Question about the gathered end

**Tryinhard** · 07-21-2012, 09:35

Hey guys,
I bought a travel hammock from good ol wallyworld. I like it well enough for a first hammock. my question has to do with the end where the suspension is attached. they have a channel in the end of the material, ran a rope through it and then out to the suspension. Shouldn't there be whipping on the end and then the suspension attached behind the whipping? If so what should I use for this? I have paracord but I have heard it will stretch? I am new to this and have lots of unknowns that I will come up with I'm afraid.

Thanks,
Brian

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-21-2012, 09:44

You can whip the ends of a hammock, or you can make a channel, but there would be no reason to do both.

I personally prefer a channel, with an Amsteel continuous loop larksheaded through the channel to gather the ends, and where you connect your suspension.

**Tryinhard** · 07-21-2012, 09:47

I was just thinking that the hammock would be better off if it was whipped. Less stress on the stitching? Where is a good source for Amsteel? I would like to make whoopie slings for suspension etc.

Thanks,
Brian

**tansey** · 07-21-2012, 09:57

Tryin
I have the same hammock and really like it
make SURE those knots are good and snug
and plenty of tail hanging out.
mine let go
now I have Character

I added caribiners and diy tree straps

**Tryinhard** · 07-21-2012, 10:00

I've had it up in the yard a couple of times now and noticed the knots. That is another reason I was thinking about whipping the end. What did you use for tree straps?

Brian

**tansey** · 07-21-2012, 10:20

I was given some nice 1" webbing, and just hand sewed a loop in one end.
made them 10' long each. I will most likely keep using the black line in the channel at least til something nicer appears.
I larks head the black line to the biner and then tie on the straps with a clove hitch. works well for me but I guess we all will eventually end up with Whoopy Slings

**old4hats** · 07-21-2012, 11:16

Tryinhard, several of us have one of these, and I guess most of us changed out the suspension system. Don't sweat the channel not holding, it will do well. Just replace what is there with a continuous loop of amsteel, or whoopie slings directly to the hammock, whatever, but do try to use straps around any tree that you hang from, those ropes can cut into the bark.

**beasty-beast** · 07-21-2012, 11:19

i personally do not believe in putting weight on stitchings, but some do. i whip my gathered end and then lark's head my amsteel whoopie sling below this. a good place to find amsteel is at redden marine or diy gear supply

**gargoyle** · 07-21-2012, 11:58

There are plenty of channeled hammocks out there serving the owners fine after years on the job. Do not fear the design.

Whipping is only needed to create a mass for the suspension line to bite onto in GATHERED end construction. Particularly the cordage of old, like paracord etc.

Whipping is a step that, IMO, is not neccessary anymore with the use smaller /stronger lines, like amsteel. I do not whip any of my hammocks and they hold me. A small rolled hem keeps the supension in check or I use the Warbonnet/Knotty small channel and cord technique.

Evolution of new products and fabrics brings new techniques, so take some of the past "hammock info" with a grain of salt.

**Tryinhard** · 07-21-2012, 12:17

Ok. So my next question is, is it ok to use paracord for the end of the hammock and the ridgeline? I know it will stretch some but I am thinking I want to run it through the channel, use the larks head and out to decender rings. Then use a continous webbing from hammock to tree.