I am extremely curious about both failed (broken under pressure) hammocks and failed suspension. There is a lot of concern here about breaking strength of rope and webbing just by itself. And tons of concern about knots that reduce the working limit of rope. I am not very old, but, I have seen lots of things that shouldn't work, work just fine. I love knots, when I was 3 I used to tie the neighbor lady to chairs when she would watch me. My site search didn't yield any results, so I hope this isn't an old topic.
I currently use (it was free) a product called Hercu-line. Mostly utility companies use it. Its half inch webbing. It doesn't tie for crap, but its very soft, so i'm guessing its either nylon or polyester. When I got it a year ago I was pretty sure the working limit printed on it said 50lbs. I thought it seemed kinda low, but hey, free rope.
Not having other resources yet, I've tied overhand knots to form loops on either end and use it to suspend my hammock. I've used it and it seems to hold up fine. Just to make sure, I figured the weight limit on most setups is about 250lbs, so i tested it with my friend. We both sat in my hammock for 5 minutes (not long I know), together, a total of 400lbs, on a simple suspension method. Rope end through the loop, cinch to tree, lash around carabiner.
Not even calculating for force exerted, our weight alone was 8x the working limit. Loosely, 1 person in a hammock exerts 600lbs, what is the figure for two?
I know this was long, but what are your guys' stories? Whats the most you have had in your setups? Did you 'bulk' up your suspension in anticipation? What did it take to break? My hammock is a DIY 1.9oz ripstop. Lemme hear about your accidents folks! I'm here to learn!
As an offshoot, anyone use a TRUE double hammock and sleep in it with a significant other?
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