Gathered end vs spreader vs (what's this called?)

**Banana Hammock** · 09-13-2010, 14:58

Hey, all. Banana Hammock here with a few newbie questions. I've searched and searched this amazing site, but came up empty. What is this style of the "gathering" at the ends of this hammock called, and anybody know how to do it?

What are the advantages / disadvantages of this style, versus the "gathered end" style, or the spreader bar style, or the bridge style?

Out of all the ways to gather the ends of your ripstop, which is the strongest, most reliable method?

Has anyone converted a tent to a hanging home? I want to just lash some rope to the ends of the floor, and somehow lash the roof to a ridgeline and be done with it.

WV · 09-13-2010, 20:17

Originally Posted by Banana Hammock

Hey, all. Banana Hammock here with a few newbie questions. I've searched and searched this amazing site, but came up empty. What is this style of the "gathering" at the ends of this hammock called, and anybody know how to do it?

What are the advantages / disadvantages of this style, versus the "gathered end" style, or the spreader bar style, or the bridge style?

I make hammocks that are sort of like this. I call them "Adjustable Hammocks." That's because each of the end strings can be adjusted, and the hammock fine-tuned to make a better diagonal sleeping position. I doubt that the one in the picture is adjustable, though.

**Knotty** · 09-13-2010, 23:04

Except for WV's adjustable version, these hammocks hang much the same as a gathered end but use less material. The strings at the end take the place of some of the material. What you picture is essentially a modern material version of a Brazilian style hammock.

The downside of these is that it's easy to tangle the lines.

As for the strongest method of gathering the ends of a hammock, IMHO the Warbonnet style gather is the strongest of the commonly used methods. Check my post on making a gathered end hammock for details. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

**Banana Hammock** · 09-15-2010, 20:07

Originally Posted by Knotty

Except for WV's adjustable version, these hammocks hang much the same as a gathered end but use less material. The strings at the end take the place of some of the material. What you picture is essentially a modern material version of a Brazilian style hammock.

The downside of these is that it's easy to tangle the lines.

As for the strongest method of gathering the ends of a hammock, IMHO the Warbonnet style gather is the strongest of the commonly used methods. Check my post on making a gathered end hammock for details. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

Thanks for the info. I hadn't thought about how easily tangled this design would be, then I watched a youtube video where the guy wrestled with the tangled ends for a while. I went ahead and fabricated my DIY Hammock according to your gathered end tutorial. Thanks!

**Knotty** · 09-18-2010, 22:44

Glad to help. Have you posted any pics of your gathered end hammock?

**AduroNox** · 09-19-2010, 00:21

Brazillian hammocks, my personal preference (less fabric=packs smaller), are great if you know how to pack/unpack them. I don't normally have many tangles, but if what little bulk an extra foot and a half of fabric off each end will cost you isn't an issue, go with gathered-end.