Curious as to people have noticed UV damage to their gear after extended use

**steene** · 08-16-2007, 00:34

Through hikes or after many hikes that kind of thing.

Just curious,

**slowhike** · 08-16-2007, 05:59

i know it happens. i can't say that i have any particular stories myself, but ed speer (speer hammocks) told about one of the hammocks that he left hanging on his back porch for an extended time.
he said it was discolored on the end that the sun would shine in on under the porch.
i don't remember if it failed or he went ahead & replaced it because he knew it would be weakened.

**jlb2012** · 08-16-2007, 07:14

I've had it happen with a pair of nylon pants but not with any of my hammocks (yet)

**Anderz** · 08-16-2007, 07:31

Most certainly, on boat covers and similar - although possibly the salty air would contribute as well.

**headchange4u** · 08-16-2007, 09:37

I haven't seen any kind of UV damage to any of my hammocks. Granted most of the time I am hanging under trees and in the shade so that will help to protect it from the damaging sun's rays.

I think Ed Speer had a hammock that had seen something like 500 outings before it finally gave up the ghost.

**steene** · 08-17-2007, 02:11

It seems that most outdoor gear comes with the standard UV disclaimer anymore.
"For occasional use only" is a phrase that pops into my mind.
I have no experience with the ripstop stuff.
Some of you have had your gear out and about quite a bit.
Thanks again

**slowhike** · 08-17-2007, 05:51

i think the key is (like HC said) being in the shade of the trees most of the time that the hammock is being used, but not leaving it exposed to the sun for extended periods.

i believe ed said the hammock on his back porch did fail.
when he inspected it, he could see that it was noticeablely faded were it was exposed for a few inches at the end where the pea pod stopped.
but he left that hammock out on the porch day after day.

different hammock from the one he spent over 5000 hrs in before failure.