View Full Version : Converting HH Spectra to Straps
stoikurt
11-03-2006, 14:30
I have the HH Exped Asym. How do you guys (or gals) convert the lines to straps? I like the idea Jeff has on his site for the "Support System with Crazy Creek Buckles", but I have a few questions. Do you still use that system, Jeff?
1. I have not opened the end of the HH to look at it. Will I be able to remove the spectra without the end coming apart?
2. Will the overhand knot on a bight with Air Core Plus work OK on the end of the HH or should I tie the strap to the end, and how?
3. It's mentioned that the strap will only have to go around the tree once. Do both ends of the strap go thru the buckle or does one end of the strap have a loop sewn in it to function like the Slap Strap with only one end going thru the buckle? The latter is what I'd rather do.
There is a pic on Jeff's site to what I do.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HikingPicturesHotSprings.html
I just left about a foot of cord, tied a loop in the cord, then sewed the straps to that. Works well for me. That way I can replace the straps if needed and did not need to do anything else permenent to the HH. I tie the Speer 4 wrap knot. You could use the crazy creek's in it's place.
Arkwater
11-03-2006, 15:30
I have the HH Exped Asym. How do you guys (or gals) convert the lines to straps? I like the idea Jeff has on his site for the "Support System with Crazy Creek Buckles", but I have a few questions. Do you still use that system, Jeff?
1. I have not opened the end of the HH to look at it. Will I be able to remove the spectra without the end coming apart?
2. Will the overhand knot on a bight with Air Core Plus work OK on the end of the HH or should I tie the strap to the end, and how?
3. It's mentioned that the strap will only have to go around the tree once. Do both ends of the strap go thru the buckle or does one end of the strap have a loop sewn in it to function like the Slap Strap with only one end going thru the buckle? The latter is what I'd rather do.
1 The ends are fused/melted. The factory rope is easily removed.
2 I recommend whipping like the factory rope was. When you get it open you will understand.
3 With the crazy creek buckle attached to your HH you should only need one strap from the tree to the buckle.
Just Jeff
11-03-2006, 17:56
1 and 2 - The easiest way would be like hammock engineer suggested. Just tie a loop in the HH's Spectra, probably 3-4" away from the hammock's end, then trim away the excess Spectra. That'll give you something to attach the strap to, and you won't have to take apart the end of the hammock.
Personally, I don't see any advantage to opening up the end of the HH, other than seeing what's in there and how it's put together. Arkwater's way seems to work too, if you want to take apart the hammock's end and redo the whipping.
3 - I have one long strap with a loop sewn into one end. I wrap the looped end around the tree, then thread the free end through the loop and cinch it tight. Then I just stick the free end through the buckle and tighten.
You're the third person who's asked that question since I posted the project. I guess I need to take some pics of that step.
I thought about doing something like that. My thing was with putting the straps on I elimenated 2 pieces out of the sleep system, no more tree huggers. Having the straps and buckles like that would be 2 more things I could loose or misplace. Just something to consider.
In the end, go what you like. Besides the whole comfort thing, I really like how personalized everyone's setups gets.
Arkwater
11-03-2006, 18:18
Personally, I don't see any advantage to opening up the end of the HH, other than seeing what's in there and how it's put together. Arkwater's way seems to work too, if you want to take apart the hammock's end and redo the whipping.
The advantage is that you can put the factory ropes back on if you don't like the new setup. If you cut them its permanent:)
Just Jeff
11-03-2006, 19:13
Yep - customization is what it's all about. Do what works for you...eventually someone else will probably like it and use at least part of what you did in their setup.
Plus, the playing around is the fun part. Almost as fun as using it when you're done!
stoikurt
11-05-2006, 08:51
Thanks for the ideas. I'm not sure which way I'll go yet. I've been busy laying tile this weekend so I haven't had much time to think about it; one of those honey-do projects you put off as long as you can.
Just Jeff
11-05-2006, 08:58
But that gives you honey-credit. "Remember when I laid that tile? I'm going camping."
blackbishop351
11-05-2006, 11:34
But that gives you honey-credit. "Remember when I laid that tile? I'm going camping."
Ahh....if only it were that easy :rolleyes:
titanium_hiker
11-10-2006, 06:51
just one tile? Then, if you did a whole patio...
I wonder if there is the equivalent honey-do credit for us females (I would say wives, but I'm not one of them...)
sorry, to get back on topic: surely it would be pretty easy to cut the spectra, and if you really hated it, put it back in near factory-condition with some new spectra?
TH
slowhike
11-10-2006, 07:06
ti hiker... i`ve noticed in your signature that you need a quilt of some sort. if you are still in need of one (or more), that would be a good thread.
i`ve never bought one, i`ve made several from sleeping bags by removing the zipper.
i also made one from the ray way quilt kit. ...tim
Personally, I don't see any advantage to opening up the end of the HH, other than seeing what's in there and how it's put together. Arkwater's way seems to work too, if you want to take apart the hammock's end and redo the whipping.
If y'all want to see what is in there, reading Tom's original patent is instructive.
Patent 6185763. Figure 17 shows how the spectra cord may be attached.
(Just search Google for "US Patent" and you will get the quick search page and can enter the patent number to take a look.)
Rick