Paracord ridgeline?

**wetcatcarl** · 05-27-2011, 20:55

i wanna replace the ridgeline inside with paracord. its just to keep the netting up. how should i do it so its inside the hammock? if i tie loops on the end it wouldnt be inside. i was thinking of cutting small holes and just running it through that way and then using a glue to fill the cut. the end piece would then cover it as well. does anyone one think this wouldnt work?

**Catavarie** · 05-27-2011, 20:58

What type of hammock are you using? And what is the ridgeline currently made of? Also are you sure it's not structural?

**wetcatcarl** · 05-27-2011, 21:02

im using the Asym sidezipper. im pretty sure it isnt. im not sure what its made of. it was the same ridgeline it came with.

**BrianWillan** · 05-27-2011, 21:55

The ridgeline on the Hennessy Hammocks is structural. So the cord used would be one that didn't stretch and had a fairly large breaking strength. I believe polyester cords are used.

Just keep in mind, that my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it.

Cheers

Brian

**wetcatcarl** · 05-27-2011, 23:09

will paracord work, 550 breaking strength

**Gary_R** · 05-27-2011, 23:15

Why do you want to change it?
What purpose does it serve?

And para-cord stretches a good deal, I would opt to use
something else for that use.
And I agree I think on the Hennessy it is Structural..

**Catavarie** · 05-27-2011, 23:28

If the ridge line is structural Paracord would work if you weighed under 75#

IIRC the forces exerted on the suspension are actually directed through the structural ridgeline and therefore can actually be higher than the forces on the hammock material itself.

Basically any structural part of your suspension needs to be able to handle roughly 5x your weight as the working load to reduce chances of headonground syndrome.

**PDA** · 05-28-2011, 10:31

The ridgeline is structural, and its purpose is to ensure a constant amount of sag in the hammock. For that purpose it needs to NOT stretch. Paracord is nylon and will stretch. It would be better if you used a non stretching line such as Lash-it.

**gargoyle** · 05-30-2011, 05:27

WCC, I'm with the others here, DO NOT use paracord.
It can work, but for a hammock this isn't your best choice. As mentioned it stretches and causes undo stress on the netting. The netting is cut to a specific size and will rip if stressed. The ridgeline was designed to be a certain length to maintain "proper" distance of the hammock ends. When pc stretches it changes the overall length of the hammock and the net. Potentially causing damage.

If you absolutely have to use p.c., try to make its overall length smaller/shorter than what was the original length to try to compensate for the stretch factor.

Paracord can be a handy item, carrying some in your kit is fine. But to use it as a ridgeline (for a tarp or a hammock) has caused me lots of frustration due to the stretchiness. I switched to amsteel type lines and I am much happier.

**Barefoot Child** · 05-30-2011, 15:40

Paracord is not an option for a structural ridgeline due to it stretching!!!

Of course if'n you want to find out for yourself...go right ahead HYOH.

Nuf said!