it'll hold me but I'd like something a bit more substantial if poss.

[phatpenguin]

Paul at AHE has a great tutorial how to do this here He also sells the fabulous "chainlinks" that he uses in the tutorial, but yes, as long as you trust your double overhand knott and your cord then it should hold. Note that you reduce the the strength of the line you are tying knotts in if you are using something like amsteel or one of the stronger lines out there.

The chainlink will treat you right as Shug says "I tried it and now we are friends "

[Mustardman]

A double overhand will weaken the amsteel significantly, but amsteel is so obscenely strong that it shouldn't be a problem. I've knotted mine with a simple overhand on a bight and had no problems whatsoever.

[MedicineMan]

Just curious, in the first pic is the red carabiner holding up the Snufit (nice rig by the way)???

[Shewie]

Just curious, in the first pic is the red carabiner holding up the Snufit (nice rig by the way)???

It is but I took that pic before I finished setting it up, the shock cords go around the ends of the hammock, in that pic they look to have caught on the gathered end.

I've used the second utility line under the tarp for a couple of year now with a synthetic UQ, it seems to work well with the Snugfit too which is good news. It's also useful for hanging a few bits on like a torch or muddy boots etc.

[Shewie]

Paul at AHE has a great tutorial how to do this here He also sells the fabulous "chainlinks" that he uses in the tutorial, but yes, as long as you trust your double overhand knott and your cord then it should hold. Note that you reduce the the strength of the line you are tying knotts in if you are using something like amsteel or one of the stronger lines out there.

The chainlink will treat you right as Shug says "I tried it and now we are friends "

Good link, thanks mate I'll have a look at that more closely.

[unsponsored]

Nice to see you now have a WBBB. I've had mine for a few weeks. Getting stung by Customs for duty etc was definitely worth it.

[Shewie]

Nice to see you now have a WBBB. I've had mine for a few weeks. Getting stung by Customs for duty etc was definitely worth it.

Luckily I got it over here Phil, a mate's just made his own bridge hammock so I managed to talk him into selling it.

I know what you mean about customs though mate, and then RM go and stick their charges on as well.