Drip strings on a webbing suspension

[Ratdog]

I will say that my 14 months in a hammock lead me to the same conclusions discussed in Derek's video. Most of the time, rain wasn't a problem but on several occasions, during Nor'easters or frog stranglers of a downpour, water found a way down the suspension, over the cinch buckle, across the continuous loops and hit the whipping and soaked it. A couple of instances found the hammock soaked enough that the water then travelled the surface of the hammock and made it's way down to the bottom/middle of the hammock.

Those nights, when I was still committed to sleep outside, in the rain, only to find my hammock soaking wet, well, let's just say they were highly motivating and had me trying all sorts of solutions. Had pretty good success with clothespins but a basic drip line was easiest and most effective. I have actually used multiple drip lines on either end of the hammock.

I also developed different strategies that would only apply for extended period of rain, which we did experience, 2,3,4 days. Those include a second hammock to act as a gear hammock and putting my primary hammock in a bag and stowing it there as well as tightening the suspension to raise the hammock under the tarp to near horizontal when not in use.

It's no joke when you are out in the woods for several days in sub 50 degree temps and gear gets wet. Strongly suggest folks work the issues in the back yard lab and find what works for them. Great thread.

[brohawk]

It's no joke when you are out in the woods for several days in sub 50 degree temps and gear gets wet. Strongly suggest folks work the issues in the back yard lab and find what works for them. Great thread.

Words to live by!

[fromkentucky]

Anybody try sandwiching the webbing strap between 2 toggles? I just tried it with 2 ballpoint pens and some Paracord but they weren't thick enough. It diverted 90% of the water I poured, but some of it was ramping over top. I'm thinking it needs toggles at least 3/8" thick, like some Sharpies.

[Loki]

Try using the free end of the strap and tying a slippery half hitch around the weighted portion of the strap.

Then slide that knot up and away from the whoopie hook or cinch buckle - just a couple inches - so the loose portion of the strap dangles down -before it reaches the buckle or hook.

This can make an effective water break before water reaches your buckle, hook, rings, or triglides - even during frog stranglers !