Paracord question

[Dannytoo]

does paracord stretch to much to use in your suspension system along with nylon strap? I hope I ask this question with the right terminology, I am very new to Hammock hanging and learning a lot from y'all.

I did a search and could not find anything about this.

[TheHangingTechy]

Paracord over 6 feet will stretch quite a bit with a load. Also depends on the angle of the hang.

[rngn]

Im 225 pounds ive used real 550 cord doubled up several times .make sure the para cord has 7 strands in it, yes it will stretch a little bit but it will stop.

[JayS]

In a word... YES!.

Paracord is nylon and stretches so much I won't even use it for tarp lines if I have anything else. But it can be handy at times - just not for hammock suspension.

[pgibson]

Paracord and any other Nylon will stretch quite a bit if used for a hammock suspension. However the much larger problem is that it's not any where close to strong enough. Many people have learned that lesson the sore way with it snapping and dropping them. That however does not stop folks from trying.....add padding to the ground if you give it a go.

[Dannytoo]

Paracord and any other Nylon will stretch quite a bit if used for a hammock suspension. However the much larger problem is that it's not any where close to strong enough. Many people have learned that lesson the sore way with it snapping and dropping them. That however does not stop folks from trying.....add padding to the ground if you give it a go.

Thanks to y'all for such a quick responds. Ok, now what do y'all recommend?

[UncleMJM]

Thanks to y'all for such a quick responds. Ok, now what do y'all recommend?

What kind of hammock are you using?

Are you backpacking and counting grams or car camping and not too worried about ounces?

Whoopie slings, toggles and marlin spike and tree huggers are lightweight and a great way to go but there is a slight learning curve.

Webbing and buckles are a bit heavier and quite simple.

When going with webbing, go with polyester, not nylon for the reasons mentioned above.

I have converted my Hennessey Hammock to whoopie slings and tree huggers. I use the same set up on my Nano 7 and my generic hammock. My wife and son like their webbing and buckles on their Blackbirds. My old DIY hammock is simply poly webbing that I tie with a Speer 4 wrap friction knot. MacEntyre posted an instructional video for a Mors Bowline that is another hardware free webbing set up.

Do you ever get down to Aggieland? I'd be happy to help you out with different types of suspensions.

Paul is not promoting himself, but click his link to Arrowhead Equipment - He can set you up with whoopie slings if you choose to go that way or webbing if you prefer that, and you can be assured of good service and a good value for your dollar.

Check out this thread and some of the links on it to give you some food for thought.

[digrat]

Paracord and any other Nylon will stretch quite a bit if used for a hammock suspension. However the much larger problem is that it's not any where close to strong enough. Many people have learned that lesson the sore way with it snapping and dropping them. That however does not stop folks from trying.....add padding to the ground if you give it a go.

I am one of those "sore way" lesson learners. For about 2 years, I had paracord in my suspension with no issues. (I'm 6'4" and about 200lbs.) Each end of the hammock was whipped with paracord, then attached to two rings. I fed nylon webbing around the tree, through a loop in the webbing, then into the rings.

The breaking incident happened when I had to tie in to posts that were only about 5' tall, so in order to not have my behind dragging on the ground I tied in tight. The angle from the anchor point to the hammock end must have been less than 10 degrees--you want to shoot for 30 degrees, as I understand it, for the optimum setup. After about 2 minutes rigged like that, my head end paracord snapped. I fashioned a replacement for the head end and 2 minutes later the foot end paracord snapped. Fortunately, I was only about 6" from the ground when these breaks happened.

So will paracord hold you? Quite possibly, especially if you set up with care. If you're willing to risk a fall, then that's up to you. But I appreciate the peace of mind that I get now by using whoopie slings.

[Mountain Gout]

I still use paracord.. Stubborn I rekon.. Not for suspension though..
I still use the stock one Brandon sells.. Paracord can be used instead of a biner at the tree tie off, I use it for my ridge line and tarp tie offs, is it the best option? No.. I haven't experienced the extreme stretching some folks talk about.
Been through days of wind rain without having to re adjust much.. It does gain weight in the rain........... Stubborn Stan paracord fella...

[Dannytoo]

I am one of those "sore way" lesson learners. For about 2 years, I had paracord in my suspension with no issues. (I'm 6'4" and about 200lbs.) Each end of the hammock was whipped with paracord, then attached to two rings. I fed nylon webbing around the tree, through a loop in the webbing, then into the rings.

The breaking incident happened when I had to tie in to posts that were only about 5' tall, so in order to not have my behind dragging on the ground I tied in tight. The angle from the anchor point to the hammock end must have been less than 10 degrees--you want to shoot for 30 degrees, as I understand it, for the optimum setup. After about 2 minutes rigged like that, my head end paracord snapped. I fashioned a replacement for the head end and 2 minutes later the foot end paracord snapped. Fortunately, I was only about 6" from the ground when these breaks happened.

So will paracord hold you? Quite possibly, especially if you set up with care. If you're willing to risk a fall, then that's up to you. But I appreciate the peace of mind that I get now by using whoopie slings.

Thanks you glad you were not hurt. After the post and mishaps don't think I will be using the Paracord, I am 6 foot 235 so you are close to my size. thanks for the post and info.