Newbie needs advice

[grizzlypete]

Greetings all,

I was inspired by the inqenuity here and threw together my own DIY (4yds/?oz) whip-end. Seems fine. I slept in the backyard as a shakedown and am hooked on hanging vs. ground sleeping.

I need some pointers on ridgelines and footrests. Please advise if paracord will work for these ambitions.

Thanks in advance,

GrizzlyPete

[MAD777]

Paracord is fine for both ridgelines and footrests. Don't use it for the hammock suspension though. If you backpack and are concerned about weight and volume, use a line called Zing-it, 1.75mm.

http://www.reddenmarine.com/marine-s...-x-180-ft.html

[wi1ecoyote]

Zing-it is rated at a nominal #250 and 550 cord is nominal about the same. I wouldn't use either for suspension unless doubled. But I am a cautious man.

[GOLFER]

grizzleypete,
you have to check shugs videos out he explains it all very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0

[grizzlypete]

To clarify, the 550 would not be used for suspension. To this purpose...I found some straps - 16" overall, sewn in the middle to form two 7" loops. These are attached to the hammock. Army surplus clips/biners attach to army surplus webbing around the trunk. Still in the infancy of R&D, but have only $16-20 into it so far.

[JohnSawyer]

Even doubled or tripled, 550-paracord is a bad idea. It stretches and would leave you on the ground... either slowly or quickly.

Straps are a common suspension, and easy to do. You can get straps either from taking apart any 1" tie-down strap that's made from polyester, or by buying good straps from any one of a number of vendors: Jacks R Better, Backwoods daydreamer, Arrowhead equipment, etc.

If you want to use strap suspension, harbor Freight has 1" polyester tie-down straps, 15' long for something like $4 ea, on sale... They always have some strap on sale so check it out.

Keep reading here, check the sticky's in the suspension forum:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/f...splay.php?f=86

It's pretty easy. If you have specific questions, post them either in the DIY section or the right topic (suspension, insulation, etc.)

[Cold Butt Stephen]

You should be fine with the paracord for the ridgeline and footrest. I use 2mm utility cord for mine and I have never had a problem.

You will be amazed at how much more comfortable that ridgeline will make the hammock. Enjoy!