Trying to find a good suspension

**Country Roads** · 09-11-2013, 17:44

When I first started out, the strap suspension on my Blackbird was the best way to go. They take some of the learning curve out, since the are very easy to use and adjust. That let me concentrate on just enjoying the hang.
Now, I like to make my suspension. That too is way fun!

**kc0qnx** · 09-11-2013, 19:23

When I first started out, the strap suspension on my Blackbird was the best way to go. They take some of the learning curve out, since the are very easy to use and adjust. That let me concentrate on just enjoying the hang.
Now, I like to make my suspension. That too is way fun!

True enough. You can loop the strap through itself at the tree, eliminating the need for additional hardware if you like. I see it as a small weight penalty for a more convenient process. That and the supplied straps with my WBBB are probably twice the length I need for where I go.

**Richard Tipton** · 09-12-2013, 07:46

Straps, whoopies and toggles for me, for now. I'm still very new at this so maybe I'll find something I like better. Experiment and enjoy....

**nothermark** · 09-12-2013, 09:01

Straps are faster, whoopees are lighter. I'll carry the 2-4 oz. ;-)

**mrjaw14** · 09-12-2013, 10:21

I'm new to this as well. here's what I can contribute

1. Tree size varies, so your method of hanging needs to be adjustable
2. Distance between trees varies so again you need adjustability.

if you rely on just straps for example you will have more to consider when chooseing a spot because you have to find a spot where the distances and diameters are within scope of your suspension. One really fat tree can take literally feet from your suspension. I prefer tree diameter to not be an issue and just focus on distance between trees.

I settled on two 12' straps to go around the trees, and I use toggles and a marlin spike hitch to make a place for me to hang an adjustable sling called a whoopie onto that connects to my hammock with small carabiners. Due to the min length of the whoopies I made, my minimum tree distance is 12-15'. If I make more whoopies, or re-do the ones I have, I'd make less "clear" between my buries so the minimum length is shorter.

I also recomend a structural ridge like. That is a line that bears weight that limits the amount your hammock can spread out so you get a consistant lay each time. It's a pita to set, but once you have your perfect length you're set for good. I use an adjustable ridge like called a UCR so I can swap it between hammocks and will mark the UCR for each hammock so I can return to the perfect amount of sag each time.

Sounds complex, but its really not after you wrap your head around it.

**Richard Tipton** · 09-12-2013, 10:31

Originally Posted by mrjaw14

I'm new to this as well. here's what I can contribute

1. Tree size varies, so your method of hanging needs to be adjustable
2. Distance between trees varies so again you need adjustability.

if you rely on just straps for example you will have more to consider when chooseing a spot because you have to find a spot where the distances and diameters are within scope of your suspension. One really fat tree can take literally feet from your suspension. I prefer tree diameter to not be an issue and just focus on distance between trees.

I settled on two 12' straps to go around the trees, and I use toggles and a marlin spike hitch to make a place for me to hang an adjustable sling called a whoopie onto that connects to my hammock with small carabiners. Due to the min length of the whoopies I made, my minimum tree distance is 12-15'. If I make more whoopies, or re-do the ones I have, I'd make less "clear" between my buries so the minimum length is shorter.

I also recomend a structural ridge like. That is a line that bears weight that limits the amount your hammock can spread out so you get a consistant lay each time. It's a pita to set, but once you have your perfect length you're set for good. I use an adjustable ridge like called a UCR so I can swap it between hammocks and will mark the UCR for each hammock so I can return to the perfect amount of sag each time.

Sounds complex, but its really not after you wrap your head around it.

Yeah! What he said!! Good Job.

**toygun** · 09-13-2013, 10:03

straps, elephant trunks, and whoopies OR straps, toggles, and whoopies *marlin spike hitch method)... depends on which hammock im in. Although i like to experiment... gotta get some dutchware loot and look into some readystrap work also.