My Do-All Suspension: 12' Tie Down Straps from Harbor Freight

**C_Tanner** · 03-30-2012, 12:14

I'm new here, so go easy. I'm just showing something I have found that works exceptionally well, but isn't going to be for the 'elite' guys here. But I have been lurking around long enough to see that there ARE some KISS-simple, lovers of inexpensive solutions that aren't afraid of things that weigh more than 1/2 a pound. So this is more for you guys.

I lurked for a bit last year and was baffled by the depth of complexity some of you take this hammock thing, and the amount of money you pay. MOST of which boils down to one thing: Weight.

I don't really care about weight. So this system might look ridiculous to whoopie slingers (I cut mine off to go to this), but for those on a budget, you'll appreciate this.

What you will see here is a $24 hammock from Walmart (which I LOVE), a set of 12' tie down straps from Harbor Freight Tools that cost $7.00 for both, a $40 Hammock-Bliss Tarp, One Rope Cinch Biner ($4) from Nite-Ize and Two Mad Dog Carabiners ($15). I COULD use one of my 10mil 8x11 brown tarps ($10) and the total cost of this setup would be $53.00.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTw6w...endscreen&NR=1

**perdidochas** · 03-30-2012, 13:31

Originally Posted by C_Tanner

I'm new here, so go easy. I'm just showing something I have found that works exceptionally well, but isn't going to be for the 'elite' guys here. But I have been lurking around long enough to see that there ARE some KISS-simple, lovers of inexpensive solutions that aren't afraid of things that weigh more than 1/2 a pound. So this is more for you guys.

I lurked for a bit last year and was baffled by the depth of complexity some of you take this hammock thing, and the amount of money you pay. MOST of which boils down to one thing: Weight.

I don't really care about weight. So this system might look ridiculous to whoopie slingers (I cut mine off to go to this), but for those on a budget, you'll appreciate this.

What you will see here is a $24 hammock from Walmart (which I LOVE), a set of 12' tie down straps from Harbor Freight Tools that cost $7.00 for both, a $40 Hammock-Bliss Tarp, One Rope Cinch Biner ($4) from Nite-Ize and Two Mad Dog Carabiners ($15). I COULD use one of my 10mil 8x11 brown tarps ($10) and the total cost of this setup would be $53.00.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTw6w...endscreen&NR=1

I'm primarily a car camper with the scouts. Looks like it would work. What size is that tarp? The only thing I would do is add a SRL. The SRL made a world of difference in my DIY gathered.

**MAD777** · 03-30-2012, 13:59

That's a great setup and a big bang for the buck! Your equipment satisfies the objective you were going after. No shame there; as a matter of fact, that's wonderful!

Yes there are complex systems out there made of titanium, cuben, 7D, etc. and that stuff satisfies the objective of what they are after. It's all good if it gets you off the hard ground

**Shnick** · 03-30-2012, 14:08

Originally Posted by MAD777

It's all good if it gets you off the hard ground

+1!

Shnick

**C_Tanner** · 03-30-2012, 14:44

Originally Posted by MAD777

It's all good if it gets you off the hard ground

No Doubt! I did a weekend survival outing a couple weeks ago to test a few new things. I'm a student of Dave Canterbury and I wanted to try this double wedge shelter that is supposed to keep you warm in low temps. It got down to 36 degrees that night. I couldn't sleep because I had to keep tending the fire and the ground was horrible. The next day I was ready to die.

I wrote a lengthy dissertation on my FB page about it. My conclusion? I think a hammock is a VITAL survival tool...seriously. Lack of sleep and the soreness of lying on the hard ground left me at less than half my ability the next day. If I was REALLY trying to survive, I wouldn't last long.

You never hear about hammocks in survival kits. Thats because those lists are usually made by people that think and not DO. You gotta test stuff out and see if it works for you. After multiple survival tests in multiple shelters, I am ADAMANT that hammocks should be an integral part of everyones emergency kit. If you dont have rest and are hurting, you can't do what you need to...plain and simple.

Sorry for going off track, but the words "hard ground" trigger me anymore!

**MAD777** · 03-30-2012, 14:58

Originally Posted by C_Tanner

I am ADAMANT that hammocks should be an integral part of everyones emergency kit.

I love this! I think I feel an emergency nap coming on

**Theo** · 03-30-2012, 20:17

Originally Posted by C_Tanner

You never hear about hammocks in survival kits. Thats because those lists are usually made by people that think and not DO. You gotta test stuff out and see if it works for you. After multiple survival tests in multiple shelters, I am ADAMANT that hammocks should be an integral part of everyones emergency kit. If you dont have rest and are hurting, you can't do what you need to...plain and simple.

That is one thing that never seems to be addressed in the survival community, the value of a good night's sleep. Just as important as food and water.

**Bubba** · 03-30-2012, 20:30

If it works, it works. Definite bang for the buck especially considering it will provide comfort for the body allowing you to better deal with things.

**bacon_grease** · 03-30-2012, 20:53

Straps like these are pretty darned handy for those of us not on foot. The set I have on the bike pulls double duty - they hold the duffel bag down on the back seat during the day and the hammock up at night.

From my days on Harley Davidsons, I learned to *always* have good quality tie down straps for break-downs and that habit carried over to the new bike.

**Cali** · 03-30-2012, 14:15

I use the lighter Harbor Freight cinch straps I got a pair for $3. I cut off the cinch buckle and added Elephant Trunks and hook them to the chain links on the hammock. Nice simple and both straps with Elephant Trunks weigh only 6 oz. I love how easy it is to set up also.