Considering switching to cinch buckles/Dutch clips...

**PTAaron** · 09-02-2014, 14:21

I recently ordered one of the Bear Grylls hammocks to use as a "loaner" hammock - and it has a cinch buckle system on the included tree straps. Wow is that easy to set up!

On my "real" hammock I have amsteel continuous loops with neutrino carabiners attached to use with my set of 9' ENO Atlas straps - I like the Atlas straps, but the cinch buckles are so much easier to adjust that I'm contemplating going that direction instead. I've looked on Dutchware.com and it looks like for around $40 I can end up with a set of cinch buckles on 15' straps with Dutch clips.
It appears I will have to continue to use the carabiners with the setup though because they allow me to easily put on and take off my Fronkey bug net, and they are also necessary for using my turtledog stand.

I guess, before I go drop $40, I am curious if there are any other big advantages to going this route vs my current setup?

I was hoping to save some weight - but I imagine that 15' straps with cinch buckles on them will likely be heavier than the 9' straps I currently have which are reported to be 11oz. Anyone have a weight for the 15' straps from duct with cinch buckles and dutch clips?

I see the straps with Dutch setup have a much high rating (1500lbs vs 400lbs) which is a good thing...

Thoughts on what you would do?

**ChrisP** · 09-02-2014, 14:54

Dutch states 260.4g, which is 9.18oz, for the buckles with Amsteel continuous loops, 15' straps, and clips. My son has Atlas straps, which I bought before knowing about other suspension methods, and I have cinch buckles, which I learned about from here. We have the same hammock and tarp. The only real advantages of buckles I've seen so far are they pack smaller and are infinitely adjustable. The 1.8 oz weight difference could be made up elsewhere in my gear. FWIW, I bought the buckles with loops from Dutch but bought my straps from Harbor Freight and bought biners (rather than clips) from REI. My suspension cost less than Atlas straps, which was my primary goal, and weighs a few grams less.

**gmcttr** · 09-02-2014, 15:02

My 12' or 15' straps from Warbonnet with Dutch Ti Clips weigh 5.8 oz for the pair.

Dutch's rating is breaking strength and I'm going to guess the ENO rating is a working load.

**ntxkayakr** · 09-02-2014, 15:34

Last time I calculated it typical 1" webbing straps were conservatively 5 times the weight per foot of 7/64" Amsteel and the hardware you prefer is typically listed. The extra bulk is not as easy to estimate. Personally I only swap out to Amsteel or Dana - Glyde whoopie slings for long distance backpacking, the actual amount of suspension swapping out for me is not significant. You experience may differ.

Dutch clips are rated at 300 lbs I think but you can put two in parallel and get almost double the rating.
Typical climbing carabiners are rated at over 5000 lbs but weigh 23 grams each.
Keith - Ti carabiners are not rated for climbing but can hold 550 lbs working or 770 lbs breaking and weight 9 grams each retail for about $6 each. Much cheaper wholesale (I am working on a group buy)

**PTAaron** · 09-02-2014, 16:19

Thanks for the input so far!
I'm surprised that the longer straps plus hardware a lighter than the atlas straps - but then again the atlas straps are practically double the length if you factor in all of the loops (from the weight perspective).

I thought about whoopie slings - but find myself hanging from trees that are pretty close together more often than not... and I'd be concerned about not being able to get the suspension short enough.

**Junebugdawn** · 09-02-2014, 17:13

I switched to the setup you are looking at and have never looked back!!! I love it. I have my hammock hung in just a few seconds. Easy Peasy!
I am planning to switch all 8 of my girls' hammocks to straps and cinch buckles.

**Nodust** · 09-02-2014, 17:30

I love cinch buckles. Let my wife use the set I have. Fast and easy to setup. I may get another set for me.

They are also easier to set up when wearing gloves I have found.

**PTAaron** · 09-02-2014, 19:58

My primary concern is "do I really want to spend $39.50 or not"...
I guess I could skip the Dutch clips and just use the loops on the ends of the straps...

**Junebugdawn** · 09-02-2014, 20:13

Originally Posted by PTAaron

My primary concern is "do I really want to spend $39.50 or not"...
I guess I could skip the Dutch clips and just use the loops on the ends of the straps...

I had the same debate with myself. I finally just decided to treat myself to it for my DL hammock. After I got it and loved it so much, I splurged and got another set for my SL hammock. The clips are nice and quick, but if you really want to save a couple of bucks, you can use biners in place of them. I'd vote for the clips, though.

**sargevining** · 09-02-2014, 21:45

Originally Posted by PTAaron

My primary concern is "do I really want to spend $39.50 or not"...
I guess I could skip the Dutch clips and just use the loops on the ends of the straps...

I'd spend the money, but go with the aluminum clips instead of the Ti. The big advantage to cinch buckles comes when you use them with Dutch Clips as it allows you to take the whole thing down without detaching the tree straps from the hammock. You'll never leave a tree strap on a tree. Ever. Set up and take down is a breeze.