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"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." ~ Socrates
Brandon, I'm thinking about the ridgeline for a second... given that splices are generally stronger than knots, you could also use a lighter cord for the ridgeline by making it a Whoopie Sling.
That would also, potentially, let end-users adjust the ridgeline tension for themselves. Not sure whether that's a good thing, but it would be feasible.
Actually, these ideas are kind of independent. An adjustable ridgeline might be attractive whether or not it reduced weight. Especially when you're dealing with a bunch of obsessive hammock-forums tinkerers.
I think your thumbnail analysis was pretty good. My UCR constrictor sections are just under 30", cut length.
Shooting from the hip here, since I haven't seen a BB up close, I think it would be easy to turn the stock line into a UCR, at the cost of about 3 feet of span on each end. The original stock line+webbing setup wouldn't need to be changed.
If I were ordering a BB (and I may, once I get the DIY bug out of my system) I'd ask for an extra 3' of line on each end to allow for a UCR mod, but then I'm biased.
- Frawg
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LOL...wouldn't want to add too much bulk if you're a serious ultralighter.
There was a recent discussion about whether trekking poles build upper body muscle. I suggested that on a familiar in-and-out hike, one could get some 2 poundish wrist weights and wear them while hiking. When they got tired, after an hour or so, they could stash the weights and retrieve them on the return trip. There were a few commented about how dangerous this could be to the unconditioned body and it would be best to consult with their physician first before attempting such an endeavor!
I suppose they are right, but I would tend to think a backpacker is familiar with their bodily abilities and has a little common sense.
I don't know, maybe it is a stupid idea, but a 4 oz carbon trekking pole sure isn't going to build any muscle.
I use trekking poles constantly when I am out. I has less to do with upper body strength than it does with rhythm and consistency. There is no doubt in my mind that the trekking poles significant affect the aerobic aspect of the upper body involvement. But aerobics are not the primary strength/mass producers if I understand correctly. For aerobic cardio-vascular benefit I can see the benefit of poles. For muscle mass and strength building I share your view that there are probably more effective ways of accomplsihing that.
For me personally all the rhythm and consistency talk is secondary to the fact that the pole help keep me from falling down.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
"Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn
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I never go out w/o my poles. I think they are definitely good for toning, saves the knees and gives me something to do. On a downhill, it's amazing how much balance a 8 oz pole will give you if you hold your arm straight out. I like a good wood hiking stick, myself, as I can twirl it like a baton and thrash things. I rarely dayhike anymore to use a wooden stick though, I like sleeping in my hammock too much.
I've always wanted to make a pair of weighted poles. Like 3-4 lbs. each. The center of gravity would have to be up near the top and balanced out to the ends of the poles. I'm quite positive you could get a good workout with some of these, if there was such a thing.
This thread sure has gotten off subject.
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