Rain Rain Rain

**mike_ff** · 04-05-2008, 15:46

Well I tried my hammock for the first time last night and steep like a baby until I started to get wet.

Let me start by saying I using the straps that came with the Hammock. Now what would be the best way to stop the water from soaking the ends of the Hammock? I tied drip lines to the straps which may have helped but did not stop the rain from finding its way to my feet and head.

It was still a good night’s sleep with heavy rain and temp. in the low 50's.

Mike

**Hector** · 04-05-2008, 16:36

I don't think you'll prevent those stock straps from conducting water; they're just right for lots of capillary action (and stretch).

**Doctari** · 04-05-2008, 17:30

Not actually familur with the Claytor straps, but with mine at least: I "Think" it helps, try putting a bit of a twist in the straps if you can, ths "seems" to cause the water to fall out of the straps. At least I haven't gotten wet since I started doing that, but then I had switched to ring buckles (added drip point?) at nearly the same time so,,,,,,

**slowhike** · 04-05-2008, 20:03

just another thought... is there any chance your getting any rain blowing in & landing on the end of the hammock?

**alex30808** · 04-05-2008, 21:34

Just thinking...how would one go about ring buckles for a claytor...seems that would be the best way stop the wicking action of the stock straps...

**Mule** · 04-06-2008, 06:34

Originally Posted by alex30808

Just thinking...how would one go about ring buckles for a claytor...seems that would be the best way stop the wicking action of the stock straps...

I have a few Claytors. You really need to replace the Claytor straps. The webbing is not going to do the job and stop water. By making two short straps about a foot or two long and stringing them through the channels, using Polyester or Polypropylene webbing, you can end the stretching pretty much. You sew the ends into loops so you need to start with at least and extra foot of webbing.
I, and others here can make you a set of ring buckles. You can easily make them yourself if you have a sewing machine, and then use webbing made of poly for you straps to the tree or tree huggers.
You can see my own stuff here and in other threads, and by simply looking at the pictures you can easily make this stuff. It is worth the trouble. See:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=3417

**mike_ff** · 04-06-2008, 07:13

Originally Posted by slowhike

just another thought... is there any chance your getting any rain blowing in & landing on the end of the hammock?

NO wind last night so I dont think that was the problem. I tried a little experment with the water hose and found that the straps act like a sponge and soak all the way to the hammock body.

Mike

**mike_ff** · 04-06-2008, 07:15

Originally Posted by skskinner

I have a few Claytors. You really need to replace the Claytor straps. The webbing is not going to do the job and stop water. By making two short straps about a foot or two long and stringing them through the channels, using Polyester or Polypropylene webbing, you can end the stretching pretty much. You sew the ends into loops so you need to start with at least and extra foot of webbing.
I, and others here can make you a set of ring buckles. You can easily make them yourself if you have a sewing machine, and then use webbing made of poly for you straps to the tree or tree huggers.
You can see my own stuff here and in other threads, and by simply looking at the pictures you can easily make this stuff. It is worth the trouble. See:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=3417

Great looking set-up. I don't have a sewing machine so I will have to figure out something else but thankyou for the ideas its a big help.

Mike

**Youngblood** · 04-06-2008, 07:22

Originally Posted by mike_ff

NO wind last night so I dont think that was the problem. I tried a little experment with the water hose and found that the straps act like a sponge and soak all the way to the hammock body.

Mike

Mike... just to satisfy my curiosity, would you mind dipping a dry end of that webbing into a basin of water and see how far it wicks water upward, if you have enough light you can usually see the webbing darken as it wicks water. I have looked at a few different types of webbing for hammocks and that has been a interesting test.

**mike_ff** · 04-06-2008, 07:50

Originally Posted by Youngblood

Mike... just to satisfy my curiosity, would you mind dipping a dry end of that webbing into a basin of water and see how far it wicks water upward, if you have enough light you can usually see the webbing darken as it wicks water. I have looked at a few different types of webbing for hammocks and that has been a interesting test.

First let me start by saying this was a lot easier than pulling out the water hose.

Set-up: -One stock strap from Claytor Jungle hammock
-One bowl of water
-Wire frame to hang strap from, to keep it in the water at an
even debth.
-Watch

Strap suspended in water at a depth of 1/2" for 30 seconds.

Results: wicked water a total of 3 and 1/4 inch up the strap. So 2 and 3/4
inch in 30 seconds.