Whoopie Sling Suspension

**opie** · 11-12-2009, 21:35

How about a utility loop based on the UCR. Built into the adjustable loop on the whoopie sling.....

**Downunderhang** · 12-13-2009, 22:21

Great thread - thanks to all who have contributed. One thing that puzzles me is that everyone seems to be saying that you need really long whoopie slings to allow for long span hangs (and hence double the amount of rope compared to conventional suspension set ups). I would have thought that the whoopie sling only needs to be as long as the amount of adjustability you desire - for me I'm thinking a couple of feet each end. The length, if required, would come from a single strand of rope from the tree hugger to whoopie sling with whoopie sling attaching to a marlin spike toggle in the single strand of rope.

This is what I'm planning to do on my suspension - am I missing something?

**opie** · 12-13-2009, 22:35

Originally Posted by Downunderhang

Great thread - thanks to all who have contributed. One thing that puzzles me is that everyone seems to be saying that you need really long whoopie slings to allow for long span hangs (and hence double the amount of rope compared to conventional suspension set ups). I would have thought that the whoopie sling only needs to be as long as the amount of adjustability you desire - for me I'm thinking a couple of feet each end. The length, if required, would come from a single strand of rope from the tree hugger to whoopie sling with whoopie sling attaching to a marlin spike toggle in the single strand of rope.

This is what I'm planning to do on my suspension - am I missing something?

The whoopie sling goes from your hammock to your toggle. Your toggle goes in the end of your hugger. No need for the single strand of rope.

I get what youre saying though... If you make your huggers long enough, all you need is a loop on the hammock end to attach to the toggle.

I think where the whoopie sling comes in is the adjustability factor. Set your toggle in your hugger, slip the sling over the toggle and make adjustments via the sling, rather than have to re-set the toggle.

**Frawg** · 12-13-2009, 22:40

You're spot on, Downunderhang!

**GrizzlyAdams** · 12-13-2009, 22:44

Originally Posted by Downunderhang

Great thread - thanks to all who have contributed. One thing that puzzles me is that everyone seems to be saying that you need really long whoopie slings to allow for long span hangs (and hence double the amount of rope compared to conventional suspension set ups). I would have thought that the whoopie sling only needs to be as long as the amount of adjustability you desire - for me I'm thinking a couple of feet each end. The length, if required, would come from a single strand of rope from the tree hugger to whoopie sling with whoopie sling attaching to a marlin spike toggle in the single strand of rope.

This is what I'm planning to do on my suspension - am I missing something?

You're not missing anything. You trade less cord for a little more fiddling to set the toggle at a position so that the limited adjustability your whoopie sling gives you is in a range of lengths from hammock to tree that includes where eventually you hang. And, if indeed you use cord to extend the tree hugger, you need a substantial toggle, not just a trail stick.

I've thought about trying something similar, but for an equivalent amount of fiddling can get a UCR set without the perhaps less-than-obvious placement of the toggle to be sure to get the sweet spot, so haven't tried it myself.

So by all means do it, use it for a while, take pictures, tell us how it works out!

Grizz

**NCPatrick** · 12-24-2009, 10:54

I'm just now making whoopie slings (with Amsteel and Dynaglide, respectively) to integrate into my suspension system.

Question #1: how long are people making their straps/huggers for use with the marlinspike? We have some pretty big trees around here and I'd like to have enough strap just in case, which obviously means longer straps. What is the average length folks are taking with them? I'm going to take some Dutch clips with me too.

Question #2: I bought some Dynaglide in the group buy, and I'd like to make whoopie slings for my tarp ridgeline tie-outs (for easy tarp adjustments like centering, etc.). I'm sure someone is using this method, and if so, how are you connecting the whoopie slings to the tree? What method would you use to make the marlinspike, toggle, etc. for your tarp? I thought I saw a video on this at some point, can you point me in the right direction please?

thanks.

**Knotty** · 12-24-2009, 13:43

Answer #1: I use 6' straps/huggers.

Answer #2: Not inclined to use a whoopie for the tarp since it complicates attachment to the tree.

**gargoyle** · 12-24-2009, 13:59

NCP, trees and straps will be different lengths accordingly. Use your best judgement for adequate length for the trees in your area. I have two 10' straps, and carry a spare 10' section. We too have some big trees. You can always tie some extra line on to lengthen the tree strap, just put the strap to the backside of the tree. Not the best solution but it will get you thru the night, if needed.

For tying tarp with whoopie, a marlinspike would work here as well. Same as with your hammock. A length of cord with a dead eye in it, goes around the tree, attach marlinspike to the tag (loose) end of this line, and hook on your whoopie, adjust accordingly.

**opie** · 12-24-2009, 20:09

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

Question #2: I bought some Dynaglide in the group buy, and I'd like to make whoopie slings for my tarp ridgeline tie-outs (for easy tarp adjustments like centering, etc.). I'm sure someone is using this method, and if so, how are you connecting the whoopie slings to the tree? What method would you use to make the marlinspike, toggle, etc. for your tarp? I thought I saw a video on this at some point, can you point me in the right direction please?

thanks.

I dont think a whoopie for a tarp ridgeline would work. Yes the fixed eye wrapped around and girth hitched to one tree would work fine.

But the other end is going to need some hardware, or a knot/hitch. It would be different if you wanted to carry your ridgeline around with the adjustable end unburied.... and buried it everytime you set it up.

Youre better off splicing a fixed eye in one end...I do both just because... And then adding either a prusik, or you can go with the UCR method for attaching your tarp ridge D-rings.

**NCPatrick** · 12-25-2009, 07:17

Originally Posted by opie

I dont think a whoopie for a tarp ridgeline would work. Yes the fixed eye wrapped around and girth hitched to one tree would work fine.

But the other end is going to need some hardware, or a knot/hitch. It would be different if you wanted to carry your ridgeline around with the adjustable end unburied.... and buried it everytime you set it up.

Youre better off splicing a fixed eye in one end...I do both just because... And then adding either a prusik, or you can go with the UCR method for attaching your tarp ridge D-rings.

Thanks for the answers. I guess for the amount of trouble this would be, I'll just stick with my figure 9's for the tarp. The wsling suspension for the hammock is pretty slick. :-) I'm liking it