Whip ends vs channel end and other catastrophes

[FatedStranger]

I have only purchased, made and used sewn channel hammocks. Triple stitched, I have had no issues. Never hang higher than You want to fall. Everyone always looks above them for widow makers, I also look at the ground to see what I may fall on.

I used to place my hammock a little higher than chair height. Fell out onto a large root hip first. I don't place mine any higher than chair height since XD

[Zilla]

As most of my hammocks have sewn channel ends Whipping is not that hard to do and i have whipped one or 2 of my diy hammocks and have never had a problem with them.
The main differance i have noticed is the sewn end ones look neater/cleaner, but that's just my opinion

[jadekayak]

You don't happen to have any pics? It's difficult guessing what might have gone wrong with just a description.

I have done quite a few whipped hammocks (Warbonnet-style) and haven't had problems. But I have to admit that I use either heavier fabrics (1.9oz and up) or double layer hammocks (2 x 1.0oz and up). SGT Rock posted his experience that whipping might not be such a good idea with lighter fabrics. While Warbonnet sells 1.1oz single layer hammocks, they are using a 6.6 nylon which seems to be extra sturdy. Maybe that makes a difference. When comparing 1.6oz HyperD with 1.0oz Robic (made from nylon comparable to 6.6 - see introduction post), HyperD doesn't feel as robust.

When I whip a hammock, I pull a dog bone and a polyester string through the channel. Then I hang the hammock from the dog bones, to ensure that the fabric is bunched up evenly. Then I tie off the polyester string to get the whipped end and pull out the dog bone. When I hang a whipped hammock, I always make sure that it's not turned - but then I do the same with normal gathered ends, too. However, when I loop the underquilt suspension over the knobs of my whipped hammocks, it often happens that the hammock gets turned around itself when not loaded (the shock cords pull up the hammock).

[La Picker]

The best method I've found is to use a cable tie through the sewn channels to gather up the ends and give you a rigid bunch of fabric to larks-head your continuous loop underneath. I've made 3 hammocks using that method, and the lay has been extremely comfortable in all of them.

+1 Definitely the most bomb proof method.

[hutzelbein]

@jadekayak - it seems that my request for pictures was unclear. My question for pictures was directed at the OP, to see if there were any obvious set-up errors.

[jadekayak]

@jadekayak - it seems that my request for pictures was unclear. My question for pictures was directed at the OP, to see if there were any obvious set-up errors.

Heh-heh,maybe I was just having a blond moment(figured that out AFTER I posted pics)

[Girlshangbetter]

My favorite way is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJlEQpcbM1I, it's basically a modified sheet bend, I do recommend doing it with a sewn nylon webbing loop instead of rope so that u don't damage the fabric. It's very effective,strong,and easy.

[kayak4water]

... The best method I've found is to use a cable tie through the sewn channels to gather up the ends and give you a rigid bunch of fabric to larks-head your continuous loop underneath.

I used the cable tie before. If anyone makes "premium" cable ties, I didn't have it--a zip tie broke on my long hike last year. I tied a knot in the end of the hammock, hung it and went to sleep.

When I got home, I changed out the zip ties on my hammocks for 1/8" (or thicker) cord pushed through the channel and tied securely to make enough bulk that a larksheaded loop below wouldn't slip off.

[jcksparow]

That's odd... Unless you passed the continuous loop through the cinched end instead of just below it, there shouldn't be any significant force applied to the zip-tie at all. Sounds like you found a stable solution, though.

[SilvrSurfr]

I used the cable tie before. If anyone makes "premium" cable ties, I didn't have it--a zip tie broke on my long hike last year. I tied a knot in the end of the hammock, hung it and went to sleep.

When I got home, I changed out the zip ties on my hammocks for 1/8" (or thicker) cord pushed through the channel and tied securely to make enough bulk that a larksheaded loop below wouldn't slip off.

I'm surprised anyone uses zip ties on their hammock - never heard of that. I'm also surprised to hear some people don't trust a triple sewn end channel. Once you pull an Amsteel continuous loop through the channel, it's very secure. I can't see how whipping or balling the fabric would be any more secure.

Then again, I only weigh 165 lbs., so I have less weight to worry about.