My first post! (anyone know these guys)

**the_driver** · 08-10-2009, 21:32

I've been lurking here for a couple of weeks. I saw this rail car today in Portland, and thought I would share it.
Well my name's James, I am on OTR truck driver. I believe when I get home(Denver) from this trip I should have a HH Expl. Deluxe w/ hex fly waiting for me in my box.
Starting to get cool already, but I'm hoping to do some stealth hanging behind some rest areas and scenic view areas when I'm on the road.
I have a question too, one of many. I've read in a couple of threads that some of you use the figure 9 carabiner in your setup. I am wondering if over time they start to chew up the lines? I've used them for rainflys, but I thought with a greater load maybe they would start to tear the line up?
Can't wait to get home and check my box, I feel like such a wannabe.

**Darby** · 08-10-2009, 22:34

Welcome to the forum. I have only used the fig 9's on my tarp, so I can't attest to its effect under a heavy load. I know some on here have used the BIG ones for hammock suspension, maybe they will chime in.

**mclmm** · 08-10-2009, 22:51

I used a 50lb-rated figure 9 on the foot end of my hammock to see if it would work. It did, but it got all bent out of shape. I also had to wrap the line OVER the figure-9 a few times before tying it off. There was no damage to the hammock lines, but this was a one-off test to see what would happen and I haven't done it since.

**Doctari** · 08-10-2009, 23:33

I have used the figure 9s on the ridgeline of my tarp with the same 2 cords for nearly 2 years, almost 2 of ea 3 nights*. I mostly hang from the same 2 sets of trees in my back yard, so the cord** gets "Grabbed" at nearly the same spot each time. I check about every 8th / 9th time I set up & there is no wear that I can see, even when wearing my glasses.
My thought is as long as you set it up right, & there isn't much (any?) slipping, the big ones should be just as gentle on the rope as my small ones are on the cord.

OH, BTW, neat picture, thanks for stoping to take it & sharing. AND: welcome aboard!!!

*Probably 450 nights in 2 years.
** I use 550 cord for my ridgeline.