What size shock cord?

[Dangme Hangme]

I'm getting a cheap 3 lb. sleeping bag ready to use as an UQ. I'll probably cut it down to about 40" wide x 60" long. What size shock cord will be right to hold it in place? I'm gonna run the shock cord length-wise through channels and attach to my hammock suspension as I've seen it done on various videos.

I want it to be strong enough to hold it in place, w/out overkill. I know the sleeping bag is heavier than some other UQ options.

What size cord do you think? 1/8", 3/16", 1/4"??

thanks!!

[FLRider]

1/8" should do you fine. I've been using a ~28 oz PLUQ for a while now on 1/8", and it works okay for me. Just make sure you get good cord locks; I find that the "toaster" kind (as opposed to the "barrel" kind) work best for me.

[MAD777]

I use 1/8" in the side channels running between the hammock ends. Then I use 3/32" running across the ends of the quilt

[DemostiX]

You are making mistake in putting so much rubber band in the channels running along the side, especialy with such a heavy load. Distinguish between holding up and holding it taut against bottom of the hammock

I would use any non-stretching cord in the channels running on the sides, at least 1/8" inch shock cord from the ends up over the ridgeline or out to the hammock ends, and expect to have some support against sag mid-way, using inexpensive clothing snaps -- they are ALL rust-proof -- or hooks. Or Dutch doo dads.

[MAD777]

Right you are DemostiX. I meant to say that I use only 5' of 1/8" of shock cord and the remainder of the side suspension is non-stretch zing-it. Thanks for keeping me honest

[DemostiX]

Who knows from honest, MAD?

But everyone (and every under quilt) should be well hung....err supported.

That would be a direct reference to OP's handle: Dangme Hangme, and not to whatever made you chuckle.

[Les Rust]

I modded a cheap bag for a UQ for my daughter. Didn't have anything heavier than 3/32 on hand. I used it just for the end channels and then had longer pieces to attach to the hammock suspension. She hangs in it every night and it seems to be doing fine so far. I'll replace it with some 1/8 when she brings it home here in a few weeks. I, too, agree that you don't necessarily need shock cord all the way along the sides. YMMV

[Dangme Hangme]

Thanks guys. This all makes sense. Too much shock cord= too stretchy! I'll only use it to gather the ends and a few feet at both ends of the nonstretch line to attach the UQ to the hammock suspension.
Let the experimenting continue!