Bridge Hammock Spreader Bars

**The Old Boot** · 02-02-2013, 10:49

I'm going to have to locally source spreader bars (shipping to Canada is outrageous) so need to know what I should be looking for.

Are 3/8" fiberglass tent pole parts strong enough?

Is 5/8" aluminum tent pole pieces easier to use and/or stronger?

Any other suggestions on what I can find locally and make up myself?

**BrianWillan** · 02-02-2013, 11:04

I used 1" diameter hardwood dowels for my spreader bars. I cut notches in the ends to fit them into my corner rings. Only downside is they are 1 piece and a little hard to pack, but it is manageable.

I've seen other people use fiberglass poles for their spreader bars, but they broke rather easily. I would see if you can find some aluminum tubing locally and use that if possible.

Cheers

Brian

**Bic** · 02-02-2013, 11:20

sending message

**hairbear** · 02-02-2013, 11:36

I faced the same challenge. I used my hiking poles,they are leki corks ultralight. If you want to see how i did it ,check out you tube ,search hairbears ridge runner hiking pole mod. The fist part shows you how to get to the aluminum shaft through the handle .
The second part changes it up to show a different way, that is much better.
Part 3 shows the finished product,and some ridge runner use mods. It worked very well .and only added 2.6 ounces for the spreader bars,reducing the stock spreader bars from 9.9 to 2.6 oz,while making them stronger at the same time . Its a win win . Good luck. If you want to go super light a stick tied into your suspension at the spreader bar location, with a loop tied with a taught line hitch works well too.

**The Old Boot** · 02-02-2013, 11:46

Originally Posted by hairbear

I faced the same challenge. I used my hiking poles,they are leki corks ultralight. If you want to see how i did it ,check out you tube ,search hairbears ridge runner hiking pole mod. The fist part shows you how to get to the aluminum shaft through the handle .
The second part changes it up to show a different way, that is much better.
Part 3 shows the finished product,and some ridge runner use mods. It worked very well .and only added 2.6 ounces for the spreader bars,reducing the stock spreader bars from 9.9 to 2.6 oz,while making them stronger at the same time . Its a win win . Good luck. If you want to go super light a stick tied into your suspension at the spreader bar location, with a loop tied with a taught line hitch works well too.

I wish I could use my hiking poles - but I need them to hold ME up!

The hiking poles are in use for every step I take - okay, I can walk carefully around a camp site if I'm looking where I put my feet but other than that - where I go, the poles go!!

**hairbear** · 02-02-2013, 12:46

Originally Posted by The Old Boot

I wish I could use my hiking poles - but I need them to hold ME up!

The hiking poles are in use for every step I take - okay, I can walk carefully around a camp site if I'm looking where I put my feet but other than that - where I go, the poles go!!

You could still use them like that,just right before you get ready to hang put them in place. Poles will still be 100 percent functional. Good luck.

**Paprika bohlmann** · 02-02-2013, 13:21

I've made spreader bars two different ways. One, was to use bamboo. Two, old ski poles cut down to size. For both I turned some wooden end pieces for the bars. If you check out the second annual Oregon winter hang report and watch the video you can see it in action. I'm 12 minutes and some odd seconds into the video. The youtube link is to the video.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=VeZAY...ure%3Dyoutu.be

Here is another option with the skil poles. While it was a neet idea It didn't have the easy connection point for an underquilt.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=45270