Whoopie Slings for Newbies

[JordanFerg92]

Ok so I've been hammocking for about a year now with my Eno Atlas straps. They're super adjustable and seem to be well made and easy to set up. However I have seen so many people here using whoopie slings and talking them up so much. I want to know exactly why they are so great, (besides weight). Also if I were to try them out what exactly would I need to add whoopies to my setup? I'm assuming it's the whoopie slings and some sort of webbing.

[grannypat]

For me, it's the weight and ease of adjustment.

[pgibson]

They weigh less than other suspension systems, the pack smaller than other suspension systems and like GP said they are pretty simple to use.

[mudsocks]

You may also want to consider UCRs or utility constrictor ropes. They work on the same principal as whoopies but are a bit lighter and I find easier to use than whoopies.

You can see how whoopies work and "attach" to your tree webbing in Shug's video.

[mjs3350]

as usual, Shug has you covered:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0

The Dutch clip or caribeaner isn't mandatory (you can just feed one end of the strap through the loop on it's end) but they make setup quicker and easier.

Edit - Octo beat me to it!

[cougarmeat]

I started with line and a pair of rings. Then I went to whoopie slings, now I'm using Python/Atlas straps. The slings are lighter and both the slings and rings allow a continuous adjustment of distance. But I kind of have to hold the hammock under my arm to take the tension off and I'd hate to deal with the whoopie constriction in winter conditions. The Python/Atlas straps allow a step-wise adjustment (distance from each loop). But for me, that is good enough. So much easier to just clip a biner in the sewn loop. I don't mind the extra weight but they are a bit bulkier because those straps are thicker than whoopie webbing. Sometimes I think I'll complete the circle and go back to line and rings - but I'll put the rings on the hammock end instead of the tree end. That way I am adjusting while at the hammock, not at the tree, and the rings would be a drip barrier too.

I change the suspension to put a ring at each end of the hammock. that way I can attach a whoopie sling, webbing buckles, a pair of rings, or soft shackle to a biner (I don't like line-on-line or metal on metal).

[mm53bar]

The weight and the small pack size are the biggest wins and have already been covered. And while they're easy to use and adjust, I think you'll find that your Atlas straps are easier.

I made some whoopies just to try them out. It was a fun splicing project and now I have another suspension option.

[nothermark]

The only thing whoopee's have going for them is size and weight. Straps with buckles are faster and as adjustable. Atlas straps are as fast but not quite as adjustable. Any of the strap suspensions will let you hang closer to your anchor points because they don't need 10 inches or so of constriction on each end. If you do it right you never detach your straps from the hammock so you don't forget a hugger in a tree. ;-)