rock climbing webbing

**Carolinahammockhanger** · 08-10-2009, 19:05

I've been using my rock climbing webbing for my hammock suspension with no problems. Its from the company blue water. Does anyone know if this webbing is nylon or polyester? I've seen on here people complaining about nylon (ENO straps) and was curious what kind I've been using. Its work fine but I was just curious if I was missing out on something better. I usually use 1/2 inch(15mm). I got 2 15ft sections and they weight 6 ounces. I wanna keep my setup light as possible but still strong. Thanks!

**Rockdawg69** · 08-10-2009, 21:21

Check rei.com
Under "climbing" you should find some descriptions of typical webbing. I think it is nylon but have not reviewed it lately.
BTW - I use my climbing loops to support my tarp and sometimes my hammock, depending on tree size. They are spectra so breaking should not be a problem. Just clip a biner through the end of the loop to use for your tie-off point for your support lines

**Rockdawg69** · 08-10-2009, 21:55

Looks like REI has taken the product material descriptions off their site. Only basic specs are showing.
Are you using tubular webbing or flat webbing? Tubular would be much better for hanging.

**Carolinahammockhanger** · 08-11-2009, 06:23

Its is tubular. I shot an email to Blue Water but they never replied. My guess is that it is polyester because I don't notice much sag. Cheap is webbing is, if there is something better I'm willing to get it. I want light as possible. Thanks Rockdawg.

**Hooch** · 08-11-2009, 06:40

Chances are that if you got webbing that is made for use with any mountaineering or rock climbing application, whether tubular or flat, that it's nylon. I can't promise you this, but in my experience, webbing made for those applications have a certain amount of stretch or give to them in case of falls. If you're not 100% positive if it's nylon or polyester, run the webbing or a sample thereof to Inner Peaks over on Monroe Rd. They can help you out for sure.

**Rockdawg69** · 08-11-2009, 06:53

Another option is to look at the slings and webbing at Strap Works. They have stuff in polyester and seat-belt polyester and can make about anything you would want as a custom order - http://www.strapworks.com/

**Bunn** · 08-11-2009, 07:56

Blue Water tubular or flat webbing is made of nylon.

**Ramblinrev** · 08-11-2009, 08:00

Tubular webbing is almost certainly nylon. Remember the stretch of nylon is proportional to its used length. So if the nylon has a stretch factor of 33% Then a 3 foot used length would stretch a maximum of 1' under maximum load. 6' length would stretch 2' under maximum load. So if the webbing suspension is short and the tubular webbing is highly rated for maximum load (and it usually is) the stretch factor may not be noticable in your application. But if you were to have to go to the whole 12' length on each end to hang you could be looking at a substantial stretch factor that would put you on the ground before morning. the good thing is the stretch would be gradual rather than swift and catastrophic so you probably wouldn't get hurt. The bad news is you went to a hammock to get off the ground.

**Carolinahammockhanger** · 08-11-2009, 11:06

Thanks guys! I've looked at the polyester and seatbelt style webbing at strapworks. Will either of these be lighter than my current nylon tublar? And which is better for hammocks, seat belt or polyester and which of these two would be lighter? Thanks so much. After some hanging I do see the stretch now. Plus my nylon seems to absorb a ton of water when it rains.

**Ekul** · 08-11-2009, 12:21

Goto a big box store and get some orange or blue tie down straps given the store you shop. cut the hooks off the end and attach a biner. problem solved and no shipping and under 15bucks. Ive been hanging on depot straps since I converted to ring buckles.

The climbing webbing(tubular) Ive used for top rope applications is always dynamic to cushion the fall. Happy Hanging