PA Hammock Newbie

**ljcsov** · 07-27-2011, 09:30

Hi all!

Just got myself an ENO doublenest to start messing around with hammocks.

I made my own adjustable suspension using paracord which seems to work well for now. Its also pretty light.

Perhaps I can get on the AT soon without having to carry a sleeping bag with this heatwave?

**olddog** · 07-27-2011, 09:36

Welcome aboard from Florida. I'm sure others will touch on it, but you may want to spend some time in the suspension section before spending too much time depending on paracord. We don't want you hurt before you even get started. Other than that enjoy your hammock and the Forum.

**raiffnuke** · 07-27-2011, 09:38

Welcome to HF from Mass.
+1 to looking into other suspensions than paracord.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-27-2011, 09:43

Never hang higher than you are willing to fall. Particularly with paracord. It is not made for the stresses of a hammock suspension. Some people have used it successfully but they tend to be in the very light (~100) range. Wouldn't be my first choice.

**ljcsov** · 07-27-2011, 16:58

Do you guys all use straps?

**Ears** · 07-27-2011, 17:01

most are followers of "leave no trace" plus it saves trees damage for future hanging.

**Pro Vagabond** · 07-27-2011, 17:04

Everyone I know does, but I don't for sure. Tree straps help save the trees from damage, as well.

By the way, If you are avail, you should come to the fall MAHHA. It was my first hang last year and I learned a lot from everyone there. Don't worry about having a "less than stellar" set-up. My was pretty white trash, but everyone welcomed me with open arms. Come, hang out, learn as much as you want, and have a ton of fun!!

**ljcsov** · 07-27-2011, 18:23

What is the fall MAHHA? It sounds like a good time!

What type of straps are best? Can I just use nylon ones or is there a certain material that is preferred. I was just thinking about getting something with a loop on one end that I could loop around the tree and on my hammock tie I could doe a Siberian hitch knot. Thats basically what I do with the paracord since I'm trying to ditch the heavy caribiners that come with the ENOs.

**Pro Vagabond** · 07-27-2011, 18:33

Originally Posted by ljcsov

What is the fall MAHHA? It sounds like a good time!

What type of straps are best? Can I just use nylon ones or is there a certain material that is preferred. I was just thinking about getting something with a loop on one end that I could loop around the tree and on my hammock tie I could doe a Siberian hitch knot. Thats basically what I do with the paracord since I'm trying to ditch the heavy caribiners that come with the ENOs.

Here's info on MAHHA: (Mid Atlantic Hammock Hangers Association)

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=34884

Not sure what a Siberian hitch is, but it sounds like you got the idea. If you search some of the galleries, you'll find a bunch of pics. Not sure if there is a pic, but I know Dutch put together an entire display of suspensions at the spring MAHHA.

**ljcsov** · 07-27-2011, 18:53

What kind of "strap" material do people use? Is it just nylon webbing? I was wondering if I'd just be able to go somewhere real quick and pick it up and be good to go.

I plan on making a figure 8 loop at one end. Using the looped end, I will "lasso" the tree. The opposite end I just need to be a plain end that I can use to tie my Siberian hitch. To adjust, I can quickly untie/tie a new hitch knot on the hammock's loop where the caribiners once resided.